νομοθετέω

I ordain, enact

Definition

The verb νομοθετέω means to establish, ordain, or enact a law. In its two New Testament occurrences, it carries the sense of giving something the full authority and sanction of law. In Hebrews 7:11, it refers to the formal ordination or establishment of the Levitical priesthood under the Mosaic law. In Hebrews 8:6, it describes Jesus as the mediator of a new and superior covenant, which has been enacted or legally established on the basis of better promises. The word implies a formal, authoritative act of legislation.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only in the Epistle to the Hebrews, both times in theological arguments comparing the old and new covenants. In Hebrews 7:11, it is used negatively, questioning the need for a new priesthood if perfection had been attainable under the law that 'ordained' the Levitical system. In Hebrews 8:6, it is used positively, declaring that Jesus has obtained a superior ministry as the mediator of a 'better covenant, which has been enacted' on better promises. The usage contrasts the old, temporary legal enactment with the new, eternal one.

Etymology

Derived from the combination of νόμος (nomos, G3551), meaning 'law,' and τίθημι (tithēmi, G5087), meaning 'to place, set, or establish.' It literally means 'to place or set down a law.' It is a compound verb common in Greek legal and political discourse, signifying the formal act of legislation.

Semantic Range

This word is crucial for understanding the biblical theology of covenants. It highlights the intentional, legal, and authoritative establishment of both the Mosaic covenant and the new covenant in Christ. The contrast in Hebrews shows that the new covenant is not an informal agreement but a divinely 'enacted' reality with superior legal standing and eternal validity, superseding the old. It underscores the finished, authoritative work of Christ as the mediator who legally institutes a new relationship between God and humanity.

In the Greco-Roman world, this term was used in formal contexts of civic legislation and legal codification. For Jewish readers familiar with the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament), it would evoke the divine establishment of the Mosaic law. The author of Hebrews uses this precise legal term to argue that God has performed a new, definitive act of 'legislation' in Christ, which would be understood as a sovereign, public, and binding decree.

διατάσσω (diatassō, G1299) — to arrange, appoint, or command; often used for specific orders rather than the establishment of an entire legal system. ἐντέλλομαι (entellomai, G1781) — to command or charge; focuses on the act of giving a command, not the legislative act of instituting the law itself.

Word Details

Scripture References