from μετά and στρέφω; to turn across, i.e. transmute or (figuratively) corrupt:--pervert, turn.
Transliteration:metastréphō
Pronunciation:met-as-tref'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb μεταστρέφω (metastréphō, `{{G3344}}`) is a compound word formed from μετά (metá), indicating change, after, or with, and στρέφω (stréphō, `{{G4762}}`), meaning "to turn" or "to twist." Etymologically, it conveys the sense of "to turn across" or "to turn around." Its semantic range extends from a literal, physical turning or reversal to a more profound, figurative alteration. In its most basic sense, it denotes a change of direction or state. However, its significant theological usage often leans towards the idea of transmutation, corruption, or perversion. This implies a fundamental alteration of something from its original or intended nature, frequently with negative connotations when applied to truth or purpose. It is a forceful term, suggesting not merely a slight deviation but a radical reorientation or distortion.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word μεταστρέφω appears three times in the New Testament, each instance offering a distinct contextual nuance:
1. **[[Acts 2:20]]**: "The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day." Here, μεταστρέφω describes a cosmic, eschatological transformation. Peter, quoting the prophet Joel (Joel 2:31), uses the term to depict a miraculous and divinely ordained alteration of natural phenomena. The turning of the sun to darkness and the moon to blood signifies a dramatic reversal of the natural order, serving as a powerful sign preceding the Day of the Lord. This usage highlights God's sovereign power to alter creation.
2. **[[Galatians 1:7]]**: "There are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ." This is arguably the most theologically potent use of μεταστρέφω. Paul employs the term to condemn those who are distorting or corrupting the pure message of the gospel. To "pervert" (or "turn around") the gospel means to fundamentally alter its content and essence, rendering it something other than the good news of salvation by grace through faith. It is not merely a misunderstanding but a deliberate re-shaping that undermines its very foundation. This context underscores the absolute necessity of preserving the integrity and purity of the Christian message.
3. **[[James 4:9]]**: "Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into gloom." In this exhortation to repentance, James uses μεταστρέφω to call for a radical internal change of disposition. The turning of laughter into mourning and joy into gloom is a metaphorical expression for a profound shift from worldly revelry and self-satisfaction to godly sorrow and contrition over sin. This usage emphasizes a deliberate, internal reorientation of one's emotional and spiritual state as a prerequisite for drawing near to God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of μεταστρέφω is illuminated by its relationship to several other Greek words and theological concepts:
* **στρέφω (stréphō, `{{G4762}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to turn." μεταστρέφω adds the prefix μετά (metá), which intensifies the turning to imply a complete change, transformation, or reversal.
* **μεταμορφόω (metamorphóō, `{{G3339}}`):** "To transform." While μεταστρέφω can denote a negative perversion, μεταμορφόω often refers to a positive, spiritual transformation, such as the transfiguration of Christ or the spiritual renewal of believers (e.g., [[Romans 12:2]]).
* **στρεβλόω (streblóō, `{{G4761}}`):** "To twist, distort." This word is closely aligned with the "pervert" sense of μεταστρέφω, particularly in its application to misinterpreting scripture (e.g., [[2 Peter 3:16]]). Both words convey the idea of bending something from its true form.
* **ἀλλοιόω (alloioō, `{{G236}}`):** "To change, alter." A more general term for change, lacking the specific nuance of turning or perversion inherent in μεταστρέφω.
* **Concepts:** The word μεταστρέφω is intimately connected to the concepts of transformation, perversion, corruption, distortion, and reversal. In a theological context, it highlights the integrity of truth, the danger of heresy, and the necessity of genuine repentance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μεταστρέφω is profound, particularly in its warning against the corruption of the gospel.
1. **Integrity of the Gospel:** The usage in [[Galatians 1:7]] stands as a stark warning against any attempt to alter or dilute the core message of salvation. To μεταστρέφω the gospel is to make it "another gospel," which is no gospel at all. This emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of the apostolic message and the severe consequences of preaching a distorted version of Christ's saving work. It underscores that the gospel is not a malleable doctrine to be adapted to human preferences but a divine revelation to be faithfully proclaimed and preserved.
2. **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** In [[Acts 2:20]], μεταστρέφω points to God's ultimate authority over creation and His capacity to enact dramatic, even terrifying, changes as signs of His impending judgment and the culmination of history. This reminds believers of God's power to intervene decisively in the natural order to fulfill His purposes.
3. **Repentance and Inner Transformation:** [[James 4:9]] illustrates that true repentance involves a radical internal turning away from sin and worldly pursuits towards God. This μεταστρέφω of one's emotional state—from joy to sorrow—is not a superficial change but a deep, heartfelt reorientation that leads to genuine humility and spiritual renewal.
In essence, μεταστρέφω speaks to a fundamental change, whether it is a cosmic alteration by divine power, a malicious human perversion of divine truth, or a necessary internal reorientation in response to God's call.
### Summary
μεταστρέφω (metastréphō, `{{G3344}}`) signifies a complete turning or fundamental alteration. Its core meaning encompasses literal physical reversal, but its most impactful biblical uses are figurative. It describes the divine power to effect cosmic change, as seen in the eschatological signs of [[Acts 2:20]]. Crucially, it powerfully condemns the human act of corrupting or "perverting" the gospel message, as highlighted in [[Galatians 1:7]], underscoring the absolute necessity of maintaining the purity and integrity of Christian truth. Furthermore, it speaks to the profound inner reorientation required for repentance, where one's emotional state is turned from worldly joy to godly sorrow, as exhorted in [[James 4:9]]. The word thus carries significant theological weight, often denoting a subversive or transformative change from an original or intended state, particularly in contexts concerning divine revelation and human response.
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