Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential for deepening one’s comprehension of Biblical texts, as these words often carry rich meanings that are not fully captured in translations. The Greek word καταλλάσσω (katallássō) is particularly significant in Christian theology as it refers to the concept of reconciliation. This word is central to understanding the New Testament’s message of redemption and the restoration of a relationship between God and humanity. Additionally, it provides insight into ancient Greek culture’s emphasis on harmony and the resolution of conflict.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: καταλλάσσω (katallássō) [ka-tal-LAS-so]
• Etymology Root Words and Their Meanings: Derived from κατά (kata-), meaning “down” or “against,” and ἀλλάσσω (allássō), meaning “to change” or “to exchange.” Thus, καταλλάσσω means “to change thoroughly” or “to exchange” in the context of restoring relationships.
• Part of Speech: Verb; used in the context of changing a relationship from hostility to peace or bringing about reconciliation.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To reconcile.
• To change a relationship from hostility to peace.
• To bring about mutual change, especially in relationships.

Similar Words: ἀποκαταλλάσσω (apokatallássō) [a-po-ka-tal-LAS-so] also means “to reconcile” but with an intensified sense of complete restoration. Another related word is συνκαταλλάσσω (synkatallássō) [syn-ka-tal-LAS-so], meaning “to reconcile together,” emphasizing a collective reconciliation.

Further Insights: The verb καταλλάσσω (katallássō) follows a regular pattern of conjugation typical for ancient Greek verbs. It is a compound word that involves the prefix κατά (kata-), indicating a downward or thorough action, combined with ἀλλάσσω (allássō), meaning “to change.” The use of καταλλάσσω in Biblical texts often emphasizes the transformative nature of reconciliation through Christ. Below is a partial conjugation table for the verb in the present active indicative:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: καταλλάσσω is defined as “to reconcile” or “to bring back to a state of harmony.” It highlights the action of God reconciling the world to Himself through Christ, as well as the reciprocal reconciliation among people.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: This lexicon elaborates on καταλλάσσω as the action of reconciling or restoring to favor. It emphasizes its use in Paul’s writings to describe both God’s act of reconciling humanity and the resulting human response.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Defines καταλλάσσω as “to change from enmity to friendship” and connects it with the theological concept of atonement, where Christ’s sacrifice changes the relationship between God and sinners.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Provides a more general definition, stating that καταλλάσσω means “to exchange” or “to reconcile,” with examples from classical Greek literature where it was used to denote political or social reconciliations.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines καταλλάσσω as “to reconcile, restore to favor,” particularly focusing on the divine initiative to bring peace between God and humanity.

Related Scripture References

• Romans 5:10: “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled [καταλλάσσω] to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:18: “Now all these things are from God, who reconciled [καταλλάσσω] us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:20: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled [καταλλάσσω] to God.”

Classical Usage

Summary of καταλλάσσω (G2644: katallássō)

The Greek word καταλλάσσω (katallássō) plays a pivotal role in New Testament theology, particularly in the writings of Paul, where it describes the process of reconciliation between God and humanity. This term emphasizes not only a change in relationship from enmity to peace but also the transformative power of divine love that brings about this change. Classical Greek usage of καταλλάσσω also highlights its broader implications for resolving conflicts and fostering harmony in various social and political contexts. Understanding this word offers a deeper insight into the Biblical message of reconciliation and restoration.

Did You Know?

1. The concept of καταλλάσσω is central to understanding Paul’s doctrine of salvation and how believers are brought into a reconciled relationship with God.
2. The word is used not only in religious contexts but also in political treaties and negotiations, reflecting its versatile usage in ancient Greek society.
3. The process of καταλλάσσω involves both divine and human action, where God initiates reconciliation through Christ, and believers are called to respond by reconciling with one another.

These insights into καταλλάσσω help illuminate the transformative nature of reconciliation in both ancient Greek culture and Christian theology, underscoring its lasting importance.