Pronunciation Guide: ah-po-kah-tah-LAHS-so

Basic Definition

Strong’s G604: ἀποκαταλλάσσω is a compound verb that means to reconcile completely or to change from one condition of enmity to full restored fellowship. It emphasizes a thorough transformation from hostility to harmony through divine intervention. The word conveys the idea of a complete restoration of relationship, particularly between God and humanity through the Messiah’s redemptive work.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from three elements: ἀπό (from), κατά (down, according to), and ἀλλάσσω (to change)
• Primary usage in teaching passages related to salvation and reconciliation
• Extremely rare in extra-biblical Greek literature
• Intensive form of καταλλάσσω, emphasizing completeness
• Found only in Pauline epistles

ἀποκαταλλάσσω Morphology:

• ἀποκαταλλάξαι (aorist active infinitive) – to reconcile completely
• ἀποκαταλλάξῃ (aorist active subjunctive) – might reconcile
• ἀποκαταλλαγέντες (aorist passive participle) – having been reconciled
• ἀποκατήλλαξεν (aorist active indicative) – reconciled completely

Origin & History

ἀποκαταλλάσσω appears to be a Pauline innovation, as it is not found in classical Greek literature before the New Testament. The simpler form καταλλάσσω was commonly used in diplomatic and commercial contexts to describe the restoration of relationships or settling of accounts. The addition of the prefix ἀπό intensifies the meaning to emphasize complete or thorough reconciliation.

The word’s components reflect deep theological significance in Hellenistic Jewish thought. While not appearing in the Septuagint, similar compound verbs with ἀπό and κατά prefixes were used to describe restoration of relationship with God, as seen in the works of Philo of Alexandria (On the Special Laws, 1.77) when discussing the restoration of divine favor through sacrificial offerings.

The early church fathers, particularly Origen (Commentary on John, 1.32) and Chrysostom (Homilies on Colossians, 3), expanded on Paul’s usage, emphasizing the cosmic scope of Christ’s reconciling work.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Complete reconciliation through removal of hostility
• Thorough restoration of relationship from a state of alienation
• Comprehensive transformation of status from enemy to friend
• Divine act of making peace through sacrificial atonement

ἀποκαταλλάσσω Translation Options:

• “Reconcile completely” – Emphasizes the thoroughness of the reconciliation process
• “Restore fully” – Highlights the return to an original state of harmony
• “Transform from enmity to peace” – Captures the dramatic change in relationship
• “Make complete peace” – Emphasizes the finality and completeness of the reconciliation

Biblical Usage

ἀποκαταλλάσσω appears only three times in the New Testament, all in Pauline epistles, but each usage carries profound theological significance. The word consistently appears in contexts discussing the Messiah’s cosmic work of reconciliation, encompassing both vertical (God-human) and horizontal (human-human) dimensions of peace-making.

The term’s rarity and specific contexts suggest Paul deliberately chose this intensified form to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the Messiah’s reconciling work. It appears in passages that describe both the scope (all things in heaven and earth) and the means (through the cross) of divine reconciliation.

• “[He] might reconcile [ἀποκαταλλάξῃ] them both to God in one body through the cross” Ephesians 2:16
• “Through Him to reconcile [ἀποκαταλλάξαι] all things to Himself” Colossians 1:20
• “And you… He has now reconciled [ἀποκατήλλαξεν]” Colossians 1:21

Cultural Insights

In the ancient world, reconciliation often required elaborate rituals and intermediaries. The Greek practice of appointing καταλλάκται (reconcilers) between warring city-states provides important background for understanding this term. These official mediators would work to restore peace through diplomatic negotiations and formal treaties.

The Jewish concept of שָׁלוֹם (shalom) and the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) rituals also inform our understanding of ἀποκαταλλάσσω. The high priest’s annual service of atonement, making peace between God and Israel, prefigured the Messiah’s ultimate work of reconciliation. The double prefix (ἀπό + κατά) mirrors the thoroughness of the Yom Kippur cleansing, where sin was completely removed and fellowship with God fully restored.

Theological Significance

ἀποκαταλλάσσω represents the pinnacle of God’s redemptive work in the Messiah. It emphasizes that reconciliation is entirely God’s initiative and achievement through the Messiah’s sacrificial death. The compound form suggests that this reconciliation is not partial or incomplete but comprehensive and final.

The word’s usage in Colossians 1:20 extends the scope of reconciliation to “all things,” highlighting the cosmic impact of the Messiah’s work. This universal reconciliation encompasses not just human salvation but the restoration of all creation to its proper relationship with God, fulfilling the prophetic vision of Isaiah 11:6-9.

The passive forms in these passages emphasize that humans are recipients of this divine reconciliation, not achievers of it. This grammatical feature underscores the grace-based nature of salvation and the sufficiency of the Messiah’s atoning work.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀποκαταλλάσσω challenges us to embrace and live out the full implications of our reconciliation with God. Since God has completely reconciled us through the Messiah, we are called to be agents of reconciliation in our broken world, extending the peace we have received to others.

This word reminds us that no relationship is beyond God’s power to restore. When we face seemingly insurmountable divisions – whether personal, social, or cultural – we can trust in the God who specializes in complete reconciliation. The thoroughness implied in ἀποκαταλλάσσω encourages us to pursue deep, genuine reconciliation rather than superficial peace in our relationships.

Related Words

• καταλλάσσω (katallassō) – to reconcile, change from enmity to friendship – Similar but less intensive form of reconciliation See G2644
• διαλλάσσω (diallassō) – to change thoroughly, reconcile – Emphasizes mutual change between parties See G1259
• εἰρηνοποιέω (eirēnopoieō) – to make peace – Focus on the action of establishing peace See G1517
• ἱλάσκομαι (hilaskomai) – to propitiate, make reconciliation – Emphasizes the sacrificial aspect See G2433

Did you Know?

• The double prefix (ἀπό + κατά) in ἀποκαταλλάσσω is extremely rare in Greek literature, making this word a powerful example of Paul’s ability to forge new theological vocabulary to express the unprecedented work of God in the Messiah.
• The word’s appearance exclusively in contexts dealing with the Messiah’s cosmic reconciliation suggests it was possibly coined specifically to describe this unique divine act, as no existing Greek word adequately captured the thoroughness and scope of God’s reconciling work.
• Modern Greek has preserved this word in ecclesiastical contexts, particularly in Orthodox liturgy, where it continues to express the complete restoration of relationship between God and humanity through the Messiah’s sacrifice.

Remember This

ἀποκαταλλάσσω stands as a linguistic monument to the matchless power of God to transform the deepest enmity into perfect peace through the Messiah’s cross.