Understanding ἀλλήλων (allēlōn) Strong’s G240: The Biblical Call to Mutual Love and Unity in the Body of Messiah

Pronunciation Guide: al-lay-LONE

Basic Definition

Strong’s G240: ἀλλήλων (allēlōn) is a reciprocal pronoun expressing mutual relationship and interaction between multiple parties. It fundamentally means “one another” or “each other,” emphasizing reciprocal actions, feelings, or responsibilities between members of a group. This word appears exclusively in plural contexts, highlighting the communal nature of biblical faith and practice.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Reciprocal Pronoun
• Root: Derived from ἄλλος (allos), meaning “other”
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in narrative and epistolary literature, particularly in passages addressing church relationships and community life
• Literary Context: Frequently appears in ethical instructions and descriptions of community relationships

ἀλλήλων Morphology:

• ἀλλήλων (genitive) – of one another
• ἀλλήλοις (dative masculine/neuter) – to/for one another
• ἀλλήλαις (dative feminine) – to/for one another
• ἀλλήλους (accusative masculine) – one another
• ἀλλήλας (accusative feminine) – one another

Origin & History

The word ἀλλήλων has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it served as a fundamental way to express reciprocal relationships and mutual actions. In works like Plato’s “Republic,” it appears in discussions of justice and social relationships, emphasizing the interconnected nature of human society.

This reciprocal pronoun evolved from the repetition of ἄλλος (allos), meaning “other,” effectively expressing “another to another.” Its usage in classical Greek literature predominantly appeared in contexts discussing mutual obligations, responsibilities, and relationships within social groups.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Mutual interaction between multiple parties
• Reciprocal relationship between members of a group
• Shared responsibility among community members
• Interdependent connection between believers

ἀλλήλων Translation Options:

• “One another” – Best captures the reciprocal nature in most contexts
• “Each other” – Appropriate when emphasizing individual-to-individual relationships
• “Mutually” – Useful when expressing shared actions or feelings
• “Together” – Helpful when emphasizing collective unity and cooperation

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀλλήλων appears frequently in passages addressing community life and relationships within the Body of Messiah. Its first appearance in Matthew 24:10 occurs in a sobering context, warning of future betrayal and hatred between believers during times of persecution.

The term is particularly prevalent in the Pauline epistles, where it serves as a cornerstone for describing Christian relationships and responsibilities. Paul uses it extensively when outlining practical expressions of love, unity, and mutual care within the community of faith.

The frequency and context of ἀλλήλων usage demonstrate that mutual relationship and responsibility are not optional aspects of faith but fundamental to biblical community:

• “And then many will fall away and betray one another [ἀλλήλων] and hate one another.” Matthew 24:10
• “Be devoted to one another [ἀλλήλων] in brotherly love.” Romans 12:10
• “Therefore, confess your sins to one another [ἀλλήλων].” James 5:16
• “Bear one another’s [ἀλλήλων] burdens.” Galatians 6:2
• “Love one another [ἀλλήλων] deeply, from the heart.” 1 Peter 1:22

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of mutual responsibility was encapsulated in the principle of ערבות (arvut), which taught that all Israel were responsible for one another. This cultural understanding would have deeply informed the early believers’ interpretation of ἀλλήλων commands in the New Testament.

The emphasis on mutual relationships in the New Testament writings reflects both Greek philosophical ideals of community and Jewish theological concepts of covenant relationship. This synthesis created a unique Christian understanding of community that transcended both cultural backgrounds while incorporating their best insights.

Theological Significance

The frequent use of ἀλλήλων in the New Testament reveals a fundamental truth about God’s design for His people: we are created for community and mutual edification. This reflects the perfect unity and mutual love within the Trinity, where Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in perfect reciprocal relationship.

The reciprocal nature of ἀλλήλων commands demonstrates that the Body of Messiah is designed to function as an interdependent community where each member both gives and receives. This pattern reflects God’s wisdom in establishing a community where His love can be experienced and expressed through mutual relationships.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀλλήλων challenges us to move beyond individualistic faith to embrace our role in the community of believers. Each “one another” command invites us to participate in the divine pattern of giving and receiving, serving and being served, loving and being loved.

This word calls us to examine our participation in our faith communities: Are we fully engaged in the mutual relationships God designed for our growth and blessing? Are we both giving and receiving in our relationships with other believers?

Related Words

• φιλαδελφία (philadelphia) [fil-ah-del-FEE-ah] – brotherly love, emphasizing familial affection within the community See G5360
• κοινωνία (koinonia) [koy-noh-NEE-ah] – fellowship, sharing in common See G2842
• ὁμοθυμαδόν (homothumadon) [hom-oh-thoo-mah-DONE] – with one accord See G3661
• ἑνότης (henotēs) [hen-OH-tace] – unity See G1775

Did you Know?

• The word ἀλλήλων appears over 100 times in the New Testament, making it one of the most significant terms for describing Christian relationships and community life.
• In modern Greek, ἀλλήλων continues to be used in words describing mutual action, such as αλληλεπίδραση (interaction) and αλληλοβοήθεια (mutual assistance), showing its enduring importance in expressing reciprocal relationships.
• The concept of mutual responsibility expressed by ἀλλήλων was so important in early Christian communities that archaeological evidence shows early house churches were designed to facilitate face-to-face interaction and mutual ministry.

Remember This

ἀλλήλων embodies the divine design for community life, where believers are knit together in a tapestry of mutual love, service, and support, reflecting the very nature of our Triune God.