The Definition of Economy

Word Studies

Word Studies in the New Testament (Vincent)

On 1 Timothy 1:4:

Godly edifying. According to the reading oikodomian edification. So Vulg. aedificationem. But the correct reading is oikonomian ordering or dispensation: the scheme or order of salvation devised and administered by God: God’s household economy. Oikonomian is a Pauline word. With the exception of this instance, only in Paul and Luke. See Eph. i. 10; iii. 2, 9; Col. i. 25. (4: 204)

On Ephesians 1:10:

That in the dispensation, etc. (eiV oikonomian). The A. V. is faulty and clumsy. EiV does not mean in, but unto, with a view to. Dispensation has no article. The clause is directly connected with the preceding: the mystery which He purposed in Himself unto a dispensation. For oikonomia dispensation, see on Col. i. 25. Here and ch. iii. 2, of the divine regulation, disposition, economy of things. (3: 367)

On Ephesians 3:2:

Dispensation (oikonomian). See on ch. i. 10; Col. i. 25. The divine arrangement or disposition. (3: 381)

On Colossians 1:25: