This Greek term means “variation” or “change,” particularly referring to alteration or shifting. In its sole New Testament appearance in James 1:17, it is used to emphasize God’s unchanging nature by stating what He does not have – any variation or shadow of turning.

U – Unveiling the Word

παραλλαγή comes from παρά (beside/alongside) and ἀλλάσσω (to change/alter), creating a term that describes variation or change. Its theological significance lies in its negative usage in James, emphasizing God’s immutability. The concept remains relevant today in theological discussions about divine attributes and in scientific contexts where it describes astronomical or mathematical variations.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παραλλαγή, parallagē, /par-al-la-GAY/
• Etymology: From παρά (para, “beside”) + ἀλλάσσω (allassō, “to change”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

D – Defining Meanings

Primary meaning: Variation, change, or alteration
Secondary meaning: Astronomical variation or shifting
Extended meaning: Mathematical variation or difference

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μεταβολή (metabolē): Means “change” but emphasizes transformation
• ἀλλοίωσις (alloiōsis): Means “change” but focuses on qualitative alteration
• τροπή (tropē): Means “turning” or “change” but specifically related to celestial movements

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun, παραλλαγή exhibits these features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative singular: παραλλαγή
• Genitive singular: παραλλαγῆς
• Dative singular: παραλλαγῇ
• Accusative singular: παραλλαγήν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its technical usage in astronomical contexts. Thayer’s connects it to classical Greek mathematical terminology. LSJ provides extensive examples from scientific literature. Vine’s focuses on its theological significance in James. Moulton and Milligan note its usage in papyri for commercial transactions involving change or exchange.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance: James 1:17

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation [παραλλαγή] or shadow due to change.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παραλλαγή represents a precise term for variation or change, particularly significant in astronomical and mathematical contexts, used theologically in James to emphasize divine immutability.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term was commonly used in ancient astronomical texts to describe planetary movements
2. It shares a root with modern scientific terms like “parallax”
3. It appears in ancient mathematical treatises discussing geometric variations

Strong’s G3883: παραλλαγή – A feminine noun denoting variation or change, particularly in astronomical contexts. Used uniquely in James 1:17 to emphasize God’s immutability through negative statement. Derives from technical Greek scientific vocabulary, highlighting precision in theological expression.

Part of Speech: Noun (Feminine)

Tags: #TheologicalTerm #ScientificVocabulary #DivineAttributes #JamesVocabulary #GreekMathematics #AstronomicalTerm #ImmutabilityOfGod

Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations independently.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​