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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **metatíthēmi**, represented by `{{G3346}}`, means to transfer, transport, exchange, or pervert. It is derived from μετά and τίθημι. This word appears 7 times across 5 unique verses, illustrating its use in describing significant changes, both literal and figurative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G3346}}` covers a range of actions. It is used literally to describe a physical transfer, as when the patriarchs were **carried over** to be buried in Sychem [[Acts 7:16]]. Figuratively, it can describe a negative shift in allegiance, such as the Galatians being **removed** from the grace of Christ to another gospel [[Galatians 1:6]]. The word also signifies a divine act of relocation, seen when Enoch was **translated** by God so that he would not see death [[Hebrews 11:5]]. Finally, it can mean to alter or pervert a concept, as when ungodly men are condemned for **turning** the grace of God into lasciviousness [[Jude 1:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{G3346}}`:
* `{{G3331}}` **metáthesis** (transposition, i.e. transferral (to heaven), disestablishment (of a law):--change, removing, translation.): This noun form is directly linked to the verb. It is used to describe Enoch's **translation** [[Hebrews 11:5]] and the **change** of the law that accompanies the changing of the priesthood [[Hebrews 7:12]].
* `{{G5087}}` **títhēmi** (to place): As a root of `{{G3346}}`, this word signifies the act of placing or setting something down. It appears in the same verse where the patriarchs are carried over, noting they were **laid** in the sepulchre [[Acts 7:16]].
* `{{G3921}}` **pareisdýnō** (to settle in alongside, i.e. lodge stealthily:--creep in unawares.): This word describes the method of those who pervert grace, as they have **crept in unawares** to turn God's grace into something it is not [[Jude 1:4]].
* `{{G2564}}` **kaléō** (to "call"): This term provides context for the change of allegiance in Galatians, where believers are being removed from Him who **called** them into grace [[Galatians 1:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3346}}` is significant, highlighting moments of critical transition.
* **Soteriological Change:** The word is used to describe the monumental shift in the divine order when the priesthood is **changed** from the Levitical line, which necessitates a **change** also of the law [[Hebrews 7:12]].
* **Doctrinal Perversion:** It serves as a stark warning against apostasy, where false teachers are identified by their act of **turning** the grace of God into a license for immorality, a deed connected to **denying** Jesus Christ [[Jude 1:4]].
* **Spiritual Instability:** The danger of being quickly **removed** from one's calling in Christ illustrates the potential for believers to abandon the true gospel for a false one [[Galatians 1:6]].
* **Divine Deliverance:** In the case of Enoch, being **translated** represents a unique form of salvation, where God physically removes a faithful person from earthly death [[Hebrews 11:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3346}}` is a powerful word that signifies transformation. While it can denote a simple physical act of being **carried over**, its primary impact is seen in its figurative applications. It marks pivotal changes in God's redemptive plan, the ultimate deliverance from death for the faithful, and the grave danger of perverting divine grace or being removed from a genuine calling in Christ.
TRV