Ordinances

ORDINANCES.—In the English versions of the Gospels this word occurs only once, Luk 1:6, where the parents of John the Baptist are described as ‘walking in all the commandments (ἐντολαῖς) and ordinances (δικαιώμασι) of the Lord blameless.’ From its etymology the word δικαίωμα means (1) a righteous enactment of rightful authority, and (2) a righteous act or deed. Here, of course, the first signification is the one intended, but the strict etymological force is not to be pressed, as the word is simply one of the oft-recurring practical synonyms for the injunctions of the Divine Law, both moral and ceremonial.

E. C. Dargan.