The Greek word ellogéō, represented by G1677, means to reckon in, attribute, or impute. It is derived from ἐν (en) and λόγος (lógos), with the sense of putting something on an account. Despite its significant theological implications, it appears only 4 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible.
The word G1677 is used in two distinct contexts. In Romans 5:13, it is used theologically to explain that before the law of Moses, sin was in the world but was not formally imputed. In a more personal and financial sense, Paul uses it in his letter to Philemon, asking him to put on his account any wrong or debt owed by Onesimus Philemon 1:18. This demonstrates the word's core idea of assigning a charge or liability to a specific record.
Several related words help clarify the concept of accounting for sin and debt:
- G266 hamartía (a sin): This word defines the offense being accounted for. The wages of sin is death, but God offers the gift of eternal life Romans 6:23.
- G3551 nómos (law): This establishes the standard by which an action is judged. Paul speaks of the "law of the Spirit of life" freeing believers from the "law of sin and death" Romans 8:2.
- G91 adikéō (to do wrong): This describes the action that creates a debt or offense. Paul uses it in the context of Philemon, where Onesimus may have wronged him Philemon 1:18.
- G3784 opheílō (to owe): This signifies the debt or obligation itself. Paul commands believers to owe no one anything except love Romans 13:8.
The theological weight of G1677 is significant, particularly in how it illustrates the mechanics of sin and grace.
- Theological Accounting: The word is central to understanding how God reckons sin. While sin existed in the world, it was not formally imputed until the law provided a standard of accountability Romans 5:13.
- The Principle of Substitution: The request for Philemon to put the debt on Paul's account serves as a powerful, real-world illustration of substitution Philemon 1:18. It models how one person can take on the legal or financial liability of another.
- Grace and Forgiveness: The act of imputing a debt to another's account, as seen in Philemon, is an act of grace. It transfers the responsibility away from the one who oweth G3784 to one willing to bear the cost.
In summary, G1677 is a concise but powerful word that bridges the gap between everyday accounting and profound theological truth. Through its dual use in a legal-theological argument Romans 5:13 and a personal financial plea Philemon 1:18, ellogéō provides a critical framework for understanding imputation, substitution, and the gracious way in which a debt can be transferred and settled.
TRV