τάγμα (tagma)
tagma
order
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun tagma refers to a body of people or things that have been arranged in a specific order. Derived from a verb meaning to set in order, it originally functioned as a military term for a company, division, or troop of soldiers. This sense of organized structure is preserved in its rare biblical appearance in 1 Corinthians 15:23.
In that passage, Paul uses tagma to describe the resurrection of believers as an orderly procession rather than a chaotic event. He speaks of Christ as the firstfruits, followed by those who belong to him at his coming. The word emphasizes that this future gathering is not random but follows a divinely established sequence and hierarchy.
While the term appears only once in the New Testament, its military roots highlight the discipline and structure inherent in God’s plan. Translators often render it as "order" or "rank," capturing the idea of distinct groups moving in formation. The usage underscores that Christian hope is part of a coherent, structured reality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word tagma describes a group arranged in a specific formation, like soldiers standing in ranks. In 1 Corinthians 15:23, Paul uses this military imagery to explain the resurrection. He tells us that Christ is the firstfruits, followed by those who belong to Him at His coming. This shows that God’s plan is not random or chaotic but follows a clear and purposeful order.
For your faith, this brings comfort. It means your future hope is part of a structured reality established by God. You are not left to wonder if there is a place for you in His story. Instead, you are placed in a sequence that begins with Christ and includes all who belong to Him. This order reflects God’s reliability and care.
When you think about the future, remember that this gathering is organized by divine wisdom. It is not a haphazard event but a procession with meaning. This assurance can steady your heart, knowing that your place in God’s plan is secure and part of His good design.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- order:1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- τάγματι·1×