ἀποκαταλλάσσω

I reconcile

Definition

The verb ἀποκαταλλάσσω means to reconcile fully or completely, specifically to restore a broken relationship to a state of peace and friendship. In the New Testament, it is used exclusively to describe God's action of reconciling humanity to Himself through Christ, ending a state of enmity caused by sin. In Colossians 1:20-21, it describes how God reconciled all things to Himself through Christ's blood, making peace for those who were alienated and hostile. In Ephesians 2:16, it refers to Christ reconciling both Jews and Gentiles to God in one body through the cross.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only three times in the New Testament, all in the Pauline epistles (Ephesians 2:16; Colossians 1:20, 21). It is used in theological contexts discussing the work of Christ. The pattern is consistent: it always describes God's initiative in reconciling people to Himself through the death of Christ, emphasizing the removal of hostility and the establishment of peace.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo, meaning 'from' or 'back') and the verb καταλλάσσω (katallassō, G2644, meaning 'to reconcile' or 'to exchange'). The prefix ἀπο- intensifies the meaning, suggesting a complete or thorough reconciliation—a change from one state (enmity) back to another (peace and friendship). It is a stronger, more emphatic form of the basic word for reconciliation.

Semantic Range

This word is central to the doctrine of atonement. It highlights that reconciliation is God's gracious act, not human effort. The prefix 'apo-' underscores the completeness of this reconciliation—sin's alienation is fully overcome. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by emphasizing that in Christ, God has decisively and entirely restored the relationship shattered by human rebellion, a theme foundational in Ephesians and Colossians.

In the Greco-Roman world, reconciliation (καταλλαγή) was a known political and relational concept for restoring peace between conflicting parties. Paul's use of this intensified form would resonate, highlighting a definitive, public peace treaty enacted by God through Christ's cross, ending the cosmic and human conflict caused by sin.

καταλλάσσω (katallassō, G2644) — the simpler, more common verb for 'reconcile,' without the intensive prefix. εἰρηνοποιέω (eirēnopoieō, G1517) — 'to make peace,' focusing on the resulting state of peace rather than the act of restoring the relationship itself.

Word Details

Scripture References