What does the Bible say about decreeing and declaring?

I. Introduction and Overview

In many theological discussions, the concepts of “decreeing” and “declaring” appear frequently. Some use these phrases to suggest that believers can command events into existence by speaking. Others view such language as reserved for God alone. Scriptural examples, linguistic nuances, and the wider context of biblical theology clarify these important terms.

II. Definition and Key Terms

Decree: In Scripture, a “decree” generally refers to a formal pronouncement or an unchangeable edict.

Declare: To “declare” typically means to proclaim something openly or emphatically.

Biblical writers employ these terms most often to describe God’s sovereign pronouncements. Any human usage in Scripture is always subordinate to God’s supreme authority.

III. Old Testament Examples

1. God’s Decrees

When the Old Testament speaks of decrees, it often emphasizes God’s absolute sovereignty. Psalm 2:7 states, “I will proclaim the decree spoken to Me by the LORD.” This underlines that the LORD alone issues eternal decrees, while people proclaim or announce them.

2. God’s Creative Power by Decree

Genesis 1 demonstrates God creating the universe through His spoken word. By His decree, light, land, seas, and life came into being. This underscores God’s matchless power: only He can speak creation into existence (cf. Psalm 33:9).

3. Human Words and Requests

Although believers in the Old Testament sometimes speak boldly, these expressions are mostly prayers or pleas (e.g., Nehemiah 1). Even prophetic declarations (e.g., “Thus says the LORD”) focus on relaying God’s words, not formulating independent decrees by human will.

4. Job 22:28 Context

A key text cited about decreeing and declaring is Job 22:28: “You will decree a thing, and it will be established for you.” However, these words are from Eliphaz, whose counsel is later shown to be flawed (Job 42:7). The broader context reveals that not everything Eliphaz says is endorsed by God. Thus, interpreting this verse as a blanket precedent for believers to command reality must be done cautiously.

IV. New Testament Insights

1. Jesus’ Teachings on Speaking and Faith

In Mark 11:23, Jesus says, “If anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ … it will happen.” Jesus emphasizes faith in God, not autonomous human ability to decree outcomes. The context (Mark 11:22) clarifies: “Have faith in God.” Faith rests in God’s will rather than mere words.

2. Apostolic Practice

The apostles declared the gospel boldly (Acts 4:29–31). Their “declarations” focused on the truth of Christ’s resurrection and the message of salvation. They petitioned in prayer for God’s power rather than relying on personal decrees. In Acts 3:6, Peter says, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!”. This command is spoken under divine authority, not by Peter’s independent decree.

3. Confession of Faith

Romans 10:9–10 stresses the importance of “declaring” one’s belief in Jesus’ resurrection. This confession is an acknowledgment of reality, not an act of creating it by decree. Biblical “declaring” is proclaiming God’s truth and promises, all rooted in His revealed Word.

V. Misconceptions About Decreeing and Declaring

1. Overemphasis on Human Power

Some theological circles suggest that believers can “speak things into existence.” However, Scripture consistently reserves such creative authority for the Triune God (cf. John 1:3; Hebrews 11:3). Humans are never portrayed as able to establish new realities by our own declarations.

2. Ignoring God’s Sovereignty

Even legitimate declarations in Scripture (e.g., prophets proclaiming God’s judgment) originate from God’s revelation. There is no precedent for humans forcing God’s hand or controlling events by their own words.

3. Misusing Job 22:28 and Similar Texts

As mentioned, Job 22:28 must be read in context—with Eliphaz’s speech later rebuked by God. Interpreting isolated verses to imply that Christians can decree health, wealth, or life changes can lead to disappointment or confusion if such things do not materialize.

4. Confusing Prayer with Decreeing

Scripture commands believers to pray persistently (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and align our requests with God’s will (1 John 5:14–15). This posture differs from “decreeing” in a presumptive sense. Prayer humbles us before God’s sovereignty; it does not place God at our command.

VI. Scriptural Pattern of Faith and Proclamation

1. God’s Word as Ultimate Authority

The overarching biblical message reveals that God’s word brings things to pass, and we as believers humbly submit to His revealed will. Isaiah 55:11 proclaims, “So My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish…” God’s decrees always succeed.

2. Rightful Proclamation of God’s Promises

Christians can confidently declare the truths and promises God has already spoken, such as salvation through Christ (John 3:16) or God’s abiding presence (Matthew 28:20). This declaration is an affirmation of God’s Word, not an attempt to conjure new realities.

3. New Testament Charge to Preach the Gospel

Believers are consistently commanded to “declare” the good news of salvation (Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 1:8). Evangelistic proclamation testifies to what God has done in Christ, including the Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

VII. Historical and Apologetic Reinforcements

1. Early Church Consistency

Examination of early manuscripts (e.g., the Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus) shows a consistent portrayal of God as sovereign. The first-century church, as documented by both Christian and non-Christian sources (e.g., Josephus), preached the resurrection of Jesus as God’s ultimate declaration of triumph over death—never implying humans had the same power to decree reality.

2. Archaeological and Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern kings issued decrees that reflected ultimate authority over their domains. In biblical usage, akin to those cultural settings, only the ultimate Sovereign—Yahweh—has unlimited power to decree universally.

3. Philosophical Considerations

Philosophically and behaviorally, the believer’s role is to align with God’s will. Scripture, tradition, and consistent manuscript evidence portray that decreeing rightly belongs to the One who alone can accomplish all He declares (Job 42:2).

VIII. Practical Application

1. Confidence in Prayer

Believers can stand on God’s promises, declaring them with confidence while seeking God’s will. We pray expectantly, trusting God’s power and timing rather than our own ability to decree results.

2. Worship and Proclamation

True “declaring” in Scripture often occupies the realm of worship—declaring God’s nature, works, and faithfulness (Psalm 9:1). This is humble adoration, not an exercise of presumed control over events.

3. Guarding Against Misinterpretation

To avoid confusion, Christians should carefully examine context when encountering terms like “declare” or “decree” in sermons, books, or personal study. A balanced, Scripture-centered understanding keeps the focus on God’s sovereignty.

IX. Conclusion

In biblical usage, “decreeing” is consistently associated with God’s authority, and “declaring” involves believers affirming God’s revealed truth. While some verses may appear to grant humans a similar power, deeper study—in light of context, original intent, and the full counsel of Scripture—demonstrates that only God possesses the ability to establish realities by His word.

Believers, therefore, joyfully declare the gospel and stand on God’s promises, entrusting all outcomes to the sovereign Lord. His infallible Word remains our final authority, offering a sure foundation for prayer, worship, and life in Christ.