### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **metallássō**, represented by `{{G3337}}`, means to exchange or change. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, both within the book of Romans. In its scriptural context, it describes a willful and consequential substitution of something divinely established for something contrary to it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{G3337}}` is confined to a specific argument in Romans. It first describes those who **changed** the truth of God into a lie, choosing to worship and serve the creature rather than the Creator [[Romans 1:25]]. Subsequently, as a consequence, the text states that women **did change** the natural use into that which is against nature, as God gave them up to vile affections [[Romans 1:26]]. In both instances, the word highlights a deliberate perversion or exchange of the original, proper order.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of this exchange:
* `{{G5579}}` **pseûdos** (a falsehood:--lie, lying): This is what the truth of God is exchanged for. The act described by `{{G3337}}` is not a change to something neutral, but to a **lie** [[Romans 1:25]].
* `{{G5449}}` **phýsis** (native disposition, constitution or usage:--(man-)kind, nature(-al)): This word defines the established order that is violated. The exchange is from the natural use to that which is against **nature** [[Romans 1:26]].
* `{{G2937}}` **ktísis** (original formation...the thing, literally or figuratively:--building, creation, creature, ordinance): This is the object of improper worship following the exchange. After changing the truth, people served the **creature** rather than the Creator [[Romans 1:25]].
* `{{G819}}` **atimía** (infamy...disgrace:--dishonour, reproach, shame, vile): This describes the state that results from the exchange. God gives people over to **vile** affections, a state of dishonor [[Romans 1:26]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3337}}` is significant in understanding the nature of sin and idolatry.
* **Exchange of Worship:** The primary action is a transfer of allegiance. It signifies the moment when worship is turned away from the `{{G2936}}` Creator and directed toward the `{{G2937}}` creature [[Romans 1:25]].
* **Rejection of Truth:** The word encapsulates the active rejection of divine revelation. To "change the truth of God" is to substitute it for a `{{G5579}}` lie, which forms the basis for subsequent moral and spiritual error [[Romans 1:25]].
* **Perversion of Natural Order:** The use of `{{G3337}}` connects distorted worship with distorted living. The exchange of truth leads directly to the exchange of `{{G5446}}` natural relations for those that are against `{{G5449}}` nature [[Romans 1:26]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3337}}` is not a term for simple alteration but for a profound and negative exchange. It marks a pivotal act of rebellion where divine truth is swapped for a lie, and the created order is abandoned for unnatural affections. Its concise use in scripture powerfully illustrates how rejecting God as Creator leads to the corruption of both worship and human behavior.
TRV