τακτός

appointed, arranged, fixed

Definition

The adjective τακτός means 'appointed,' 'arranged,' or 'fixed.' It describes something set by an authority or established according to a specific order. In its sole New Testament occurrence in Acts 12:21, it refers to an 'appointed day'—a time designated by Herod for a public event. This sense of a predetermined or ordained time aligns with the word's core meaning of something being formally set or arranged.

Biblical Usage

Τακτός is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 12:21. Here, it describes the 'appointed day' on which Herod Agrippa I, arrayed in royal robes, delivered a public address. The usage highlights a formal, pre-arranged time set by a ruling authority for a specific ceremonial purpose.

Etymology

Τακτός is a verbal adjective derived from the root of the verb τάσσω (tassō, G5021), which means 'to arrange,' 'to appoint,' or 'to set in order.' It is related to other words in the τάσσω word group that convey ideas of order, command, and arrangement, such as τάγμα (tagma, G5001) meaning 'a division' or 'order.'

Semantic Range

While used only once, τακτός connects to the biblical theme of divine and human appointment. The 'appointed day' in Acts 12:21, set by Herod, stands in contrast to the many 'appointed times' (καιροί, kairoi) ordained by God throughout Scripture. Understanding this Greek term reinforces the concept of sovereignty—whether human authority sets a time, as here, or God establishes His purposes (e.g., Acts 17:31). It subtly reminds the reader that all appointments are subject to God's ultimate authority.

In the Greco-Roman world, public addresses and ceremonies by rulers on 'appointed days' were significant civic and political events. These were often orchestrated to display power, secure loyalty, and conduct official business. The 'appointed day' in Acts 12:21 fits this pattern, as Herod used the occasion to address the people of Tyre and Sidon, who were seeking peace.

ὡρισμένος (hōrismenos, G3724) — emphasizes something marked out by boundaries or decreed, often with a sense of divine determination (e.g., Acts 17:26). προθεσμία (prothesmia, G4287) — refers specifically to a pre-set or legal deadline (Galatians 4:2).

Word Details

Scripture References