The word “dispensation” appears a handful of times in the Bible, depending on the translation used. In the New American Standard Bible (1995 Update), the term translates key Greek words that carry the sense of stewardship, management, or administration of something entrusted by God. Understanding this word provides insight into God’s unfolding plan for humanity and the responsibilities He gives to His servants.
Occurrences in the Bible
The word “dispensation” occurs in several passages, most notably in Ephesians and Colossians.
- Ephesians 1:10, “with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.”
- Ephesians 3:2, “if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me for you;”
- Colossians 1:25, “Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God,”
In older English translations, such as the Authorised (King James) Version, the Greek word οἰκονομία (oikonomia) is often rendered as “dispensation.” The NASB95 translates it as “administration” or “stewardship,” emphasizing its managerial sense.
The Meaning of the Word
The Greek term οἰκονομία (oikonomia) comes from two words:
- oikos (οἶκος) – “house”
- nomos (νόμος) – “law” or “management”
Thus, the literal meaning is “household management” or “administration of a household.”
In biblical usage, oikonomia refers to the management or stewardship of something entrusted by another, particularly the management of God’s plan or grace. The one managing it is called an oikonomos – a steward.
Theological Significance
Stewardship Entrusted by God
In Ephesians 3:2, Paul speaks of the “stewardship (dispensation) of God’s grace” given to him. This means that Paul was entrusted with a divine responsibility, to proclaim the mystery of Christ to the Gentiles. God gave Paul a role in the “administration” of His redemptive plan. This usage emphasizes responsibility and trust rather than a time period. Paul acts as a manager of God’s revealed grace.
God’s Divine Administration
In Ephesians 1:10, the word oikonomia points to God’s overarching plan, His “administration suitable to the fullness of the times.” This verse describes God’s divine economy, His orderly unfolding of salvation history culminating in the uniting of all things under Christ.
Here, dispensation refers to God’s management of history toward His ultimate purpose, the reconciliation of all creation in Christ.
Stewardship in Ministry
In Colossians 1:25, Paul again uses the word to describe his divine commission, “according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit.”
This reinforces that a dispensation involves being entrusted with a sacred duty, in this case, proclaiming the Word of God.
Summary of Biblical Usage
| Passage | Greek Word | Translation | Core Meaning |
| Ephesians 1:10 | οἰκονομία | administration | God’s plan for history |
| Ephesians 3:2 | οἰκονομία | stewardship | Paul’s entrusted ministry of grace |
| Colossians 1:25 | οἰκονομία | stewardship | Paul’s responsibility to preach God’s Word |
Broader Theological Understanding
In Christian theology “dispensation” is used to describe distinct periods in God’s dealings with humanity (as in Dispensational Theology), the biblical word itself focuses on the idea of management or stewardship.
In other words, dispensation in Scripture primarily conveys:
- Responsibility: managing something entrusted by God.
- Purpose: carrying out God’s divine plan.
- Order: the structured way God reveals and accomplishes His will.
Conclusion
The biblical word “dispensation” (Greek oikonomia) conveys the rich idea of divine stewardship and administration. Whether describing God’s management of redemptive history or Paul’s personal commission, it underscores that God’s work is orderly, purposeful, and entrusted to faithful servants.
Understanding dispensation reminds believers that they, too, are stewards of God’s grace (1 Peter 4:10), called to faithfully administer what He has entrusted to them until Christ brings all things to completion.
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