Word Details

• Transliteration: διαλλάσσω (diallássō) [dee-al-LAS-soh]
• Etymology: From the root words διά (G1223: diá) meaning through, by means of and ἀλλάσσω (G236: allássō) meaning to change, to exchange.

Word Breakdown:

• Person: First person
• Number: Singular
• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative

Disclaimer: The above morphological breakdown reflects the word διαλλάσσω in its present active indicative form. However, this breakdown can differ depending on the word’s use in different contexts within a sentence, where it may appear in various persons, numbers, tenses, voices, or moods.

Primary Meanings

• To reconcile or restore to favor.
• To change the relationship between people from enmity to friendship.
• To remove hostility and establish peace.
• To bring about mutual understanding or agreement.

Lexicon Descriptions

BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich):

• διαλλάσσω refers to the act of reconciling or restoring to favor, particularly in the context of relationships that have been strained or broken. It implies a change from enmity to friendship, often involving the removal of hostility.
• Scripture References: Matthew 5:24

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines διαλλάσσω as meaning to reconcile or to bring back into harmony. It suggests the idea of changing a relationship from one of hostility or alienation to one of peace and friendship.
• Scripture References: Matthew 5:24

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s explains διαλλάσσω as the process of reconciliation, particularly in the sense of making peace between parties that were previously at odds. The term is used to describe the restoration of a broken relationship.
• Scripture References: Matthew 5:24

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διαλλάσσω as to change or exchange, particularly in the context of relationships. It is often used to describe the act of reconciling differences and bringing about harmony between parties.
• Scripture References: Matthew 5:24

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διαλλάσσω as a compound word from διά (G1223: diá) and ἀλλάσσω (G236: allássō), meaning to change thoroughly or to reconcile. It is often used to describe the process of making peace or restoring favor between individuals.
• Scripture References: Matthew 5:24

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus uses διαλλάσσω to describe the process of reconciliation between warring states or factions, where peace is established after a period of conflict.
• Xenophon, Anabasis: In Xenophon’s work, διαλλάσσω is employed in the context of diplomatic negotiations, where leaders seek to reconcile differences and restore peace between hostile parties.
• Plutarch, Lives: Plutarch uses διαλλάσσω to illustrate the reconciliation of political or personal relationships, often involving the resolution of disputes and the restoration of harmony.

Summary

διαλλάσσω (G1259: diallássō) is a Greek verb that fundamentally means to reconcile, restore to favor, or bring about peace between parties that were previously in conflict. Derived from διά (through, by means of) and ἀλλάσσω (to change, to exchange), the term carries the connotation of transforming a relationship from hostility to friendship. In the New Testament, διαλλάσσω is used to describe the act of making peace and resolving disputes, as seen in passages like Matthew 5:24, where reconciliation is emphasized as a necessary step before offering a gift at the altar. Its usage in classical Greek literature reflects its broader application in diplomatic and personal contexts, where reconciliation is often sought to restore harmony and mutual understanding. Whether in historical, philosophical, or biblical contexts, διαλλάσσω underscores the importance of resolving conflicts and restoring broken relationships, making it a key concept for understanding the process of reconciliation in both ancient and modern times.