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Unveiling the Word

Understanding the nuances of Greek words in biblical studies is essential for unlocking the depth and complexity of New Testament theology. The word μετάθεσις (metathesis) is particularly significant because it embodies the concept of change or transformation, both in literal and figurative senses. It first appears in Hebrews 7:12, where it highlights a fundamental shift in the priesthood, symbolizing a broader transformation in the relationship between God and humanity. This word is not only crucial for interpreting this passage but also offers insights into the dynamics of change within the early Christian context and its connections to ancient Greek thought.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μετάθεσις (metathesis) [meh-TAH-the-sis]

Etymology: The term μετάθεσις is derived from the verb μετατίθημι (metatithēmi), which means “to transfer,” “to change,” or “to transpose.” It is composed of two parts: the prefix μετά (meta), often conveying the sense of change, movement, or transformation, and the verb τίθημι (tithēmi), which means “to place” or “to set.” Together, the word suggests a movement from one place or condition to another, highlighting an alteration or rearrangement.

Part of Speech: Noun. Metathesis is a feminine noun and is used to denote the act of changing, transferring, or translating something from one state or place to another. In the New Testament, it is primarily used to discuss changes in the legal or spiritual order.

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Defining Meanings

1. Change or Transformation: The primary meaning of metathesis involves a fundamental change or transformation, particularly in legal, spiritual, or organizational contexts. For example, in Hebrews 7:12, it refers to a shift in the priesthood and the associated laws.
2. Translation or Transfer: In other contexts, metathesis can mean a literal transfer from one place to another, such as the movement of an object or person.
3. Reordering or Rearrangement: It can also imply the act of reordering or rearranging elements within a structure, whether in a physical, social, or conceptual sense.

Exploring Similar Words

1. μετατίθημι (metatithēmi) [meh-tah-TEE-thay-mee]: This verb form means “to transfer” or “to change,” and is the root from which metathesis is derived. It emphasizes the act of moving or shifting something from one place or condition to another.
2. μεταβολή (metabolē) [meh-tah-bo-LAY]: This word also conveys the idea of change or transformation but is often used in contexts involving physical or material change rather than legal or spiritual.
3. ἀλλάσσω (allassō) [ah-LAHS-so]: Meaning “to change” or “to exchange,” this word focuses more on the process of change itself rather than the result or state after the change, as implied by metathesis.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: Metathesis is a feminine noun, and its endings will vary based on its grammatical case—nominative, genitive, dative, or accusative—and number—singular or plural. For example, in the nominative singular, it appears as μετάθεσις, while in the genitive singular, it changes to μεταθέσεως.

Declension: It follows the third declension pattern for Greek nouns. Here is a basic declension table for μετάθεσις:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The word metathesis is discussed across various lexicons with particular emphasis on its theological implications. In BDAG and Thayer’s lexicons, it is noted for its usage in Hebrews 7:12, where it indicates a change in the priesthood, reflecting a broader shift in the covenantal relationship between God and His people. LSJ expands its usage to classical Greek, where it can refer to the rearrangement of letters in a word or the transference of objects. Vine’s and Strong’s focus on its application in spiritual contexts, often describing a transformation or reordering of divine or human affairs. LEH and Moulton and Milligan highlight its appearance in the Septuagint, where it often conveys a shift or movement ordained by God.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Hebrews 7:12: “For when the priesthood is changed [μετάθεσις], of necessity there takes place a change of law also.”
2. Hebrews 11:5: “By faith Enoch was taken up [μετετέθη] so that he would not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.”
3. Hebrews 12:27: “This expression, ‘Yet once more,’ denotes the removing [μετάθεσις] of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

Metathesis is a profound word that encapsulates the concept of change, transformation, and reordering in both physical and spiritual contexts. Its use in Hebrews 7:12 is crucial for understanding the shift in the priesthood and the new covenant brought through Jesus Christ. The word’s broader applications in classical literature also reflect a nuanced understanding of transformation, whether in logic, cosmology, or societal structures. For biblical scholars and students of ancient Greek, metathesis offers a rich field of study, illustrating how language can convey deep theological truths about change and continuity.

Did You Know?

1. The word metathesis is used in linguistics to describe the phenomenon where letters in a word are rearranged, such as “bird” becoming “brid” in Old English.
2. In classical Greek literature, metathesis often referred to the physical or metaphysical transposition of elements, illustrating the Greek fascination with the concept of change.
3. In the Septuagint, metathesis is used to describe divine interventions where God “translates” or moves people and events, highlighting His sovereignty over change.