from διά and ἀλλάσσω; to change thoroughly, i.e. (mentally) to conciliate:--reconcile.
Transliteration:diallássō
Pronunciation:dee-al-las'-so
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb διαλλάσσω (diallássō), Strong's number `{{G1259}}`, is a compound word derived from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "thoroughly," and the verb ἀλλάσσω (allassō), meaning "to change" or "to alter" (cf. `{{G236}}`). Literally, therefore, διαλλάσσω conveys the sense of "to change thoroughly" or "to exchange completely." In its more common and figurative usage, particularly in ancient Greek literature and the New Testament, it refers to a mental or relational change: to conciliate, to reconcile. This implies a transformation of disposition, specifically from a state of enmity, estrangement, or disagreement to one of friendship, harmony, or peace. The nuance of διά suggests a thoroughgoing, often reciprocal, change that bridges a divide between parties.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb διαλλάσσω appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Matthew:
* **[[Matthew 5:24]]**: "leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."
This verse is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, specifically within the section where He expounds on the true meaning of the Law, contrasting external obedience with internal righteousness. Following His teaching on anger and murder ([[Matthew 5:21-22]]), Jesus emphasizes the profound importance of interpersonal reconciliation.
The context is crucial: a worshiper is about to offer a gift at the altar, a sacred act of devotion to God. However, if that worshiper knows that their "brother has something against" them (verse 23), Jesus commands an immediate cessation of the ritual. The priority shifts from vertical worship to horizontal reconciliation. The verb διαλλάσσω is in the aorist passive imperative, "be reconciled," which often carries a reflexive or middle sense in Greek, implying an active participation in the process: "go and be reconciled" or "allow yourself to be reconciled."
This passage underscores that genuine worship and communion with God are inextricably linked to right relationships with one's fellow human beings. An unreconciled heart, harboring bitterness or unresolved conflict, renders religious devotion ineffective or even unacceptable in God's sight. The command is not merely to "make up" superficially, but to achieve a thorough change in the relational dynamic, a true conciliation, before resuming acts of piety.
### Related Words & Concepts
While διαλλάσσω appears only once, its meaning is illuminated by related Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **ἀλλάσσω (allassō)** `{{G236}}`: The root verb, meaning "to change" or "to alter." This highlights the fundamental idea of transformation inherent in reconciliation.
* **καταλλάσσω (katallassō)** `{{G2644}}` and **καταλλαγή (katallagē)** `{{G2643}}`: These are the most prominent Greek terms for "reconcile" and "reconciliation" in the New Testament, particularly in Paul's epistles (e.g., [[Romans 5:10]], [[2 Corinthians 5:18-20]], [[Ephesians 2:16]], [[Colossians 1:20-22]]).
* **Distinction:** While both διαλλάσσω and καταλλάσσω mean "to reconcile," there's a subtle difference. διαλλάσσω in [[Matthew 5:24]] emphasizes the mutual or active restoration of a personal relationship, often from a state of specific offense or dispute between two parties. καταλλάσσω, especially in Paul, often describes a broader, more fundamental change of relationship, particularly God's initiative in reconciling humanity to Himself through Christ, moving from a state of alienation to one of peace and favor. διαλλάσσω seems to focus on the immediate human-to-human effort, while καταλλάσσω encompasses the divine work of reconciliation as well as its human implications.
* **εἰρήνη (eirēnē)** `{{G1515}}`: "Peace." Reconciliation is the process that leads to peace, the restoration of harmony.
* **ἀγάπη (agapē)** `{{G26}}`: "Love." The selfless love of God and neighbor is the ultimate motivation and outcome of true reconciliation.
* **ἀφίημι (aphiēmi)** `{{G863}}`: "To forgive." Forgiveness is often a crucial component of the reconciliation process, releasing the other from the debt of offense.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of διαλλάσσω in [[Matthew 5:24]] carries profound theological weight, especially within the framework of Jesus' teaching on discipleship and the Kingdom of God:
1. **Priority of Relational Harmony:** Jesus unequivocally places the mending of broken human relationships *before* the performance of religious ritual. This reveals that authentic worship is not merely external conformity but flows from an internal state of righteousness that includes right relationships with others. Disharmony with one's neighbor directly impacts one's standing with God.
2. **Holistic Piety:** The passage challenges a compartmentalized view of faith where spiritual acts are separated from daily conduct. For Jesus, piety is holistic; it encompasses both vertical devotion to God and horizontal love for neighbor. One cannot truly honor God while neglecting or perpetuating strife with a fellow image-bearer.
3. **Nature of the Kingdom:** The Kingdom of God is characterized by peace, love, and reconciliation. Believers are called to embody these characteristics, reflecting God's own reconciling nature. The command to διαλλάσσω is a call to live out the ethics of the Kingdom in practical, immediate ways.
4. **Practical Discipleship:** Jesus' instruction is intensely practical and urgent. It demands immediate action ("go; first be reconciled"). This highlights that unresolved conflict is a serious impediment to spiritual flourishing and must be addressed proactively. It's a call to humility, initiative, and a willingness to seek peace, even if one feels wronged.
5. **Preparation for Divine Encounter:** While διαλλάσσω focuses on human-to-human reconciliation, it sets a precedent. If we are to be reconciled to one another, it prepares our hearts to receive and participate in the grander work of God's reconciliation of humanity to Himself through Christ (`{{G2644}}`). Our horizontal reconciliation reflects, in miniature, the divine vertical reconciliation.
### Summary
διαλλάσσω (diallássō) `{{G1259}}` signifies a thorough change or conciliation, specifically the restoration of a broken interpersonal relationship. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Matthew 5:24]] is pivotal, demonstrating Jesus' radical teaching that horizontal reconciliation with one's brother is a prerequisite for acceptable vertical worship of God. This command underscores the holistic nature of true piety, where right relationships with others are not merely optional but foundational to one's communion with the Divine. It calls believers to immediate, active peacemaking and highlights that an unreconciled heart impedes genuine spiritual devotion. While distinct from the broader theological concept of God's reconciliation of humanity to Himself (`{{G2644}}`), διαλλάσσω emphasizes the crucial role of human initiative in mending relational breaches as a reflection of God's own reconciling character.
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