Dispensation

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Easton's Bible Dictionary - Dispensation

Dispensation

(Gr. oikonomia, "management," "economy").

  • The method or scheme according to which God carries out his purposes towards men is called a dispensation. There are usually reckoned three dispensations, the Patriarchal, the Mosaic or Jewish, and the Christian. (See COVENANT, Administration of.) These were so many stages in God's unfolding of his purpose of grace toward men. The word is not found with this meaning in Scripture.

  • A commission to preach the gospel ( 1 Corinthians 9:17 ; Ephesians 1:10 ; 3:2 ; Colossians 1:25 ).

    Dispensations of Providence are providential events which affect men either in the way of mercy or of judgement.

    These dictionary topics are from
    M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
    published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.
    Bibliography Information

    Easton, Matthew George. "Entry for Dispensation". "Easton's Bible Dictionary". .

    • King James Dictionary - Dispensation

    Dispensation

    An arrangement of things; a scheme.

    Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: that in the DISPENSATION of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him. ( Ephesians 1:9-10 )

    Source: A King James Dictionary. (Used with permission. Copyright © Philip P. Kapusta)
    Bibliography Information

    "Entry for 'Dispensation'". A King James Dictionary.

    International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Dispensation

    DISPENSATION

    dis-pen-sa'-shun:

    The Greek word (oikonomia) so translated signifies primarily, a stewardship, the management or disposition of affairs entrusted to one. Thus 1 Corinthians 9:17, the King James Version "A dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me," the Revised Version (British and American) "I have stewardship entrusted to me." The idea is similar in Ephesians 3:2 parallel Colossians 1:25 (the Revised Version, margin "stewardship"). In Ephesians 1:10 God's own working is spoken of as "dispensation."

    Copyright Statement
    These files are public domain.

    Bibliography Information
    Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. "Entry for 'DISPENSATION'". "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". 1915.