Word Study for G2644 (καταλλάσσω)

katallássō /kat-al-las'-so/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom κατά and ἀλλάσσω

Meaningto change mutually, i.e. (figuratively) to compound a difference

KJV usagereconcile.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of katallássō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word katallássō, represented by G2644, means to change mutually or, figuratively, to compound a difference, and is used to mean reconcile. It appears 6 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. Its core meaning centers on the restoration of a relationship by resolving a difference or hostility.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G2644 is used in both divine and human contexts. Its primary application describes God's action of reconciling the world to Himself through Christ 2 Corinthians 5:19. This is presented as a definitive action for believers, who, while they were enemies, "were reconciled to God by the death of his Son" Romans 5:10. Because of this, believers are implored, "be ye reconciled to God" 2 Corinthians 5:20. The term is also applied to human relationships, as when an estranged wife is instructed to "be reconciled to her husband" 1 Corinthians 7:11.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the meaning and context of reconciliation:

G2643 katallagḗ (reconciliation(-ing)): This is the noun form, signifying the "restoration to (the divine) favor." It describes the "ministry of reconciliation" and the "word of reconciliation" that God has given to believers (2 Corinthians 5:18, 2 Corinthians 5:19).
G2190 echthrós (enemy, foe): This term defines the state of hostility that existed prior to reconciliation. Scripture makes a direct contrast, stating that "when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God" Romans 5:10.
G3049 logízomai (impute, reckon): This word explains a key mechanism of God's reconciling work. He achieves it by "not imputing their trespasses unto them" 2 Corinthians 5:19.
G3870 parakaléō (beseech, exhort): This highlights the active call to accept reconciliation. Paul writes that it is "as though God did beseech you by us" to be reconciled 2 Corinthians 5:20.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G2644 is profound, outlining the core of the gospel message.

Divine Initiative in Reconciliation: The act of reconciliation originates entirely with God. Scripture states it is God "who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ" 2 Corinthians 5:18 and who was "in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself" 2 Corinthians 5:19.
The Basis of Reconciliation: This restoration is accomplished through a specific, costly act: the death of God's Son. The Bible is clear that believers "were reconciled to God by the death of his Son" Romans 5:10.
From Enmity to Peace: The use of G2644 marks a fundamental change in status. It describes the transition from being enemies G2190 of God to being brought into a restored relationship with Him.
A Proclaimed Mission: Those who have been reconciled are subsequently entrusted with the "ministry of reconciliation" 2 Corinthians 5:18. This forms the basis of the apostolic appeal: "we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God" 2 Corinthians 5:20.

Summary

In summary, G2644 is far more than a simple term for making up. It is a cornerstone concept in biblical theology, defining God's unilateral action to restore a broken relationship with humanity. It explains the transition from a state of being an enemy to one of peace with God, accomplished through Christ's death Romans 5:10 and resulting in a ministry that calls all people to be reconciled to Him.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 6 occurrences, inflected in 6 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

2nd Aorist Passive Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
2nd Aorist Passive Imperative 3rd Singular 1×
2nd Aorist Passive Indicative 1st Plural 1×
2nd Aorist Passive Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
Aorist Active Participle Genitive Singular Masculine 1×
Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Genitive: Possession or source — often "of".
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
1st: First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd: Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd: Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist: Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Passive: The subject is acted upon.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Imperative: A command or entreaty.
Participle: A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 5 verses across 3 of the 27 books. Most frequent in 2 Corinthians (3 verses); never once in the other 24.

Romans

1 Corinthians

2 Corinthians

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.