Understanding Dispensations
Defining Dispensation
The term dispensation refers to the act of distributing or administering something. It primarily denotes a system of administration, whether in secular governance or within a household. The Greek word for dispensation, οἰκονομία (oikonomia), entered English through a complex etymological path influenced by Latin and French. From Greek, oikonomia was transliterated into Latin as oeconomia, retaining its meaning of “management” or “administration,” particularly in relation to state or household affairs. From Latin, oeconomia evolved into Old French as économie, expanding in meaning beyond household management to encompass broader concepts of organization and financial oversight. By the 16th century, English had borrowed the word from Latin, with the expanded definition from the Old French as oeconomy, later simplifying its spelling to economy.
In its broadest modern usage, an economy refers to the system by which goods and services are produced, distributed, and consumed within a society. It involves trade, industry, labor, and financial institutions. Additionally, economy denotes the careful management of resources—whether money, materials, or time—aimed at minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency.
Although the meaning of dispensation has evolved over the centuries, the root concept of a dispensation has not strayed from its original meaning. Therefore, when examined from a Scriptural perspective, the concept of oikonomia remains household law, derived from the combination of οἶκος (oikos, “house”) and νόμος (nomos, “law”). Thus, in Scripture, the term continues to convey the idea of a system of administration, whether in secular governance or within a household.
The terms steward (οἰκονόμος) and dispensation (οἰκονομία) appear nineteen times in the New Testament; however, neither is a new concept in Scripture. In Genesis 43:16, Joseph instructs the steward (אֲשֶׁר) of his house to bring his brothers into the house and prepare a meal for them. Similarly, in Genesis 15:2, Abraham refers to Eliezer of Damascus, the steward of his household, as the one who would inherit his possessions because he was childless. Thus, stewardship and dispensations are Biblical concepts.
Dispensationalism is a theological system that builds upon the concept of dispensations. Traditional dispensationalism accurately divides Scripture based on the seven dispensations revealed in Scripture. However, we do not interpret Scripture through the lens of dispensationalism; rather, dispensations are the result of taking Scripture literally. When any theology is imposed upon Scripture, it ultimately introduces human doctrines into the Church, thereby producing divisions. This is how revised, progressive, hyper, and mid-Acts (or the Grace Movement) dispensationalism emerged. These variations all cause divisions within the body of Christ, which is a work of the flesh, and they arise from men who impose theology onto Scripture rather than interpreting it literally. However, their error does not alter the truth of Scripture regarding dispensations.
Through Paul, we discover that dispensations are the method God has chosen to deal with mankind. Additionally, based on its normal use of the term in Scripture, we can establish Biblical guidelines for a dispensation, including when it begins and ends, as well as identifying each dispensation’s steward and household, thereby properly dividing Scripture.
The concept of a dispensation refers to the household law that is dispensed by a steward. Therefore, a dispensation requires three essential elements: a master of the house, a steward, and members of the household. From a Scriptural perspective, the master of the house is always God (Hebrews 3:6). By examining passages in which God gives instructions to a man to dispense to others, we can determine that each dispensation has only one steward. For example, Paul is identified as the steward of the Dispensation of Grace (Ephesians 3:2), and no other apostle is described in this manner. Likewise, Moses was faithful as a servant in his house (Hebrews 3:5).
When we examine other dispensations in Scripture, this pattern remains consistent—each dispensation has one steward who dispenses the rules to the household. These standards apply only to those who belong to the household. Those who are outside of the household cannot develop their own standard and thereby expect to be blessed by God—the master of the house.
Now that we have established proper biblical guidelines for determining divisions within Scripture, next time, we will explore how to apply these principles without imposing a preconceived framework onto the text.