Lexical Summary brabeuó: To rule, to arbitrate, to decide, to govern Original Word: βραβεύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance rule. From the same as brabeion; to arbitrate, i.e. (genitive case) to govern (figuratively, prevail) -- rule. see GREEK brabeion HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1018 brabeúō – properly, "act as an umpire" (this is also the meaning of this term in classical Greek, as with Isocrates and Demosthenes, etc.); (figuratively) the peace (wholeness) from Christ that He uses to assure (confirm) a believer they are living in His preferred-will (cf. 2307 /thélēma). See 1017 (brabeion). 1018 /brabeúō ("decide as an umpire") means to arbitrate, i.e. "making the call" in "a conflict between contending forces" (Souter), used only in Col 3:15. [This is also the meaning of 1018 /brabeúō in the papyri.)] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as brabeion Definition to act as umpire NASB Translation rule (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1018: βραβεύωβραβεύω; in Greek writings from Isocrates and Demosthenes down; 1. "to be a βραβεύς or umpire" (see βραβεῖον). 2. to decide, determine. 3. to direct, control, rule: Colossians 3:15 (where see Meyer; contra, Lightfoot Compare: καταβραβεύω.) In classical usage a βραβεύς was the official who presided over athletic contests and assigned the prize; the verb therefore pictures an authoritative arbitration. By adopting this culturally familiar image, the apostle Paul invokes the decisive, impartial judgment of an umpire and applies it to the inner life of believers. Colossians 3:15 in Its Literary Setting Within a passage that exhorts the saints at Colossae to “put on” the virtues that flow from their new identity in Christ (Colossians 3:12-14), Paul issues a single imperative built on βραβεύω: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful”. The verse ties the peace won at the cross (Colossians 1:20) to practical church life, framing peace not merely as a feeling but as an objective standard that settles disputes, guides choices, and sustains corporate harmony. Peace as Umpire in the Heart 1. Objective Foundation: The peace is “of Christ,” grounded in His reconciling work (Ephesians 2:14-16; John 14:27). Corporate Harmony and Body Life Because the Colossians are “called as members of one body,” the arbitration of peace is communal. The same peace that reconciles Jew and Gentile in one new man (Ephesians 2:15-16) now functions as the referee for every interpersonal interaction—teaching, singing, forgiving, or admonishing (Colossians 3:16). Gratitude (“and be thankful”) supplies the atmosphere in which peace can rule unhindered. Guidance for Ethical Decision-Making βραβεύω invites believers to ask: Such questions safeguard purity of conscience and prevent legalism by shifting the focus from external rule-keeping to Christ-centered discernment. Christ’s Victory Echoed in Athletic Imagery Paul’s athletic metaphors elsewhere (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Timothy 4:8) underscore the finish-line perspective that informs βραβεύω. The believer who submits to the peaceful judgment of Christ now anticipates the final awarding of an imperishable crown (1 Peter 5:4), when the same Lord who rules the heart today will openly vindicate faithful choices. Historical Reception Early commentators drew out both the athletic and judicial overtones. Chrysostom linked the verb to the Games, describing peace as “the trainer who crowns the combatants.” Cyril of Alexandria emphasized its juridical force, portraying peace as the tribunal before which passions are tried. Reformers likewise appealed to Colossians 3:15 when counseling consciences buffeted by scruples, urging them to accept the verdict of Christ’s accomplished reconciliation. Pastoral and Devotional Application • Conflict Resolution: Elders can appeal to “the peace of Christ” as the shared authority when mediating disputes (Matthew 5:9; James 3:18). Implications for Modern Ministry In a fractured world, the single New Testament use of βραβεύω furnishes a robust theology of peace that integrates doctrine, personal piety, and church unity. Leaders who champion this peace foster congregations that display the reconciling power of the cross; individual believers who submit to its arbitration enjoy a sure compass amid cultural confusion. Thus the athletic umpire of antiquity becomes, in Paul’s inspired hand, a living picture of the Lordship of Jesus Christ directing every thought, emotion, and relationship toward the goal of “perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:14). |
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