διαλλάσσω
diallássō
G1259 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To exchange or alter completely, to effect a thorough change; in interpersonal contexts, to bring about reconciliation, to restore relations between parties that have been estranged. In Koine Greek, particularly in the New Testament, used to denote both the act of reconciling (bringing harmony back to relationships) and the state of being reconciled.
Semantic Range
to change thoroughly, to effect a complete alteration, to reconcile parties, to restore harmony in relationships, to bring about conciliation
Root / Etymology
From διά (dia, 'through, across') and ἀλλάσσω (allassō, 'to change, to alter'). The prefix διά intensifies the verb, conveying the sense of a complete or thorough alteration, here with specific reference to interpersonal relations.
Historical & Contextual Notes
διαλλάσσω is rare in classical Greek, where ἀλλάσσω is preferred for 'to change.' In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, διαλλάσσω emphasizes the thoroughness or completeness of the change, typically in the context of changing a relationship from estrangement to harmony. Its most prominent biblical use is in Matthew 5:24, regarding reconciliation between persons who are at odds. The verb focuses on the restoration of personal or social relationships following conflict; it is less common than the cognate καταλλάσσω, which often carries a similar sense but is more frequently used in contexts such as reconciliation between the divine and humankind. Most English translations render διαλλάσσω as 'to reconcile,' but in Greco-Roman society, the term could have a broader application, including diplomacy or civic relationships, where parties moved from hostility to peaceful relations. Not typically used in the Septuagint.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from διά and ἀλλάσσω; to change thoroughly, i.e. (mentally) to conciliate:--reconcile.
Root Family
διαλλάσσω (diallássō) — to change, to alter, to reconcile, to restore harmony
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1259-01 |
διαλλάγηθι | diallagethi | V AOR PASS IMP 2P SG |
Be reconciled | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1259-01 |
Matthew 5:24 | διαλλάγηθι | diallagethi | V AOR PASS IMP 2P SG |
Be reconciled |