"a decree, statute, ordinance, Lk. 2:1; Acts 16:4; 17:7; Eph. 2:15; Col. 2:14*"
Definition and meaning
a decree, statute, ordinance, Lk. 2:1; Acts 16:4; 17:7; Eph. 2:15; Col. 2:14*
In the original Greek the word is written: δόγμα
Historical context
Luke wrote as a historian addressing a Greek audience. He carefully interviewed eyewitnesses and arranged events in order. The social and economic realities he describes — Roman taxation, Jewish religious hierarchy, the marginalization of women and the poor — are consistent with first-century Judea under Roman administration.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of dogma (G1378) across the King James Bible.
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
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Common questions
Strong's G1378 (dogma) is a Greek word that means: a decree, statute, ordinance, Lk. 2:1; Acts 16:4; 17:7; Eph. 2:15; Col. 2:14* It appears 5 times in the King James Bible.
The word dogma (G1378) appears 5 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G1378 is dogma, a Greek word defined as: a decree, statute, ordinance, Lk. 2:1; Acts 16:4; 17:7; Eph. 2:15; Col. 2:14*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
dogma is a Greek word found in the New Testament.