Bible Dictionaries
Decree

Holman Bible Dictionary

A royal order. Decrees were proclaimed publically by criers (Jonah 3:5-7 ) designated “heralds” (Daniel 3:4 ) often throughout the territory of the monarch (1 Samuel 11:7; Ezra 1:1 ). Decrees were written and stored in archives for later reference (Ezra 6:1-2 ). Scripture attributes just decrees to divine wisdom (Proverbs 8:15 ). Scripture also recognizes unjust decrees (Isaiah 10:1 ). Some important decrees include: Cyrus' decree on rebuilding the Temple (Ezra 6:3-5 ); Esther's decree on the celebration of Purim (Esther 9:32 ); and the decree of Caesar Augustus which set the scene for the birth of Christ (Luke 2:1 ).

As King of the earth, God issues decrees regulating the world of nature (the sea, Proverbs 8:29; rain, Job 28:26 ) and of humanity (Daniel 4:24 ). God also decrees the reign of the Messianic King (Psalm 2:7 ).

The KJV uses “decree” to describe the decision of the Apostolic Council (Acts 16:4 ) and of a human inward decision not to marry (1 Corinthians 7:37 ). NIV refers to God's righteous decree of death for sinners (Romans 1:32 ). NAS uses “decree” for God's law which led to disobedience and death (Colossians 2:14 ,Colossians 2:14,2:20 ). NRSV uses “decree” to speak of God's eternal wisdom and plan for creation. Any translator using “decree” is interpreting the meaning of a more general Hebrew or Greek term, resulting in each translation using “decree” for several different words of the original language.