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παραλλαγή

parallagḗ

G3883 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Change, alteration, or variation. In specific contexts, the term can refer to a physical change, a shift in condition, state, or quality, or metaphorically to inconstancy or fickleness of character or behavior. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, it commonly describes alterations in natural phenomena or changes in disposition.

Semantic Range

change, alteration, variation, transition, shift (physical or metaphorical), fickleness, inconsistency

Root / Etymology

From the compound of παρά (para, 'beside, alongside') and ἀλλάσσω (allassō, 'to change, to alter'). The formation parallels the sense of a 'change occurring alongside' or 'alteration.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The noun παραλλαγή is rare in extant Greek literature and appears in the New Testament only in James 1:17, where it describes the absence of shifting or variation with God—i.e., emphasizing divine constancy in contrast to the changeable nature of the created world. In classical Greek, the related verb παραλλάσσω and noun παραλλαγή were used in mathematical, astronomical, and rhetorical contexts for 'variation' or 'change,' such as the shifting of astronomical bodies (e.g., planetary motion) or the alteration of arguments. The English translation 'variableness' found in some Bible versions reflects this general sense of changeability, but may insufficiently express the broader nuance of transformation or alteration inherent to the term. In Hellenistic Greek outside the New Testament, it can denote physical or moral change, sometimes carrying the negative connotation of unpredictability or capriciousness. This differs from ἀναλλοίωτος (unalterable, immutable), and παραλλαγή may sometimes contrast with stability or steadfastness.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a compound of παρά and ἀλλάσσω; transmutation (of phase or orbit), i.e. (figuratively) fickleness:--variableness.

Root Family

παραλλαγ- (parallagḗ) — to change, to alter, to vary

Root παραλλαγ- to change, to alter, to vary

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3883-01 παραλλαγὴ parallage N NOM F SG variation alteration variation 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3883-01 James 1:17 παραλλαγὴ parallage N NOM F SG variation alteration variation
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