Pronunciation Guide: al-LAS-so (ἀλ-ΛΑΣ-σω)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G236: The Greek word ἀλλάσσω fundamentally means “to change, alter, or transform from one state to another.” This versatile verb emphasizes the process or act of making something different, often implying a complete or fundamental transformation. In biblical usage, it frequently carries the profound theological significance of Divine transformation, whether of physical elements, spiritual conditions, or eschatological realities.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Word: ἄλλος (allos) meaning “other, another, different”
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Narrative and doctrinal passages
• Voice: Active, Middle, and Passive forms
• Tense: Present, Future, and Aorist most common

ἀλλάσσω Morphology:

• ἀλλάσσω (present active indicative) – I change/transform
• ἀλλάξω (future active indicative) – I will change/transform
• ἤλλαξα (aorist active indicative) – I changed/transformed
• ἀλλάσσομαι (present passive indicative) – I am being changed
• ἀλλαγήσομαι (future passive indicative) – I will be changed
• ἠλλάγην (aorist passive indicative) – I was changed

Origin & History

The word ἀλλάσσω emerged from classical Greek literature where it was commonly used to describe transformation in both practical and philosophical contexts. Plato employed it in “The Republic” when discussing the transformation of the soul through education, while Aristotle used it in “Physics” to explore the nature of change and motion in the physical world.

In Hellenistic literature, the term gained broader application, particularly in commercial contexts where it described the exchange of goods and in philosophical discussions about the mutability of nature. The Septuagint translators adopted this versatile word to convey various Hebrew concepts of change, transformation, and exchange, laying the groundwork for its rich theological usage in the New Testament.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Complete transformation from one state to another
• Exchange of one thing for another
• Alteration of form or substance
• Substitution or replacement of one thing with another

ἀλλάσσω Translation Options:

• Transform – Best captures the sense of fundamental change
• Change – Most general translation, suitable for context-neutral usage
• Exchange – Appropriate when emphasizing substitution
• Alter – Useful when describing modification of existing properties
• Make Different – Helpful for emphasizing the resulting distinctiveness

Biblical Usage

The first appearance of ἀλλάσσω in Acts 6:14 comes in the context of false accusations against Stephen, where his opponents claim he said Yeshua would “change the customs Moses handed down.” This usage highlights the word’s capacity to convey profound institutional and cultural transformation.

Throughout Scripture, ἀλλάσσω appears in contexts of both physical and spiritual transformation, often with eschatological implications. Paul employs it masterfully in his discussions of the resurrection body and the final transformation of believers.

Significant appearances include:

• “for they brought false witnesses who said, ‘This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change [ἀλλάξει] the customs that Moses delivered to us.'” Acts 6:14
• “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed [ἀλλαγησόμεθα]” 1 Corinthians 15:51
• “Therefore God gave them up… who changed [μετήλλαξαν] the truth of God into a lie” Romans 1:25
• “Like a garment You will change [ἀλλάξεις] them” Hebrews 1:12

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Near Eastern world, the concept of change carried significant cultural weight, particularly in religious contexts. The Jewish understanding of change was deeply rooted in the immutability of יהוה (Yahweh) Himself, making the theological applications of ἀλλάσσω particularly striking. The word carried echoes of the Hebrew חָלַף (chalaph), which appears in contexts of renewal and replacement in the Old Testament.

The accusation against Stephen in Acts 6:14 reflects the deep anxiety in first-century Judaism about changes to Mosaic customs. This tension between continuity and transformation became a central theme in early Messianic Jewish communities as they grappled with how the Messiah’s coming transformed—but did not abolish—the Torah’s authority.

Theological Significance

The theological implications of ἀλλάσσω are profound, particularly in Pauline literature where it describes the fundamental transformation of believers both in this life and at the resurrection. This transformation reflects the very nature of God’s redemptive work—not merely improving or modifying, but completely transforming His creation.

The word appears prominently in eschatological contexts, describing the radical transformation of both the physical universe (Hebrews 1:12) and the resurrection body (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). This usage emphasizes that God’s redemptive work culminates in complete renewal rather than mere modification.

In negative contexts, such as Romans 1:25, ἀλλάσσω describes humanity’s tragic capacity to exchange divine truth for lies, highlighting the gravity of spiritual transformation in the wrong direction.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀλλάσσω challenges us to embrace God’s transformative work in our lives, recognizing that He doesn’t merely want to improve us but to fundamentally transform us into the image of His Son. This transformation isn’t just about behavioral modification but about deep, substantial change that affects every aspect of our being.

The word reminds us that no person or situation is beyond God’s transformative power. Just as He will transform our mortal bodies into glorified ones, He can transform our present circumstances, relationships, and spiritual condition when we submit to His work in our lives.

Related Words

• μεταμορφόω (metamorphoō) – to be transformed, transfigured; emphasizes visible, manifest change See G3339
• μετασχηματίζω (metaschēmatizō) – to change in form or appearance; focuses on external change See G3345
• καινόω (kainoō) – to make new, renovate; emphasizes the qualitative aspect of newness See G2537
• μεταβάλλω (metaballō) – to turn about, change one’s mind; emphasizes the process of change See G3328

Did you Know?

• In modern Greek, ἀλλάσσω is still commonly used, particularly in the context of changing clothes or exchanging currency, reflecting its ancient connotations of transformation and exchange.
• The word played a crucial role in early Christian debates about the nature of the resurrection body, with Church Fathers using it to argue for both continuity and transformation in the resurrection.
• The concept of ἀλλάσσω in Jewish thought was closely connected to the messianic expectation of the renewal of all things, making its use in the New Testament particularly significant for early Jewish believers in Yeshua.

Remember This

ἀλλάσσω reminds us that in God’s economy, transformation is never merely superficial—it is always fundamental, complete, and oriented toward His divine purposes for creation and redemption.