ἐλλογέω

I charge to, put to one's account

Definition

ἐλλογέω means to charge something to someone's account, to put on record, or to impute. In Romans 5:13, it describes sin being 'charged' or 'counted' against humanity even before the Mosaic Law was given, emphasizing the universal reality of sin. In Philemon 18, Paul uses the term in a financial and relational sense, telling Philemon to charge any debt of Onesimus to Paul's own account. The core idea is the formal reckoning or attribution of something (debt, sin) to a specific person.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only twice in the New Testament, in two distinct but related contexts. In Romans 5:13, it is used theologically regarding the imputation of sin. In Philemon 18, it is used in a personal, financial context regarding a monetary or social debt. Both uses involve the concept of a formal charge or transfer of obligation onto another's record.

Etymology

Derived from ἐν (en, 'in') and λόγος (logos, 'account, reckoning, word'). It literally means 'to enter in an account' or 'to put on the ledger.' It is a commercial and legal term for booking a charge or credit.

Semantic Range

This word is crucial for understanding the doctrine of imputation, particularly in Paul's theology. In Romans 5:13, it helps explain how sin and guilt were accounted to humanity apart from direct transgression of a specific law, highlighting the need for Christ's atoning work. The parallel concept is the imputation of righteousness to believers through faith (Romans 4). Understanding this financial/legal metaphor deepens comprehension of salvation as a forensic declaration, not just a moral change.

In the Greco-Roman world, this was a standard bookkeeping and commercial term. It reflects a culture familiar with formal debt records and legal accountability. Paul's use in Philemon would have been immediately understood as a concrete offer to assume a financial liability, which makes his theological use in Romans a powerful metaphor—treating sin as a concrete debt on a divine ledger.

λογίζομαι (logizomai, G3049) — a broader term for reckoning, calculating, or considering; often used for the imputation of righteousness. ὀφείλω (opheilō, G3784) — means 'to owe' a debt, focusing on the obligation itself rather than the act of charging it to an account.

Word Details

Scripture References