from μετατίθημι; transposition, i.e. transferral (to heaven), disestablishment (of a law):--change, removing, translation.
Transliteration:metáthesis
Pronunciation:met-ath'-es-is
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
μετάθεσις (metáthesis, `{{G3331}}`) is a Greek noun derived from the verb μετατίθημι (metatíthēmi, `{{G3346}}`), which means "to place differently," "to change position," "to transfer," or "to alter." Consequently, μετάθεσις fundamentally denotes a "transposition," "a change of place," or "a removal." Its semantic range extends to two primary applications as seen in its biblical usage:
1. **Physical or Locational Transfer:** This refers to a literal change of position, often implying a divine relocation, such as a translation from one realm to another.
2. **Conceptual or Legal Disestablishment:** This pertains to a fundamental alteration, abrogation, or supersession of a system, law, or status, indicating a profound change in validity or operation.
The word therefore encapsulates a sense of significant, often divinely orchestrated, shift or reordering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
μετάθεσις (metáthesis, `{{G3331}}`) appears three times in the New Testament, exclusively within the Epistle to the Hebrews, illustrating its specialized theological application:
* **[[Hebrews 7:12]]**: "For when there is a change (μετάθεσις) of the priesthood, there must also be a change (μετάθεσις) of the law."
* Here, μετάθεσις is used twice to emphasize the necessary and profound alteration of the Mosaic Law in conjunction with the shift from the Levitical priesthood to the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ. The author argues that the establishment of a new, superior priesthood (that of Melchizedek, fulfilled in Christ) inherently necessitates a "disestablishment" or "transposition" of the old law that was intrinsically tied to the Levitical system. This is not a minor adjustment but a fundamental reordering of God's covenantal relationship with humanity, highlighting the old covenant's inability to bring perfection and the new covenant's superiority.
* **[[Hebrews 11:5]]**: "By faith Enoch was translated (μετάθεσις) so that he did not see death..."
* In this context, μετάθεσις refers to Enoch's miraculous "translation" or "removal" from the earthly realm into God's presence without experiencing physical death. This serves as a powerful example of faith's reward and God's sovereign power over the natural order. It signifies a divine act of relocation, a change of state and place, distinct from the legal sense in chapter 7 but equally indicative of a profound, divinely initiated change.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **μετατίθημι (metatíthēmi, `{{G3346}}`):** The verbal root of μετάθεσις, meaning "to transfer," "to change," or "to remove." Understanding the verb clarifies the noun's core sense of alteration or relocation.
* **ἀλλαγή (allagē, `{{G236}}`):** A general term for "change" or "alteration." While related, μετάθεσις often implies a more decisive, structural, or fundamental shift, particularly in the legal or positional sense, rather than a mere variation.
* **ἀναίρεσις (anairesis, `{{G337}}`):** "Removal" or "destruction." In the context of the law, μετάθεσις suggests a supersession or abrogation—the old being rendered obsolete by the new—rather than outright destruction, implying fulfillment and completion.
* **Covenant Theology:** The use of μετάθεσις in [[Hebrews 7:12]] is central to the New Testament's understanding of the Old and New Covenants, emphasizing the discontinuity and the superior efficacy of the New Covenant established in Christ.
* **Eschatology and Heavenly Hope:** Enoch's μετάθεσις in [[Hebrews 11:5]] serves as a prefigurement of the ultimate hope of believers—resurrection and translation into God's presence, signifying a future change of state and location for the redeemed.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μετάθεσις (metáthesis, `{{G3331}}`) is profound, particularly due to its exclusive use in Hebrews, a book deeply concerned with the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant.
* **The Supremacy of Christ and the New Covenant:** In [[Hebrews 7:12]], μετάθεσις underscores the radical and necessary divine reordering from the temporary, imperfect Levitical priesthood and Mosaic Law to the eternal, perfect priesthood of Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. This "change" is not an arbitrary modification but a demonstration of God's progressive revelation and His ultimate plan for salvation. It highlights that the old system was a shadow, now fulfilled and superseded by the reality in Christ, who offers a better hope and a more perfect way to God. This μετάθεσις signifies the obsolescence of the old covenant as a means of salvation and the establishment of a new, unshakeable covenant.
* **Divine Sovereignty and the Power of Faith:** In [[Hebrews 11:5]], Enoch's μετάθεσις serves as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, and His gracious reward for faith. It illustrates that God can supernaturally intervene in the natural order, translating individuals directly into His presence. This instance not only commends Enoch's faith but also provides a tangible example of God's power to transcend human limitations and His ultimate destiny for the faithful, prefiguring the resurrection and glorification of believers.
Together, these uses of μετάθεσις highlight God's active involvement in both redemptive history (changing covenants) and individual lives (translating the faithful), always working towards His ultimate purposes of salvation and glorification.
### Summary
μετάθεσις (metáthesis, `{{G3331}}`) is a potent Greek term found uniquely in the Epistle to the Hebrews, signifying a fundamental "transposition," "change," or "removal." Its usage reveals two distinct yet interconnected theological truths:
1. **The Abrogation and Fulfillment of the Old Covenant:** In [[Hebrews 7:12]], it describes the necessary and divinely ordained "change" of the Mosaic Law, inextricably linked to the "change" of the priesthood from Levitical to the eternal priesthood of Christ. This underscores the radical discontinuity and ultimate fulfillment found in the New Covenant, rendering the old system obsolete as a means of salvation.
2. **Divine Translation as a Reward for Faith:** In [[Hebrews 11:5]], it refers to Enoch's miraculous "translation" by God, enabling him to bypass death due to his profound faith. This serves as a powerful example of God's sovereign power and His commendation of those who walk by faith, foreshadowing the future hope of resurrection and glorification for believers.
In both contexts, μετάθεσις points to a decisive, divinely initiated shift—whether in legal-religious structures or in personal destiny—underscoring God's ultimate plan of salvation and His sovereign interaction with humanity.
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