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ἐπιταγή

epitagḗ

G2003 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ἐπιταγ- to order, to command, to appoint

Definition

A directive, order, or decree issued with formal authority; specifically, an authoritative command or official summons, often carrying legal or administrative force. The term may refer to a formal pronouncement from a higher authority (human or divine), an ordinance, a binding order, or an authoritative mandate. In some contexts, emphasizes the legitimacy or binding nature of the command.

Semantic Range

directive, order, decree, authoritative command, official mandate, formal injunction, appointment, authority

Root / Etymology

From the verbal root ἐπιτάσσω (to order, to command, to enjoin), itself from ἐπί (upon, over) + τάσσω (to arrange, to appoint). The noun denotes the product or result of a clearly expressed authoritative ordering.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Attested from the Hellenistic period onward, ἐπιταγή primarily appears in formal and administrative contexts to denote a binding decree, order, warrant, or directive issued by an authority. In official documents, it can refer to imperial or governmental decrees, and in religious writings (including the New Testament), it expresses an authoritative mandate from God, an apostle, or other leaders. In the LXX, the term is rare. In the New Testament, it appears in passages (such as Romans 16:26; 1 Timothy 1:1; Titus 1:3) with the sense of 'by command/appointment' (of God or an apostle), with an emphasis on the authority inherent in the command rather than on its content. The English 'commandment' or 'decree' can translate the term but may not always convey the nuance of formal, binding authority implied in Greek usage. Distinct from more general terms for 'order' (e.g., πρόσταγμα), ἐπιταγή conveys a sense of direct authorization, often from a higher or sovereign power.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐπιτάσσω; an injunction or decree; by implication, authoritativeness:--authority, commandment.

Root Family

ἐπιταγή (epitagē) — directive, authoritative command, decree, official mandate, injunction

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G2003-01 ἐπιταγὴν epitagen N ACC F SG command authoritative command 6
G2003-02 ἐπιταγῆς epitages N GEN F SG authority of an authoritative command 1

Occurrences in Scripture

7 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G2003-01 Romans 16:26 ἐπιταγὴν epitagen N ACC F SG commandment authoritative command
G2003-01 1 Corinthians 7:6 ἐπιταγήν epitagen N ACC F SG command authoritative command
G2003-01 1 Corinthians 7:25 ἐπιταγὴν epitagen N ACC F SG command authoritative command
G2003-01 2 Corinthians 8:8 ἐπιταγὴν epitagen N ACC F SG authoritative command
G2003-01 1 Timothy 1:1 ἐπιταγὴν epitagen N ACC F SG the commandment authoritative command
G2003-01 Titus 1:3 ἐπιταγὴν epitagen N ACC F SG command authoritative command
G2003-02 Titus 2:15 ἐπιταγῆς epitages N GEN F SG authority of an authoritative command
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