Lexical Summary dogmatizó: To decree, to subject to ordinances Original Word: δογματίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be subject to ordinances. From dogma; to prescribe by statute, i.e. (reflexively) to submit to, ceremonially rule -- be subject to ordinances. see GREEK dogma NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dogma Definition to decree, to subject oneself to an ordinance NASB Translation submit...to decrees (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1379: δογματίζωδογματίζω: to decree, command, enjoin, lay down an ordinance: Diodorus 4, 83, etc.; Esther 3:9; 2 Macc. 10:8 (etc.); the Sept. (not Theod.) Daniel 2:13; passive (present δογματίζομαι); ordinances are imposed upon me, I suffer ordinances to be imposed upon me: Colossians 2:20 (R. V. do ye subject yourselves to ordinances; 150, Winers Grammar, § 39, 1 a.; Buttmann, 188 (163) Meyer or Lightfoot at the passage). Topical Lexicon Definition and Linguistic Background The verb δογματίζω (Strong’s 1379) describes the act of placing someone or something under authoritative regulations. It is built on the noun δόγμα (decree, ordinance) and thus carries the sense of imposing binding rules that claim normative force over conduct or belief. New Testament Usage The word appears once in the Greek New Testament—Colossians 2:20. Addressing believers who have “died with Christ to the basic principles of the world,” Paul asks, “why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its regulations?”. The following clarifying quotation—“Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch” (Colossians 2:21)—illustrates the sort of external, ascetic decrees he has in view. Theological Emphasis in Colossians 1. Union with Christ. Because the believer’s life is “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3), worldly ordinances lose their jurisdiction. Historical and Cultural Background Greco-Roman society was saturated with public decrees—imperial, municipal, and cultic. These statutes regulated civic life, trade guilds, and temple observances. Jewish tradition likewise contained detailed halakhic rulings. In Colossae a syncretic mix of Jewish dietary scruples and pagan mystery practices fostered a climate where new converts faced pressure to prove piety by submitting to extra-biblical prohibitions. Paul’s use of δογματίζω deliberately echoes the civic language of compulsory decrees, underscoring that Christ has liberated His people from any authority that competes with Him. Related Second-Temple and Patristic References • Third Maccabees 4:10 depicts a tyrant “issuing decrees” against Judeans, showing the verb’s severity in persecuting contexts. Early Church writers later employed cognate terminology to affirm ecumenical “dogmas” rooted in apostolic teaching, carefully distinguishing them from merely human regulations. Continuity with Old Testament Themes While δογματίζω itself is absent from the Septuagint, the Old Testament repeatedly contrasts God’s “statutes and judgments” with pagan customs (Leviticus 18:3–4; Jeremiah 10:2). Paul’s admonition continues this trajectory: divine law reveals God’s character; man-made decrees, however pious they appear, cannot impart life. Pastoral and Ministry Implications 1. Guarding Christian Liberty. Congregations must beware of elevating cultural preferences or spiritual disciplines into universal mandates that eclipse Christ’s finished work. Doctrinal Contours in Church History Councils such as Nicaea and Chalcedon used the term “dogma” positively, referring to authoritative, Scripture-based definitions that protected the faith. The Reformation revived Paul’s warning by challenging ecclesial traditions that had grown into compulsory decrees without biblical warrant. Thus, the Church’s ongoing task is to discern between safeguarding apostolic doctrine and lapsing into legalistic dogmatizing. Application for Contemporary Discipleship • Evaluate teaching: Does it exalt Christ or bind consciences to man-made standards? Key Related Passages for Further Study Acts 16:4; Acts 17:7; Luke 2:1; Ephesians 2:14–16; Galatians 5:1–6; 1 Corinthians 8:8–9. Forms and Transliterations δογματιζεσθε δογματίζεσθε δογματισάτω dogmatizesthe dogmatízestheLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Colossians 2:20 V-PIM/P-2PGRK: ἐν κόσμῳ δογματίζεσθε NAS: in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, KJV: the world, are ye subject to ordinances, INT: in [the] world do you subject yourselves to decrees |
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