### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb μεταβάλλω (G3328, *metabállō*) is a compound word derived from the preposition μετά (*metá*), signifying change or transformation, and the verb βάλλω (*bállō*), meaning "to throw" or "to cast." Literally, the compound could mean "to throw over" or "to cast differently." However, in its middle voice, as it appears in the New Testament, it takes on a figurative meaning: "to turn about in opinion," "to change one's mind," or "to reverse one's judgment." This implies a significant shift in perception or conclusion, often in response to new information or circumstances, rather than a mere minor adjustment. The emphasis is on a complete reversal or turnaround in thought.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb μεταβάλλω (G3328) appears only once in the New Testament, but its singular occurrence is highly illustrative of its core meaning:
* **[[Acts 28:6]]**: "But they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead; but after they had waited a long time and saw that no harm came to him, they *changed their minds* and said that he was a god."
* **Context**: This verse describes the reaction of the inhabitants of Malta after Paul was bitten by a viper. Initially, seeing the snake, they concluded that Paul must be a murderer whom divine justice was pursuing. Their expectation was that he would suffer immediate, fatal consequences. However, after a considerable waiting period, when Paul showed no ill effects, their opinion underwent a complete μεταβάλλω. They radically reversed their judgment, swinging from condemning him as a criminal to venerating him as a deity. This passage vividly demonstrates the word's meaning of a dramatic and sudden turnaround in collective opinion or judgment. It highlights the human tendency to form swift conclusions based on superficial evidence and then to equally swiftly reverse those conclusions when contradictory evidence emerges.
### Related Words & Concepts
While μεταβάλλω (G3328) specifically denotes a change of mind or opinion, particularly a reversal, it is helpful to distinguish it from other Greek words that also convey concepts of change:
* μετανοέω (G3340, *metanoeō*): This verb, often translated "to repent," also signifies a change of mind, but it carries a profound ethical and spiritual dimension. It refers to a change of mind about sin and God, leading to a transformation of life and conduct. Unlike the often superficial or circumstantial change implied by μεταβάλλω, μετανοέω denotes a deep, moral reorientation.
* μεταμορφόω (G3339, *metamorphoo*): Meaning "to transform" or "to change into another form," this word speaks to a change in outward appearance or inner nature, as seen in the transfiguration of Christ or the spiritual transformation of believers. It relates to form or essence, not primarily opinion.
* ἀλλάσσω (G236, *allassō*): A more general term for "to change" or "to alter." It lacks the specific nuance of a complete reversal or turnaround in opinion that μεταβάλλω conveys.
* στρέφω (G4762, *strephō*) / ἐπιστρέφω (G1994, *epistrephō*): These verbs mean "to turn" or "to turn back." While they can imply a turning point or change of direction, sometimes even in thought, μεταβάλλω more precisely captures the internal shift of judgment or belief.
### Theological Significance
Though μεταβάλλω (G3328) is an infrequent term in the New Testament, its single usage in [[Acts 28:6]] offers insightful theological implications. It underscores the fluidity and unreliability of human judgment when based on superficial observations or superstitious beliefs. The islanders' rapid shift from condemning Paul as a murderer to deifying him as a god illustrates a human tendency to swing between extremes without true understanding or divine revelation. This contrasts sharply with the steadfastness of God's character and purposes.
Furthermore, the instance of μεταβάλλω in Acts implicitly highlights the distinction between a mere change of opinion and the profound, life-altering "change of mind" that is biblical repentance (μετανοέω, `{{G3340}}`). The islanders' change was from one form of error (superstition about justice) to another (idolatry of a man), not towards truth or salvation. The narrative subtly points to the need for a divinely initiated transformation of the heart and mind that leads to a genuine turning to God, rather than transient shifts in human perception.
### Summary
μεταβάλλω (G3328) is a Greek verb meaning "to throw over" literally, but figuratively and most significantly, "to turn about in opinion" or "to change one's mind." Its etymology from μετά (metá, "change") and βάλλω (bállō, "to throw") underscores this sense of a dramatic reversal. Appearing only once in the New Testament, in [[Acts 28:6]], it describes the Maltease islanders' complete reversal of judgment regarding Paul after he survived a viper bite. They μεταβάλλω from believing him a divinely punished murderer to declaring him a god. This single occurrence powerfully illustrates the word's meaning of a sudden and significant shift in perception or conclusion. While it describes a human change of mind, it stands distinct from the deeper, ethically and spiritually transformative change implied by words like μετανοέω (G3340), serving as a subtle reminder of the instability of human opinion versus the call to genuine, God-centered repentance.
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