### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **parallagḗ**, represented by `{{G3883}}`, denotes **variableness**. It appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, highlighting a specific theological point about God's nature. Its meaning points to fickleness or a transmutation of phase or orbit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{G3883}}` is used to describe the immutable character of God. In [[James 1:17]], every good `{{G18}}` and perfect `{{G5046}}` gift is said to come down from the "Father of lights" `{{G5457}}`. The verse clarifies that with this Father there is **no** `{{G3756}}` **variableness**, emphasizing God's absolute constancy and reliability.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in its context illuminate the concept of God's unchanging nature:
* `{{G5157}}` **tropḗ** (turning): Used alongside `{{G3883}}`, this word signifies a "turn" or "revolution." Its use in the phrase "shadow of **turning**" [[James 1:17]] reinforces the concept that God does not change or shift.
* `{{G644}}` **aposkíasma** (shadow): This term for **shadow** is directly connected to turning. It signifies a shading off or obscuration, illustrating that God's nature casts no shifting shadow caused by change.
* `{{G3962}}` **patḗr** (Father): This identifies the source of all good gifts as the **Father** of lights, the one who is without variableness or fickleness [[James 1:17]].
* `{{G5046}}` **téleios** (perfect): This describes the quality of the gifts that originate from God. As the Father is constant, so His gifts are **perfect** and complete [[James 1:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3883}}` is centered on the character of God as revealed in [[James 1:17]].
* **Divine Immutability:** The use of `{{G3883}}` in a negative context ("no variableness") is a cornerstone statement on the unchanging nature of God. Unlike the created order, which is subject to change, God is constant.
* **Reliable Source of Goodness:** Because the "Father of lights" `{{G3962}}` is without fickleness, He is established as the unwavering source of every **good** `{{G18}}` and **perfect** `{{G5046}}` gift. His blessings are not arbitrary but flow from His unchanging character.
* **Contrast with Creation:** The language of **variableness** and "turning" `{{G5157}}` evokes the image of celestial bodies that shift and cast shadows. God is presented as the ultimate source of **light** `{{G5457}}` who is superior to these created lights because He is without any change.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3883}}` is a highly specific term whose sole purpose in Scripture is to define God's character by what He is not. It illustrates that the "Father of lights" is free from the fickleness, transmutation, or change common to the created world. This divine constancy is the guarantee that every gift that **cometh down** `{{G2597}}` from Him is both **good** `{{G18}}` and **perfect** `{{G5046}}`.
TRV