Disposition
Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words [1]
an ordinance, e.g., Romans 13:2 (cp. diatasso, "to appoint, ordain"), is rendered "disposition" in Acts 7:53; RV, "as it (the law) was ordained by angels" (marg., "as the ordinance of angels;" lit., "unto ordinances of angels"). Angels are mentioned in connection with the giving of the Law of Moses in Deuteronomy 33:2 . In Galatians 3:19; Hebrews 2:2 the purpose of the reference to them is to show the superiority of the Gospel to the Law. In Acts 7:53 Stephen mentions the angels to stress the majesty of the Law. See Ordain , Ordinance.
King James Dictionary [2]
Disposition n. L.
1. The act of disposing, or state of being disposed. 2. Manner in which things or the parts of a complex body are placed or arranged order method distribution arrangement. We speak of the disposition of the infantry and cavalry of an army the disposition of the trees in an orchard the disposition of the several parts of an edifice, of the parts of a discourse, or of the figures in painting. 3. Natural fitness or tendency. The refrangibility of the rays of light is their disposition to be refracted. So we say, a disposition in plants to grow in a direction upwards a disposition in bodies to putrefaction. 4. Temper or natural constitution of the mind as an amiable or an irritable disposition. 5. Inclination propensity the temper or frame of mind, as directed to particular objects. We speak of the disposition of a person to undertake a particular work the dispositions of men towards each other a disposition friendly to any design. 6. Disposal alienation distribution a giving away or giving over to another as, he has made disposition of his effects he has satisfied his friends by the judicious disposition of his property.
Webster's Dictionary [3]
(1): ( n.) Conscious inclination; propension or propensity.
(2): ( n.) The act of disposing, arranging, ordering, regulating, or transferring; application; disposal; as, the disposition of a man's property by will.
(3): ( n.) The state or the manner of being disposed or arranged; distribution; arrangement; order; as, the disposition of the trees in an orchard; the disposition of the several parts of an edifice.
(4): ( n.) Tendency to any action or state resulting from natural constitution; nature; quality; as, a disposition in plants to grow in a direction upward; a disposition in bodies to putrefaction.
(5): ( n.) Natural or prevailing spirit, or temperament of mind, especially as shown in intercourse with one's fellow-men; temper of mind.
(6): ( n.) Mood; humor.
Charles Buck Theological Dictionary [4]
That temper of mind, which any person possesses. In every man, says lord Kaims, there is something original that serves to distinguish him from others, that tends to form a character, and to make him meek or fiery, candid or deceitful, resolute or timorous, cheerful or morose. This original bent, termed disposition, must be distinguished from a principle; the latter signifying a law of human nature makes part of the common nature of man; the former makes part of the nature of this or that man.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia [5]
dis pō̇ zish´un διαταγαί diatagaı́ Acts 7:53
