G1357 διόρθωσις (diórthōsis)

Reformation (1357) (diorthosis from diorthoo = correct, amend from dia = through, marker of instrument by which something is accomplished + orthos = straight, erect, upright) means to make straight, to straighten thoroughly, to correct, to reform. Diorthosis in its physical sense means the making straight, the restoring of something to its natural and normal condition, especially something which in some way protrudes or has gotten out of line, as for instance broken or misshapen limbs. In short, diorthosis means to set things right. Diorthosis in the present context (the only NT use) means “to bring matters to a satisfactory state” referring to the introduction of the New Covenant which displaces the Old Covenant. The Old never was satisfactory, so far as offering a sacrifice that could pay for sin was concerned and thus could not give salvation. In the Septuagint (LXX) the related verb diorthoo, was used of mending one’s ways (Jeremiah 7:3,5 - Jeremiah 7:5 For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly practice justice between a man and his neighbor), and of setting up or establishing (Isaiah 16:5 - A throne will even be established in lovingkindness). Wuest - The word translated “reformation” is interesting and important. It is diorthosis, from the verb diorthoo. The word means in its physical sense the making straight, the restoring to its natural and normal condition, something which in some way protrudes or has gotten out of line, as for instance broken or misshapen limbs. It means “to set things to rights.” In the LXX it is used of mending one’s ways (Jer 7:3, 5), and of setting up or establishing (Isa 16:5). The word in its context here means “to bring matters to a satisfactory state.” It refers to the introduction of the New Testament which latter displaces the First Testament. The First Testament never was satisfactory, so far as offering a sacrifice that could pay for sin was concerned. It could not actually in itself save the believer. (Hebrews Commentary online) W E Vine - The word translated “reformation” literally denotes “a making straight.” The time of reformation was the time when what was inadequate and imperfect would give place to that which was effectual and perfect, when the substance and the reality would supersede the shadow and the copy, when the unsuccessful endeavors to fulfill the requirements of God’s law would be followed by the enjoyment of His grace, under the unconditional terms of the new covenant. The time of reformation would be brought in upon the ground of the sacrifice of Christ and under His High-Priestly ministry in the sanctuary. (Collected writings of W. E. Vine) Until is a time word which marks sequence. The writer's point is that in the new order of the New Covenant, Christ "corrects" what the Old Covenant could never "correct". Christ is the substance of which the Old Covenant of rituals, symbols and forms were but a pale shadow. It was beyond the capability of the Old Covenant bring about reformation and make things right between holy God and sinful man. The Old Covenant was like a signpost, pointing to the satisfactory sacrifice of Christ. The writer is not deprecating the Old Covenant, as if it had no meaning or purpose. His point is simply that the Old was temporary and incomplete, and that it all the while served as a picture of Christ's better, perfect work on Calvary. "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://preceptaustin.org/hebrews_98-10.htm#r