KJV Dictionary Definition: decree

decree

DECREE, n. L. To judge; to divide.

1. Judicial decision, or determination of a litigated cause; as a decree of the court of chancery. The decision of a court of equity is called a decree; that of a court of law, a judgment.

2. In the civil law, a determination or judgment of the emperor on a suit between parties.

3. An edict or law made by a council for regulating any business within their jurisdiction; as the decrees of ecclesiastical councils.

4. In general, an order, edict or law made by a superior as a rule to govern inferiors.

There went a decree from Cesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. Luke ii.

5. Established law, or rule.

He made a decree for the rain. Job xxviii.

6. In theology, predetermined purpose of God; the purpose or determination of an immutable Being, whose plan of operations is, like himself, unchangeable.

DECREE, v.t.

1. To determine judicially; to resolve by sentence; as, the court decreed that the property should be restored; or they decreed a restoration of the property.

2. To determine or resolve legislatively; to fix or appoint; to set or constitute by edict or in purpose.

Thou shalt decree a thing, and it shall be established. Job xxii.

Let us not be solicitous to know what God has decreed concerning us.

decreed

DECREED, pp. Determined judicially; resolved; appointed; established in purpose.

decreeing

DECREEING, ppr. Determining; resolving; appointing; ordering.