καταλλάσσω
katallássō
G2644 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To bring about a change or transformation in relationship, specifically to exchange enmity for friendship or to restore relations. The term originally denotes a change from one state to another, but in Koine Greek, especially in the New Testament and related literature, it refers predominantly to the restoration of favorable relations or reconciliation between estranged parties. The primary meaning is 'to reconcile' (i.e., to move from hostility or separation to harmony or alliance), but the word carries the nuance of mutual transformation or adjustment to reestablish relationship.
Semantic Range
to change mutually, to render other, to reconcile, to restore relation, to bring back into harmony, to make peace, to mediate restoration
Root / Etymology
From the prefix κατά (kata, indicating an intensive or downward action) and ἀλλάσσω (allassō, 'to change, to alter'), literally meaning 'to change thoroughly' or 'to bring about mutual change'. The compound form highlights an intensive or complete change in status or relationship between two parties.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, καταλλάσσω is used for the process of restoring friendship between individuals or groups after a quarrel or alienation. While earlier usage emphasizes mutual reconciliation, New Testament use (e.g., Romans 5:10, 2 Corinthians 5:18-20) often frames the verb in theological contexts, typically as reconciliation between humanity and God or between alienated individuals. The New Testament sense stresses restoration of relationship, sometimes with an asymmetrical initiative, such as a superior reconciling with an inferior (e.g., divine with human), yet others stress mutuality. English translations traditionally use 'reconcile', which generally conveys the core sense, but may underemphasize the original sense of active change or mediated restoration. The term contrasts with διαλλάσσω (diallassō), which appears more for reconciliation between equals. In the LXX, the term is rare; where present, it often reflects or influences later theological use. In wider Koine usage, the verb is appropriated for diplomatic, familial, or personal reconciliations.
Translation Consistency
καταλλάσσω primarily means to bring about restoration of relationship—exchange hostility for friendship or restore harmony. "Reconcile" is the natural, common English verb that covers the mutual/relational change in the SILEX range and fits NT usage (reconciling God and people, interpersonal reconciliation). It is concise, can be inflected for all forms, and best preserves the typical sense over rarer meanings like simply "change" or "restore."
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κατά and ἀλλάσσω; to change mutually, i.e. (figuratively) to compound a difference:--reconcile.
Root Family
καταλλάσσω (katallassō) — to change, to alter, to exchange, to reconcile, to restore relationship
Word Forms
6 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2644-03 |
καταλλαγήτω | katallageto | V AOR PASS IMP 3P SG |
be reconciled | let him be restored to harmony | let her be reconciled | 1 |
G2644-01 |
καταλλαγέντες | katallagentes | V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
being reconciled | having been reconciled | having been reconciled | 1 |
G2644-06 |
κατηλλάγημεν | katellagemen | V AOR PASS IND 1P PL |
we were reconciled | we were reconciled | we were reconciled | 1 |
G2644-02 |
καταλλάγητε | katallagete | V AOR PASS IMP 2P PL |
be reconciled | be reconciled | be reconciled | 1 |
G2644-04 |
καταλλάσσων | katallasson | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
reconciling | reconciling | reconciling | 1 |
G2644-05 |
καταλλάξαντος | katallaxantos | V AOR ACT PTCP GEN M SG |
having reconciled | of having reconciled | having reconciled | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2644-06 |
Romans 5:10 | κατηλλάγημεν | katellagemen | V AOR PASS IND 1P PL |
we were reconciled | we were reconciled | we were reconciled |
G2644-01 |
Romans 5:10 | καταλλαγέντες | katallagentes | V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
being reconciled | having been reconciled | having been reconciled |
G2644-03 |
1 Corinthians 7:11 | καταλλαγήτω | katallageto | V AOR PASS IMP 3P SG |
be reconciled | let him be restored to harmony | let her be reconciled |
G2644-05 |
2 Corinthians 5:18 | καταλλάξαντος | katallaxantos | V AOR ACT PTCP GEN M SG |
having reconciled | of having reconciled | having reconciled |
G2644-04 |
2 Corinthians 5:19 | καταλλάσσων | katallasson | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
reconciling | reconciling | reconciling |
G2644-02 |
2 Corinthians 5:20 | καταλλάγητε | katallagete | V AOR PASS IMP 2P PL |
be reconciled | be reconciled | be reconciled |