Understanding διαλλάσσω (diallassō) Strong’s G1259: The Divine Process of Reconciliation that Restores Broken Relationships

Pronunciation Guide: dee-al-LAS-so (with emphasis on the third syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1259: διαλλάσσω (diallassō) conveys the transformative act of changing from a state of enmity to one of friendship or peace. It specifically refers to the mutual reconciliation between two parties who were previously in conflict. In its New Testament context, it emphasizes the active process of settling differences and restoring broken relationships through genuine change of disposition towards the other person.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Verb
• Root components: διά (dia, “through, thoroughly”) + ἀλλάσσω (allassō, “to change, alter”)
• Compound verb expressing thorough or complete change
• Appears in teaching/instruction sections of Scripture
• Middle voice in its New Testament usage, indicating reciprocal action

διαλλάσσω Morphology:

• διαλλάσσω (present active indicative, 1st person singular) – I reconcile
• διαλλάσσεις (present active indicative, 2nd person singular) – you reconcile
• διαλλάσσει (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it reconciles
• διαλλάσσεσθε (present passive/middle imperative, 2nd person plural) – be reconciled (the form used in Matthew 5:24)
• διαλλαγῆναι (aorist passive infinitive) – to be reconciled

Origin & History

The compound verb διαλλάσσω has a rich history in classical Greek literature, where it originally conveyed the notion of “to change” or “to exchange.” Herodotus (5th century BCE) used it to describe exchanges of goods or changing one thing for another in his “Histories.” Over time, it developed specialized meaning in interpersonal contexts. Thucydides employed the term in his “History of the Peloponnesian War” to describe warring states making peace with one another, highlighting its evolution toward reconciliation between adversaries.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, διαλλάσσω appears in 1 Samuel 29:4, where the Philistines questioned whether David would reconcile himself to Saul by betraying them. The term reflects the Hebrew concept of שָׁלוֹם (shalom), which encompasses not merely absence of conflict but the positive presence of harmony and well-being. This usage bridges the classical Greek understanding with the theological richness found in the New Testament.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The process of changing completely from enmity to friendship
• The mutual restoration of relationship between estranged parties
• The active resolution of differences leading to peace
• The removal of barriers to relationship through deliberate reconciliatory action
• The transformation of attitudes toward another person resulting in harmony

διαλλάσσω Translation Options:

• Reconcile – Emphasizes the restoration of relationship and return to harmony, capturing the mutual nature of the action
• Make peace with – Highlights the transition from conflict to peaceful relations, though lacks some of the depth of complete restoration
• Be completely reconciled to – The addition of “completely” reflects the διά prefix indicating thoroughness
• Resolve differences with – Focuses on the practical aspect of addressing causes of division
• Make amends with – Emphasizes the corrective action required in reconciliation, though may overemphasize the reparation aspect

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, διαλλάσσω appears only once, in Matthew 5:24, where Yeshua (Jesus) teaches about reconciliation as a prerequisite to worship. This singular usage gives it particular theological weight within the Sermon on the Mount, where the Messiah elevates spiritual transformation above mere religious observance. The rarity of the term suggests its deliberate selection to convey the specific, thorough nature of reconciliation that Yeshua requires of His followers.

Though διαλλάσσω itself appears only once, related terms from the same word family appear throughout the New Testament, particularly in Paul’s writings. The noun διαλλαγή (diallage) and the verb καταλλάσσω (katallasso) develop the concept further in passages about reconciliation with God and others. This rich semantic field suggests that the concept represented by διαλλάσσω was foundational to early Messianic understanding of both vertical (divine-human) and horizontal (human-human) relationships.

• “Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled [διαλλάγηθι] to your brother, and then come and present your offering.” Matthew 5:24

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, reconciliation was deeply embedded in cultural practices of honor and shame. When Yeshua taught about διαλλάσσω, His first-century Jewish audience would have understood this within a community framework where broken relationships affected not just individuals but the entire community’s well-being. The public nature of reconciliation often involved witnesses and formal gestures acknowledging the restoration of relationship.

The Jewish practice of seeking forgiveness before Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) provides important cultural context for understanding διαλλάσσω. The Mishnah (Yoma 8:9) teaches: “For transgressions between a person and God, Yom Kippur atones; but for transgressions between a person and another, Yom Kippur does not atone until one has appeased the other.” This principle aligns perfectly with Yeshua’s teaching in Matthew 5:24, showing how He built upon established Jewish ethical frameworks while emphasizing the primacy of restored relationships as a prerequisite for proper worship of Yahweh.

Theological Significance

The theological implications of διαλλάσσω extend far beyond a simple instruction about interpersonal conflict. This word embodies a fundamental principle in God’s economy: that right relationship with Him cannot be separated from right relationships with others. When Yeshua placed διαλλάσσω as a prerequisite to offering gifts at the altar, He established reconciliation as an essential expression of true worship, not an optional religious practice.

This concept reflects the character of God Himself, who is both perfectly just and merciful. Throughout Scripture, Yahweh is portrayed as the ultimate reconciler who actively works to restore broken relationships with humanity. The incarnation itself—God becoming flesh in the person of Yeshua—represents the divine commitment to διαλλάσσω. Through the Messiah’s atoning sacrifice, God has provided the means for humanity to be fully reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Our practice of διαλλάσσω with others thus becomes both a response to and reflection of God’s reconciling work in our own lives.

Personal Application

The call to διαλλάσσω challenges us to examine our relationships honestly and take initiative in healing brokenness. This isn’t merely about saying “I’m sorry” but involves a genuine transformation of heart and disposition toward those who have wounded us or whom we have wounded. When we practice διαλλάσσω, we participate in God’s redemptive work of restoring all things to their intended harmony.

Consider where broken relationships might be hindering your spiritual growth or worship. The Messiah’s teaching makes clear that our vertical relationship with God is intimately connected to our horizontal relationships with others. Make a list of relationships that need healing, and prayerfully seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in taking concrete steps toward reconciliation. Remember that διαλλάσσω often requires humility, vulnerability, and persistence—qualities that reflect the character of Yeshua Himself.

Related Words

• καταλλάσσω (katallassō, kah-tah-LASS-so) – To reconcile, especially in the context of God reconciling humanity to Himself; emphasizes the initiative of one party (usually the offended) to restore relationship. While διαλλάσσω focuses on mutual reconciliation between equals, καταλλάσσω often describes reconciliation initiated by a superior party. See G2644
• ἀποκαταλλάσσω (apokatallassō, ah-po-kah-tah-LASS-so) – To reconcile completely, to restore to a former state of harmony; used specifically of Christ’s work in reconciling all things to God. The additional prefix ἀπο- intensifies the thoroughness of the reconciliation beyond even διαλλάσσω. See G604
• ἀλλάσσω (allassō, al-LASS-so) – To change or alter; the root verb from which διαλλάσσω derives, focusing on the transformation aspect without the specific relational context. See G236
• εἰρηνοποιέω (eirēnopoieō, ei-ray-no-poi-EH-o) – To make peace, to establish harmony; a related concept focusing on the active creation of peace rather than the process of reconciliation itself. See G1517
• συναλλάσσω (synallassō, soon-al-LASS-so) – To reconcile; used in Acts 7:26 of Moses attempting to reconcile two fighting Hebrews. The prefix συν- emphasizes bringing together those who were apart. See G4900

Did you Know?

• Did you know that in ancient Greek diplomatic language, διαλλάσσω was a technical term used when negotiating peace treaties between warring city-states? Archaeological discoveries include peace treaties inscribed on stone where forms of διαλλάσσω appear as formal declarations of reconciliation. This diplomatic background enriches our understanding of Yeshua’s command to be reconciled, showing it as both a personal spiritual duty and an act with public, communal significance.
• Did you know that modern Greek still uses διαλλάσσω (in its evolved form) in both legal and interpersonal contexts? In contemporary Greek courts, a judge might encourage διαλλαγή (the noun form) between disputing parties before proceeding with a formal trial. This linguistic continuity demonstrates the enduring importance of the concept across millennia and contexts.
• Did you know that the requirement for διαλλάσσω in Matthew 5:24 would have been particularly challenging for first-century Jews living under Roman occupation? To delay a temple offering to seek reconciliation could involve considerable practical difficulties, especially if the “brother” lived far away. This heightens the radical nature of Yeshua’s teaching—He valued restored relationships above convenience or even the timing of prescribed religious observances.

Remember This

Διαλλάσσω reveals God’s priority system: no vertical worship is acceptable without horizontal healing—reconciliation with others is not optional but essential for authentic relationship with Yahweh.