### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **dógma**, represented by `{{G1378}}`, refers to a law, decree, or ordinance. It appears **5 times** in **5 unique verses**. The term encompasses laws from various authorities, whether civil, ceremonial, or ecclesiastical, establishing a formal, binding command.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G1378}}` is applied to different forms of authoritative commands. It describes civil laws, such as the **decree** issued by Caesar `{{G2541}}` Augustus `{{G828}}` for a census [[Luke 2:1]] and the **decrees** of Caesar that Christians were accused of acting contrary to [[Acts 17:7]]. The word also denotes ecclesiastical rulings, as when the apostles `{{G652}}` and elders `{{G4245}}` in Jerusalem `{{G2419}}` delivered **decrees** for the churches to keep `{{G5442}}` [[Acts 16:4]]. Theologically, it is used for the ceremonial **ordinances** of the law `{{G3551}}`, which were abolished `{{G2673}}` by Christ to create peace `{{G1515}}` [[Ephesians 2:15]] and were blotted out `{{G1813}}` by being nailed to his cross `{{G4716}}` [[Colossians 2:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and impact of a `dógma`:
* `{{G3551}}` **nómos** (law): This term appears with `dógma` in the phrase "the **law** of commandments contained in ordinances" [[Ephesians 2:15]], indicating that these decrees were part of a formal legal structure.
* `{{G2541}}` **Kaîsar** (Cæsar): This title for the Roman emperor is the source of civil decrees `{{G1378}}`. His authority is referenced when a **decree** is issued for a tax [[Luke 2:1]] and when believers are accused of acting contrary to his decrees [[Acts 17:7]].
* `{{G2673}}` **katargéō** (to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literally or figuratively:--abolish): This powerful verb explains what Christ did to the ordinances `{{G1378}}`. He **abolished** the law of commandments in his flesh, making it of no effect [[Ephesians 2:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1378}}` is significant and multifaceted:
* **Civil Authority:** The use of `{{G1378}}` for the decrees of Caesar Augustus `{{G828}}` establishes a clear meaning of a binding, official command from a governing power [[Luke 2:1]].
* **Ecclesiastical Authority:** The term is also applied to the authoritative decisions made by the apostles `{{G652}}` and elders `{{G4245}}` in Jerusalem `{{G2419}}`. These decrees `{{G1378}}` were delivered `{{G3860}}` to the churches to be kept `{{G5442}}`, signifying the establishment of church doctrine and practice [[Acts 16:4]].
* **Fulfillment in Christ:** The most profound theological point is the fulfillment and nullification of the ceremonial ordinances. Christ's work on the cross `{{G4716}}` blotted out `{{G1813}}` the "handwriting `{{G5498}}` of ordinances `{{G1378}}`" that was contrary `{{G5227}}` to us [[Colossians 2:14]], and He abolished `{{G2673}}` these ordinances to remove the enmity `{{G2189}}` and create peace `{{G1515}}` [[Ephesians 2:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1378}}` **dógma** is a versatile term for an authoritative decree. It can refer to a civil law issued by an emperor [[Luke 2:1]], a guiding principle ordained by church leadership [[Acts 16:4]], or the ceremonial requirements of the Old Testament law. Its primary theological impact lies in its connection to the Mosaic ordinances, which were definitively set aside by Christ, who blotted them out and nailed them to His cross [[Colossians 2:14]].
TRV