Dispensation
TextsWhat is the meaning of Dispensation in the Bible?
The term dispensation, derived from the Greek oikonomia, signifies stewardship or management and refers to the divine administration of the world. In New Testament passages such as 1 Corinthians 9:17 and Ephesians 3:2, it denotes the specific trust or responsibility assigned to individuals for proclaiming the gospel.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the concept of dispensation aids readers in distinguishing between laws and expectations that applied to specific historical periods and those intended for all believers, thereby clarifying transitions between different eras of divine administration in biblical narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Dispensation in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Dispensation clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.