καταλλαγή

reconciliation

Definition

Katallagē refers to the act of reconciliation, specifically the restoration of a broken relationship to a state of peace and favor. In the New Testament, it almost exclusively describes God's initiative in mending the relationship between Himself and humanity through Christ. In Romans 5:11, it is the state of reconciliation believers now enjoy. In 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, the focus is on the ministry or act of reconciliation, which is both an accomplished fact and a message to be proclaimed. Romans 11:15 uses the term in an eschatological sense, referring to the future, large-scale restoration of the world when Israel is received.

Biblical Usage

This word is used four times, all in the Pauline epistles (Romans and 2 Corinthians). It consistently appears in discussions of soteriology (the doctrine of salvation) and the new covenant. Paul uses it to explain the objective change in status between God and humanity, moving from enmity to peace because of Christ's work. Key examples are Romans 5:11 ('we have now received reconciliation') and 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, where it is central to the apostolic message.

Etymology

Derived from the verb καταλλάσσω (katallassō, G2644), meaning 'to change' or 'exchange,' and more specifically 'to reconcile.' It is a compound of κατά (kata), often implying a change or intensification, and ἀλλάσσω (allassō), 'to alter.' The noun form thus signifies the resulting state or action of a complete change in a relationship, from hostility to friendship.

Semantic Range

This is a cornerstone theological term for understanding the gospel. It emphasizes that reconciliation is fundamentally God's work, not humanity's (2 Corinthians 5:19). It highlights the objective reality of peace with God through Christ's atoning death (Romans 5:10-11). Understanding katallagē enriches Bible reading by clarifying that salvation is not just forgiveness but the restoration of a right relationship, making believers ambassadors of this message (2 Corinthians 5:20).

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept was used in contexts of diplomatic peace-making between warring parties or the reconciliation of estranged friends. Paul adopts this potent social and political term to describe the ultimate peace treaty, brokered by Christ, ending the enmity between a holy God and sinful humanity. This would resonate with readers familiar with the profound transformation such reconciliation entailed.

εἰρήνη (eirēnē, G1515) — The resulting state of peace from reconciliation. ἀποκατάστασις (apokatastasis, G605) — Restoration, often with a focus on a return to an original state or a future consummation.

Word Details

Scripture References