1357. diorthosis

Lexical Summary

diorthosis: Reformation, correction, improvement

Original Word: διόρθωσις
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: diorthosis
Pronunciation: dee-or'-tho-sis
Phonetic Spelling: (dee-or'-tho-sis)
KJV: reformation
Word Origin: [from a compound of G1223 (διά - through) and a derivative of G3717 (ὀρθός - straight), meaning to straighten thoroughly]

1. rectification
2. (specially) the Messianic restauration

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

reformation.

From a compound of dia and a derivative of orthos, meaning to straighten thoroughly; rectification, i.e. (specially) the Messianic restauration -- reformation.

see GREEK dia

see GREEK orthos

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1357: διόρθωμα

διόρθωμα, διορθωματος, τό (from διορθόω, to set right); correction, amendment, reform: Acts 24:2-3L T Tr WH for R G κατορθωμάτων. (Hippocrates, Aristotle, Polybius 3, 13; Plutarch, Numbers 17; (Diogenes Laërtius 10, 121; (cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 250f).)

STRONGS NT 1357: διόρθωσιςδιόρθωσις, διορθώσεως, ἡ (from διορθόω);

1. properly, in a physical sense, a making straight, restoring to its natural and normal condition something which in some way protrudes or has got out of line, as (in Hippocrates) broken or misshapen limbs.

2. of acts and institutions, reformation: καιρός διορθώσεως a season of reformation, or the perfecting of things, referring to the times of the Messiah, Hebrews 9:10. (Aristotle, Pol. 3, 1, 4 (p. 1275{b}, 13); νόμου, de mund. 6, p. 400{b}, 29; (cf. Josephus, contra Apion 2, 20, 2); Polybius 3, 118, 12 τῶν πολιτευματων, Diodorus 1, 75 τῶν ἁμαρτημάτων, Josephus, Antiquities 2, 4, 4; b. j. 1, 20, 1; others; (cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 250f).)

Topical Lexicon

Essential Idea

The term denotes the act of setting things thoroughly straight—moral, social, or cultic adjustments that restore proper order under God’s rule. It carries a sense of decisive, beneficial change, not incremental tinkering.

Occurrences in Scripture

• Acts 24:2
• Hebrews 9:10

Both passages translate the word as “reforms”, yet each setting highlights a different layer of its theological weight.

Historical Backdrop in Acts

Before Governor Felix, the orator Tertullus flatters the Roman official: “Most excellent Felix, we enjoy great peace because of you, and your foresight is bringing reforms to this nation” (Acts 24:2). The empire’s brand of “reform” was political, temporary, and self-serving. Luke’s inspired framing subtly contrasts Rome’s superficial adjustments with the deeper, Messiah-wrought correction God is unfolding through Paul’s gospel mission. The episode exposes the limits of civic reforms that bypass spiritual renewal.

Typological and Doctrinal Implications in Hebrews

Hebrews 9:10 speaks of the Levitical ordinances, “external regulations imposed until the time of reform”. Here the writer views the entire Mosaic cultus—food laws, ablutions, ritual cycles—as provisional, pointing toward a definitive straightening that arrives in Christ. The “time of reform” is not merely a new policy era but the inauguration of the New Covenant, secured by a better sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11-14). The verse underscores three truths:

1. Old-Covenant practices were divinely ordained yet temporary.
2. Their expiration date was tied to the appearance of the High Priest who provides inward cleansing.
3. Genuine reform involves access to God through the blood of Jesus, effecting conscience-level purification.

Pastoral and Ministry Applications

1. Gospel-rooted Correction: Christian leaders are called to enact reforms that mirror the Lord’s comprehensive straightening—addressing doctrine, ethics, and community health (Titus 1:5; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
2. Guarding Against Cosmetic Change: Like Felix’s civic projects, surface-level improvements lack power unless grounded in regenerated hearts (John 3:3-5).
3. Hope for Broken Systems: The promise of a completed “reform” invites perseverance amid imperfect ecclesial or societal structures, knowing that Christ’s kingdom will finalize all needed correction (Revelation 21:5).

Relationship to the Gospel

The word’s dual appearance frames a gospel contrast: human reforms, however well-intentioned, versus God’s climactic rectification in Christ. What Rome attempted politically and the Law outlined ceremonially, Jesus accomplishes spiritually and eternally. This progression safeguards the unity of Scripture, showing continuity (the law foreshadows) and fulfillment (the cross and resurrection actualize).

Eschatological Overtones

The “time of reform” inaugurated at Calvary expands toward consummation when every crooked thing is straightened (Isaiah 40:4; Acts 3:21). Believers live between the already-initiated correction of the heart and the not-yet cosmic renewal, laboring in hope that “righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne” (Psalm 89:14).

Summary

Strong’s Greek 1357 encapsulates God’s commitment to put His world right. In Acts it exposes the insufficiency of human governance; in Hebrews it celebrates the sufficiency of Christ’s priestly work. The Church, entrusted with the gospel, participates by proclaiming and embodying that decisive reform until the Lord completes it in glory.

Forms and Transliterations

διορθωματων διορθωμάτων διορθωσεως διορθώσεως διοριεί διορίζει διορίζον διορίζοντα διορίζοντες διορίζοντος διορίζων διορύγμασιν διορύγματι διώρισα διώρισε διώρισεν diorthomaton diorthomáton diorthōmatōn diorthōmátōn diorthoseos diorthōseōs diorthṓseos diorthṓseōs

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 24:2 N-GNP
GRK: σοῦ καὶ διορθωμάτων γινομένων τῷ
INT: you and excellent measures being done to the

Hebrews 9:10 N-GFS
GRK: μέχρι καιροῦ διορθώσεως ἐπικείμενα
NAS: until a time of reformation.
KJV: the time of reformation.
INT: until [the] time of setting things right imposed

Strong's Greek 1357
2 Occurrences

διορθωμάτων — 1 Occ.
διορθώσεως — 1 Occ.