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G1928 · Greek · New Testament
ἐπιδιατάσσομαι
epidiatassomai
Verb
To add provisions to, to supplement a covenant

Definition

From G1909 (epi, upon) and G1299 (diatasso, to arrange/ordain). To add stipulations to an existing arrangement or covenant. Used only in Galatians 3:15, where Paul argues that no one can add conditions to a ratified covenant — including God's covenant with Abraham.

Usage & Theological Significance

Paul's argument in Galatians 3:15 is devastatingly simple: even human covenants cannot be epidiatassomai-ed once ratified. How much more God's covenant with Abraham! The Mosaic Law, which came 430 years later, did not and could not add to or modify the Abrahamic promise. The theological implication is radical: salvation by grace through faith (the Abrahamic covenant) was never replaced or supplemented by works of the Law. The Law served a different purpose — as a tutor leading to Christ (Gal 3:24) — but it never altered the terms of God's original promise.

Key Bible Verses

Galatians 3:15
Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
Galatians 3:17
And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul.
Galatians 3:19
Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made.
Hebrews 6:13
For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself.
Romans 4:13
For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

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