Pronunciation Guide: dee-or-THO-sis (δι-όρ-θω-σις)
Basic Definition
Strong’s G1357: διόρθωσις (diorthōsis) refers to a complete reformation, correction, or setting straight of something that was previously imperfect or insufficient. In its biblical context, it specifically denotes the time of reformation brought about by the Messiah’s sacrificial work, establishing a new and better covenant. This term carries the sense of divine intervention that fundamentally transforms an existing system into something superior and more effective.
Etymology and Morphology
- Part of Speech: Feminine noun
- Root Words: From διορθόω (diorthoō), meaning “to straighten thoroughly” or “to reform completely”
- Compound Structure: δια (dia, “through, thoroughly”) + ὀρθόω (orthoō, “to make straight”)
- Language Origin: Koine Greek
- Primary Literary Usage: Theological discourse, particularly in covenant discussions
διόρθωσις Morphology:
- διόρθωσις (nominative singular) – reformation
- διορθώσεως (genitive singular) – of reformation
- διορθώσει (dative singular) – in/with reformation
- διόρθωσιν (accusative singular) – reformation (as direct object)
Origin & History
The term διόρθωσις appears in classical Greek literature primarily in contexts of correction, amendment, or improvement. Aristotle employed it in his “Nicomachean Ethics” when discussing the rectification of injustice, suggesting a process of restoring proper order. In the works of Plutarch, the term described political reforms aimed at correcting corruption or inefficiency in governmental systems.
In the Septuagint (LXX), while the exact noun form διόρθωσις is not prevalent, related verbal forms appear in passages like Jeremiah 7:3-5, where God calls Israel to “amend” (διορθώσατε) their ways. This establishes a precedent for understanding διόρθωσις as divine corrective action within covenant relationships. The early church fathers, particularly Clement of Alexandria in his “Stromata,” expanded on this concept, using διόρθωσις to describe the reformative nature of Christ’s work in establishing the new covenant.
Expanded Definitions & Translation Options
- Systemic Reformation – A fundamental restructuring of an entire system or order
- Divine Correction – God’s intervention to rectify what was inadequate or broken
- Covenant Renewal – The establishment of a superior covenant relationship
- Spiritual Restoration – The process of bringing something back to its proper, intended state
- Transformative Improvement – A change that fundamentally enhances function and effectiveness
διόρθωσις Translation Options:
- Reformation – Emphasizes the complete restructuring of the covenant relationship, highlighting the transition from old to new covenant (preferred in most English translations)
- Correction – Focuses on the rectification of what was inadequate in the previous covenant system
- Setting Things Right – Captures the sense of divine intervention that restores proper order
- Restoration – Emphasizes the return to God’s original intention for covenant relationship
- Amendment – Highlights the improvement made to the existing covenant structure
Biblical Usage
The term διόρθωσις appears only once in the entire New Testament, in Hebrews 9:10, where it serves as a pivotal theological concept marking the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant instituted by the Messiah. This singular usage carries profound significance, as it encapsulates the entire redemptive-historical framework of Hebrews, contrasting the temporary, external regulations of the Mosaic law with the permanent, internal transformation brought about by Christ’s sacrifice.
In Hebrews 9:1-10, the author describes the Tabernacle worship system with its various rituals and sacrifices, concluding that these were “imposed until a time of reformation [διόρθωσις]” (v.10). This positions διόρθωσις as the theological hinge upon which the author’s argument turns, marking the decisive shift from shadow to substance, from type to antitype, from temporary to eternal.
- “These are only a shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ… which are symbolic for the present age, according to which gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper… imposed until a time of reformation [διόρθωσις].” Hebrews 9:10
Cultural Insights
In the first-century Mediterranean world, the concept of διόρθωσις would have resonated strongly with Jewish readers familiar with periods of national reformation in Israel’s history. Under kings like Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29-31) and Josiah (2 Kings 22-23), significant religious reforms were undertaken to restore proper Temple worship and covenant fidelity. These historical reformations, however, were always temporary and incomplete.
The Jewish concept of תיקון (tikkun), meaning “repair” or “mending,” provides an important cultural backdrop for understanding διόρθωσις. In rabbinic thought, tikkun olam (“repairing the world”) represented the human responsibility to partner with God in restoring creation. The use of διόρθωσις in Hebrews suggests that what humans could only partially accomplish through their reforms, God has definitively accomplished through the Messiah’s sacrificial work. This transcends the temporary reforms of Israel’s history and establishes a permanent restoration of proper relationship with God.
Theological Significance
διόρθωσις stands at the heart of the book of Hebrews’ covenant theology, marking the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy of a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34) where God would write His law on human hearts. This reformation is not a mere improvement of the old system but represents a fundamental transformation in how humans relate to God. The old covenant, with its emphasis on external regulations, could never perfect the conscience of the worshiper; the new covenant, established through Christ’s sacrifice, transforms the worshiper from within.
The theological significance of διόρθωσις reveals God’s progressive revelation and redemptive plan. The old covenant was never intended to be permanent but served as a shadow pointing to the substance found in Christ. This demonstrates God’s pedagogical wisdom in preparing His people through types and shadows before revealing the full reality in the Messiah. The “time of reformation” marks God’s perfect timing (kairos) in salvation history, showing that He sovereignly orchestrates all events to accomplish His redemptive purposes.
The concept of διόρθωσις also highlights the superiority of Christ’s priesthood and sacrifice. While the old covenant required repeated sacrifices offered by mortal priests, the new covenant is established through the once-for-all sacrifice of the eternal High Priest. This reveals Yahweh’s perfect justice and love – justice that requires atonement for sin, and love that provides that atonement through His Son.
Personal Application
Understanding διόρθωσις challenges us to examine whether we are living in the full reality of the new covenant or still operating under old covenant mindsets. Many believers intellectually affirm the new covenant while practically living as if their relationship with God still depends on external performances and regulations. The reformation Christ brings invites us to experience the freedom and intimacy of a heart transformed by the Spirit rather than constrained by external rules.
This concept also encourages us to embrace God’s ongoing work of reformation in our lives. Just as He reformed the covenant relationship, He continues to reform our hearts, minds, and communities to reflect His character more fully. When we face areas of brokenness or dysfunction in our lives, we can trust the God of διόρθωσις to bring about His perfect correction and restoration. This offers tremendous hope as we navigate personal struggles, knowing that the same God who perfectly reformed the covenant relationship can perfectly reform every aspect of our lives when we yield to His transformative work.
Related Words
- κατάρτισις (katartisis, restoration/perfection) – Refers to the process of making something complete or bringing it to its intended condition, focusing more on perfection than reformation. While διόρθωσις emphasizes the establishment of a new system, κατάρτισις emphasizes the perfection of what exists. See G2676
- ἀποκατάστασις (apokatastasis, restoration) – Denotes the restoration of something to its original state or condition, often with eschatological implications. Unlike διόρθωσις, which implies improvement beyond the original state, ἀποκατάστασις suggests a return to an original ideal. See G605
- ἀνακαίνωσις (anakainōsis, renewal) – Describes the process of spiritual renewal or renovation, particularly as it relates to the mind. While διόρθωσις focuses on systemic change, ἀνακαίνωσις emphasizes personal transformation. See G342
- μετάνοια (metanoia, repentance) – Refers to a change of mind that results in a change of life direction. While διόρθωσις describes God’s reformative action, μετάνοια describes the human response to divine initiative. See G3341
- ἐπανόρθωσις (epanorthōsis, correction) – Denotes the act of setting something upright again or correcting what is wrong. It shares the same root as διόρθωσις but adds the prefix ἐπι (epi, “upon”), suggesting a more targeted correction. See G1882
Did You Know?
- In ancient Greek medical texts, διόρθωσις was used to describe the setting of a broken bone or the correction of a physical deformity. This medical usage provides a powerful metaphor for understanding the spiritual healing and restoration Christ brings through the new covenant. Just as a physician might need to break and reset a bone that had healed improperly, God established a new covenant that corrected the misappropriations of the old covenant system.
- The concept of διόρθωσις influenced early Christian understanding of church reformation. Throughout church history, reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin often appealed to the language of Hebrews 9:10 when arguing for the need to return to biblical foundations. They saw their work not as creating something new but as participating in God’s ongoing process of διόρθωσις in the life of the church, correcting deviations from apostolic teaching and practice.
- The timing of διόρθωσις in Hebrews corresponds to the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy of the seventy weeks (Daniel 9:24-27), which predicted the coming of the Messiah who would “put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness.” This convergence of prophetic fulfillment underscores the cosmic significance of the “time of reformation” as the pivotal moment in redemptive history when God’s purposes for Israel and the nations were dramatically advanced.
Remember This
διόρθωσις embodies the transformative moment when God, through the Messiah’s perfect sacrifice, reformed the covenant relationship with His people, moving from external regulations that could never perfect the conscience to an internal reality that transforms the heart.