Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Statute”
The biblical word “Statute” traces back to Hebrew / Greek (choq (Hebrew), dikaioma (Greek)), where it meant “An ordinance or law; a decree; a prescribed rule or principle”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “A written law enacted by a legislative body; an ordinance”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Hebrew / Greekchoq (Hebrew), dikaioma (Greek)An ordinance or law; a decree; a prescribed rule or principle
Hebrew choq (H2706) God's statutes as standing laws and ordinances (Exodus 18:16, Leviticus 26:46). Greek dikaioma (G1345) for righteous decrees. Related: chuqqim (ordinances).
Medieval Latin / Church
LatinstatutumAn ecclesiastical law; a canon; a fixed rule of the Church
Latin statutum (established, appointed). Medieval Church used statute to denote binding ecclesiastical law and canonical regulations.
Modern English
EnglishstatuteA written law enacted by a legislative body; an ordinance
From Old French statut via Latin statutum. Primary meaning shifted to secular law, though theological usage persists in biblical contexts.