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.
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.
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.
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.
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