### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **antállagma**, represented by `{{G465}}`, defines an **equivalent or ransom**. It appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, making its usage specific and impactful. The term comes from a compound of ἀντί and ἀλλάσσω, and it is used in scripture to signify something given **in exchange**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G465}}` is used in a profound rhetorical question. Both Matthew and Mark record the query: "what shall a man give **in exchange** for his soul?" ([[Matthew 16:26]]; [[Mark 8:37]]). This question is posed immediately after establishing that a person is not profited if they gain the entire world but lose their own soul. The use of **antállagma** here underscores the impossibility of finding a worthy substitute or payment for one's life or soul.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the surrounding text clarify the concept of this ultimate transaction:
* `{{G1325}}` **dídōmi** (to give): This verb is used directly with `{{G465}}` to ask what a person can **give** as an exchange [[Matthew 16:26]].
* `{{G5590}}` **psychḗ** (soul, life, mind): This is the object of infinite value for which no **exchange** is adequate. It is described as the animal sentient principle [[Matthew 16:26]].
* `{{G2770}}` **kerdaínō** (to gain): This word is contrasted with the idea of exchange, highlighting the folly of attempting to **gain** the world at the cost of one's soul [[Matthew 16:26]].
* `{{G2210}}` **zēmióō** (to lose, suffer loss): This is the direct consequence of a bad exchange, to **lose** or experience detriment regarding one's own soul [[Matthew 16:26]].
* `{{G5623}}` **ōpheléō** (to benefit, profit): This term questions the supposed **profit** or benefit of gaining the world while forfeiting the soul, setting the stage for the question of an exchange [[Matthew 16:26]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G465}}` is focused on the concept of ultimate value.
* **Incomparable Worth of the Soul:** The word is used to establish that a human soul, or **psychḗ**, is of immeasurable value. The question "what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" [[Mark 8:37]] is unanswerable, implying that no worldly equivalent exists.
* **The Futility of Worldly Exchange:** By placing `{{G465}}` in the context of gaining (`kerdaínō`) the world and losing (`zēmióō`) the soul, scripture creates a clear dichotomy. It argues that any trade of the eternal for the temporal is not a profitable exchange but an irreparable loss [[Matthew 16:26]].
* **Concept of Ransom:** The base definition of **antállagma** as an "equivalent or ransom" introduces the idea of a payment to redeem something. In its scriptural context, it highlights that a person possesses nothing of sufficient value to serve as this ransom for their own soul.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G465}}` is a concise and potent term that, while rare, is central to understanding the biblical perspective on value. It functions as the key to a question that exposes the bankruptcy of a worldly value system. By defining an **exchange** or **ransom**, it forces the reader to confront the unparalleled worth of the soul and the impossibility of purchasing or trading it for any material gain.
TRV