### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀλλάσσω (allássō, `{{G236}}`) is derived from ἄλλος (állos, `{{G243}}`), meaning "other" or "another." At its core, therefore, ἀλλάσσω signifies "to make different," "to alter," or "to exchange." It implies a transition from one state, form, or condition to another, often a fundamental rather than superficial shift. Its semantic range encompasses the concepts of change, exchange, and transformation. The action denoted by ἀλλάσσω can be either positive (a beneficial transformation) or negative (a perversion or debasement).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἀλλάσσω appears a few times in the New Testament, each instance offering distinct contextual nuances:
* **[[Acts 6:14]]**: "For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall *change* the customs which Moses delivered us." Here, the word is used in an accusation against Stephen, suggesting that Jesus intended to alter or abolish the Mosaic customs and the Temple. While the accusation was a distortion, it highlights the perceived radical shift the early Christian message brought concerning the old covenant.
* **[[Romans 1:23]]**: "And *changed* the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things." In this crucial passage on humanity's fall into idolatry, ἀλλάσσω describes the act of exchanging or substituting the true glory of the immutable God for debased, created images. This "change" is a perversion, a willful turning away from truth to falsehood.
* **[[1 Corinthians 15:51-52]]**: "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be *changed*, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be *changed*." This is arguably the most profound theological use of ἀλλάσσω. It refers to the instantaneous, miraculous transformation of believers' bodies at the resurrection and the rapture. This change is from corruptible to incorruptible, mortal to immortal, a glorious and complete physical metamorphosis wrought by divine power.
* **[[Hebrews 1:12]]**: (Quoting Psalm 102:26-27, LXX) "And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be *changed*: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail." This passage contrasts the transient, mutable nature of the created heavens and earth, which will be "changed" or altered, with the eternal, unchanging nature of God the Son. It underscores the Creator's immutability against the mutability of creation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ἀλλάσσω is rich with related terms and concepts:
* **ἄλλος (állos, `{{G243}}`)**: The root noun, emphasizing the concept of "otherness" inherent in any change.
* **μεταμορφόω (metamorphoō, `{{G3339}}`)**: To transform, transfigure. While similar, μεταμορφόω often implies a change in outward form or appearance, though it can signify a deeper change (e.g., [[Romans 12:2]]). ἀλλάσσω in [[1 Corinthians 15:51-52]] describes a specific, instantaneous, and radical transformation of essence.
* **μετατίθημι (metatithēmi, `{{G3346}}`)**: To transpose, transfer, change position.
* **μεταστρέφω (metastréphō, `{{G3344}}`)**: To turn about, turn into, convert.
* **καινοποιέω (kainopoieō, `{{G2537}}`)**: To make new. While ἀλλάσσω is about changing what exists, καινοποιέω is about making something entirely new, often implying a qualitative improvement.
* **Concepts**: Transformation, metamorphosis, alteration, exchange, substitution, renewal, eschatological hope, divine immutability, human idolatry.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀλλάσσω is multifaceted:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Eschatological Hope**: Its most profound theological impact is found in [[1 Corinthians 15:51-52]]. Here, ἀλλάσσω speaks directly to God's ultimate power to transform the human body. This "change" is not a gradual process or a human achievement, but an instantaneous, divine act that overcomes the limitations of mortality and corruption. It is a cornerstone of Christian eschatology, affirming the bodily resurrection and glorification of believers, securing the final victory over death through Christ.
* **The Nature of Idolatry**: In [[Romans 1:23]], ἀλλάσσω illuminates the essence of idolatry as a fundamental perversion. It is the act of *exchanging* the unblemished glory of the Creator for the debased images of creation. This highlights humanity's spiritual depravity and the severe consequences of rejecting divine truth for human constructs.
* **God's Immutability vs. Creation's Mutability**: [[Hebrews 1:12]] provides a stark contrast. The "changing" of the heavens and earth underscores the transient nature of creation, subject to alteration and decay. In sharp distinction stands the Son of God, who remains "the same," immutable and eternal. This affirms God's unchanging faithfulness and transcendence over the created order.
* **The Challenge of the New Covenant**: Though used in a false accusation in [[Acts 6:14]], the idea of "changing" customs points to the revolutionary nature of the Gospel. While Christ did not abolish the Law but fulfilled it, His coming inaugurated a new covenant that profoundly reordered religious practice and understanding, leading to a necessary "change" in how God was to be worshipped and approached.
### Summary
ἀλλάσσω (allássō, `{{G236}}`) carries the core meaning "to make different" or "to change," rooted in the concept of "otherness." Its biblical usage reveals significant theological implications. It describes the human propensity to pervert divine truth by "changing" God's glory into idolatrous images ([[Romans 1:23]]) and the tension surrounding perceived alterations to established religious customs ([[Acts 6:14]]). Crucially, it highlights the mutability of creation in contrast to the unchanging nature of God ([[Hebrews 1:12]]). Most significantly, ἀλλάσσω articulates the miraculous, instantaneous, and divine transformation of believers' bodies from corruptible to incorruptible at the eschatological resurrection ([[1 Corinthians 15:51-52]]). This word, therefore, encapsulates both the tragic reality of human spiritual distortion and the glorious hope of God's ultimate, redemptive transformation.
TRV