from κατά and ἀλλάσσω; to change mutually, i.e. (figuratively) to compound a difference:--reconcile.
Transliteration:katallássō
Pronunciation:kat-al-las'-so
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb καταλλάσσω (katallássō, `{{G2644}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition κατά (katá), which can intensify an action or suggest completion, and the verb ἀλλάσσω (allássō, `{{G257}}`), meaning "to change" or "to alter." Therefore, its core meaning signifies "to change thoroughly," "to exchange," or "to alter completely." In classical Greek, καταλλάσσω (katallássō, `{{G2644}}`) was frequently used in financial contexts to denote the exchange of money or the settlement of accounts, implying a change from a state of debt to one of solvency. More broadly, it evolved to describe the resolution of conflicts, the cessation of hostilities, and the restoration of friendly relations after a period of estrangement or enmity. This semantic range emphasizes a transition from opposition to harmony, from alienation to accord, inherently indicating that a relationship has been broken and is now being mended or transformed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb καταλλάσσω (katallássō, `{{G2644}}`) appears in the New Testament predominantly within the Pauline epistles, where it conveys a central aspect of his theology: reconciliation between God and humanity.
In [[Romans 5:10]], Paul declares, "For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life." This verse presents reconciliation as a definitive, past act accomplished through the atoning death of Christ. It highlights humanity's prior state as "enemies" of God and underscores God's initiative in transforming this hostile relationship into one of peace.
The concept is most extensively developed in [[2 Corinthians 5:18-20]]. Paul states, "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." This passage is profoundly significant, emphasizing several key points:
* **God as the Agent:** Reconciliation originates with God ("God... reconciled us," "God was reconciling the world"). It is a unilateral act initiated by divine grace, not human effort.
* **Removal of Sin's Barrier:** Reconciliation involves God "not counting their trespasses against them," signifying the forgiveness of sins as a prerequisite for restored relationship.
* **Ministry and Message:** Those who have experienced reconciliation are then commissioned with a "ministry of reconciliation" and entrusted with the "message of reconciliation," becoming God's ambassadors to appeal to others to "be reconciled to God."
A unique, non-theological instance of καταλλάσσω (katallássō, `{{G2644}}`) is found in [[1 Corinthians 7:11]], where Paul advises a separated wife to "remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband." This usage demonstrates the word's broader application to human relational repair, mirroring its secular sense and providing an accessible analogy for understanding the divine-human reconciliation. Just as a broken marital relationship can be restored, so too can the ruptured relationship between God and humanity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of reconciliation in the New Testament is often expressed through a family of words related to καταλλάσσω (katallássō, `{{G2644}}`).
Most notably, its noun form is καταλλαγή (katallagē, `{{G2643}}`), consistently translated as "reconciliation" or "atonement." This noun appears in passages such as [[Romans 5:11]], [[Romans 11:15]], and [[2 Corinthians 5:18-19]], always referring to the state or act of reconciliation between God and humanity.
Another closely related verb is ἀποκαταλλάσσω (apokatallássō, `{{G604}}`), found in [[Ephesians 2:16]] and [[Colossians 1:20]], [[Colossians 1:22]]. The prefix ἀπο (apo) intensifies the action, suggesting a complete and decisive reconciliation, particularly in the cosmic scope described by Paul in Colossians, where all things in heaven and on earth are reconciled through Christ.
Theologically, reconciliation is deeply intertwined with other core doctrines:
* **Atonement:** Reconciliation is the *result* of atonement, the means by which the breach caused by sin is healed.
* **Propitiation:** Christ's work is also described as propitiation (ἱλασμός, hilasmos, `{{G2435}}`), turning away God's wrath, which is a necessary precondition for reconciliation.
* **Peace:** The ultimate outcome of reconciliation is εἰρήνη (eirēnē, `{{G1515}}`), peace with God, replacing the former state of enmity.
* **Forgiveness:** Reconciliation inherently involves the forgiveness of sins (ἄφεσις, aphesis, `{{G859}}`), as explicitly stated in [[2 Corinthians 5:19]].
* **Justification:** While distinct, justification (δικαίωσις, dikaiōsis, `{{G1347}}`)—being declared righteous before God—is closely related, as it addresses the legal standing that enables the relational reconciliation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of καταλλάσσω (katallássō, `{{G2644}}`) is profound and foundational to the Christian gospel. It illuminates several critical truths about God's character and His redemptive plan:
1. **God's Initiative in Grace:** Reconciliation is not a human attempt to appease a wrathful deity, but rather God's loving and gracious initiative to restore a broken relationship. As [[2 Corinthians 5:19]] unequivocally states, "God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself." This underscores God's active pursuit of humanity, demonstrating His boundless love and mercy.
2. **The Reality of Enmity:** The necessity of reconciliation presupposes a state of profound alienation or hostility between God and humanity, caused by sin. Humanity, in its fallen state, was an "enemy" of God ([[Romans 5:10]]). Reconciliation addresses this fundamental breach, bridging the chasm created by sin.
3. **Christ's Exclusive Role:** The means of reconciliation is solely through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, specifically His sacrificial death on the cross ([[Romans 5:10]]). His perfect obedience and substitutionary sacrifice satisfy divine justice and remove the barrier of sin, thereby making reconciliation possible.
4. **Transformation of Relationship:** Reconciliation signifies a complete and radical change from a state of enmity, wrath, and condemnation to one of peace, divine favor, and restored fellowship with God. It transforms individuals from alienated strangers into adopted children of God.
5. **Mandate for Ministry:** Those who have personally experienced God's reconciliation are not merely passive recipients but are commissioned to participate in the "ministry of reconciliation," proclaiming the "message of reconciliation" to a world still estranged from God ([[2 Corinthians 5:18-19]]). This makes reconciliation a central component of the Church's evangelistic mission.
6. **Cosmic Scope:** In some instances, particularly with ἀποκαταλλάσσω (apokatallássō, `{{G604}}`), the concept extends beyond individual salvation to encompass a cosmic reconciliation, where all things in heaven and on earth are brought into harmony under Christ's headship ([[Colossians 1:20]]).
### Summary
The Greek verb καταλλάσσω (katallássō, `{{G2644}}`) fundamentally denotes the act of changing from a state of hostility or estrangement to one of peace and restored relationship. In the New Testament, particularly within the Pauline corpus, its most profound and significant application is theological: describing God's unilateral and gracious act of reconciling humanity to Himself through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. This divine initiative transforms a relationship of enmity, caused by human sin, into one of peace, fellowship, and divine favor. Those who have been reconciled are then entrusted with the message and ministry of reconciliation, extending God's appeal for others to "be reconciled to God." While also applicable to the repair of human relationships, καταλλάσσω (katallássō, `{{G2644}}`) primarily illuminates the glorious truth of God's redemptive love in restoring humanity to Himself through Christ's atoning work.
TRV