from μετά and τίθημι; to transfer, i.e. (literally) transport, (by implication) exchange, (reflexively) change sides, or (figuratively) pervert:--carry over, change, remove, translate, turn.
Transliteration:metatíthēmi
Pronunciation:met-at-ith'-ay-mee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G3346}}` (metatíthēmi) is a compound formed from μετά (meta), signifying change, transfer, or after, and τίθημι (títhēmi), meaning "to place" or "to put." This etymological foundation reveals its core semantic range: the act of changing the position or state of something. Its primary meaning is "to transfer" or "to move from one place to another." From this literal sense, it extends to several nuanced applications:
1. **Literal Transport:** To carry over or remove physically from one location to another.
2. **Exchange or Alteration:** To change one thing for another, or to alter the nature or status of something.
3. **Reflexive Change of Sides:** To shift one's allegiance, opinion, or position.
4. **Figurative Perversion:** To turn something good or true into something bad or false, to distort or corrupt.
5. **Divine Translation:** In a specialized theological sense, to transfer a person from one realm or state of being to another, particularly from mortality to immortality without death.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G3346}}` appears five times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating a distinct facet of its semantic range:
* **Literal Transport:** In [[Acts 7:16]], Stephen, recounting Israel's history, states that Jacob's sons "were carried over" (ἐμετατέθησαν) to Sychem for burial. This is a straightforward physical transfer of bodies.
* **Spiritual Apostasy/Removal:** [[Galatians 1:6]] presents a stark warning from Paul: "I marvel that ye are so soon removed (μετατίθεσθε) from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel." Here, `{{G3346}}` denotes a spiritual turning away or defection from the truth of the gospel. It implies a fundamental shift in allegiance or theological conviction, a dangerous departure from the divine call.
* **Institutional Change:** [[Hebrews 7:12]] states, "For the priesthood being changed (μετατιθεμένης), there is made of necessity a change also of the law." This usage highlights a profound alteration in a foundational institution—the Levitical priesthood—necessitating a corresponding change in the Mosaic Law. It signifies a divinely orchestrated transition from one covenantal order to another, fulfilling God's redemptive plan through Christ's superior priesthood.
* **Divine Translation (from Mortality):** Twice in [[Hebrews 11:5]], `{{G3346}}` describes Enoch: "By faith Enoch was translated (μετετέθη) that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated (μετέθηκεν) him." This is a unique and miraculous act of God, moving Enoch from the earthly realm into God's presence without experiencing physical death. It signifies a divine transfer of state and location, a prefigurement of resurrection and glorification.
* **Perversion of Truth:** [[Jude 1:4]] condemns "ungodly men, turning (μετατιθέντες) the grace of our God into lasciviousness." Here, `{{G3346}}` signifies the distortion or corruption of divine truth. These individuals take the concept of God's grace and twist it to justify immoral behavior, effectively perverting its true meaning and intent.
### Related Words & Concepts
The μετά prefix in `{{G3346}}` links it to other significant Greek words that denote change or transformation:
* `{{G3340}}` (metanoéō): "to change one's mind," "to repent." While `{{G3346}}` can describe a change of *position* or *state*, `{{G3340}}` specifically refers to an internal, moral, and spiritual change of heart and direction.
* `{{G3339}}` (metamorphóō): "to transform," "to change into another form." This word emphasizes a profound internal or external change of essence or appearance, as seen in the transfiguration of Christ or the spiritual transformation of believers.
* `{{G5087}}` (títhēmi): The base verb, "to put," "to place." Understanding this root helps grasp `{{G3346}}` as "to re-place" or "to place differently."
* Concepts related to `{{G3346}}` include apostasy, spiritual defection, divine sovereignty (in translation), covenantal progression, and the corruption of truth. It contrasts with steadfastness, immutability, and faithfulness.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of `{{G3346}}` are profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Grace:** God's act of "translating" Enoch (Hebrews 11) demonstrates His absolute sovereignty over life and death, His ability to transcend the normal human experience of mortality, and His gracious favor towards those who walk by faith. This act foreshadows the ultimate glorification of believers.
* **The Nature of Apostasy:** The use of `{{G3346}}` in Galatians highlights the grave danger of spiritual deviation. Being "removed from" the gospel is not a minor shift but a fundamental turning away from the source of salvation, underscoring the necessity of discerning truth and remaining steadfast in faith.
* **Progressive Revelation and Redemptive History:** The "change of the priesthood" in Hebrews signifies a crucial moment in God's redemptive plan. It illustrates the progressive nature of divine revelation, where an older, preparatory system gives way to a new, superior reality in Christ. This is not a perversion but a fulfillment, demonstrating God's faithful progression towards the ultimate salvation wrought by Jesus.
* **The Corruption of Truth:** Jude's use of `{{G3346}}` to describe the perversion of grace warns against the insidious nature of false teaching. It reveals how divine truth can be twisted and misapplied by human sinfulness, turning God's liberating grace into a license for immorality. This emphasizes the importance of theological fidelity and ethical living.
### Summary
`{{G3346}}` (metatíthēmi) is a dynamic Greek verb signifying "to transfer" or "to change position." Its biblical usage spans literal physical transport ([[Acts 7:16]]), spiritual apostasy or removal from truth ([[Galatians 1:6]]), the divine translation of a person from one state to another ([[Hebrews 11:5]]), the fundamental alteration of an institution ([[Hebrews 7:12]]), and the perversion or distortion of divine grace ([[Jude 1:4]]). Theologically, it underscores God's sovereign power in translating individuals and orchestrating redemptive-historical changes, while simultaneously highlighting the human capacity for spiritual defection and the insidious corruption of truth. It is a word that encapsulates both divine action and human responsibility, reflecting pivotal shifts in physical, spiritual, and theological realms.
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