Lexical Summary epidiatassomai: To add a provision, to arrange additionally, to make further arrangements. Original Word: ἐπιδιατάσσομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance add to. Middle voice from epi and diatasso; to appoint besides, i.e. Supplement (as a codicil) -- add to. see GREEK epi see GREEK diatasso NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and diatassó Definition to add provisions NASB Translation adds conditions (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1928: ἐπιδιατάσσομαιἐπιδιατάσσομαι; to ordain besides, to add something to what has been ordained (cf. ἐπί, D. 4): Galatians 3:15. Not found elsewhere. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Context in Galatians 3:15 The verb translated “add to” (ἐπιδιατάσσεται) appears once in the New Testament, in Paul’s illustration that “Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, no one can set it aside or add to it” (Galatians 3:15). By appealing to a common legal principle of his day, Paul shows that God’s promise to Abraham is irrevocable and immune to later amendment. Covenantal Integrity and Divine Promise 1. Human covenants could be challenged only before ratification; afterward they possessed binding force. Paul argues from the lesser to the greater: if ordinary agreements stand firm, the covenant initiated by the sovereign, truthful God is all the more unalterable (Genesis 15:17-18; Hebrews 6:17-18). Historical Background In first-century Greco-Roman law, a validated will or contract was secure against outside interference. Jewish practice likewise considered a sealed covenant sacred (Jeremiah 32:10-12). Paul’s readers, familiar with both systems, would readily grasp the impossibility of unauthorized additions. Implications for the Doctrine of Justification • Salvation is grounded in God’s prior promise, not in subsequent legal requirements (Ephesians 2:8-9). Connections with Other Covenant Passages Genesis 17:7 – The everlasting nature of the covenant with Abraham. Jeremiah 31:31-34 – Promise of a new covenant, not a modification of the old. Luke 22:20 – Jesus identifies His blood as “the new covenant.” 2 Corinthians 1:20 – “For all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” Hebrews 9:15 – Christ as Mediator of a covenant established on better promises. Pastoral and Discipleship Application • Guard the gospel from legalistic additions; teach believers that faith in Christ alone justifies. Expository Suggestions 1. Begin with a contemporary contract (e.g., a notarized deed) to illustrate finality. Devotional Reflection Because God cannot lie or change His mind, every word He has spoken is secure. The believer need not fear that unforeseen clauses will one day surface. In Christ, the covenant stands complete, eternally signed with His blood. Forms and Transliterations επιδιατασσεται επιδιατάσσεται ἐπιδιατάσσεται epidiatassetai epidiatássetaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Galatians 3:15 V-PIM/P-3SGRK: ἀθετεῖ ἢ ἐπιδιατάσσεται NAS: or adds conditions to it. KJV: disannulleth, or addeth thereto. INT: sets aside or adds thereto |
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