← G2642 G2644 →

καταλλαγή

katallagḗ

G2643 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Restoration to a favorable relationship after estrangement, reconciliation. The primary sense is the process or state in which hostility or enmity is removed and harmony or peace is reestablished between parties. In some contexts, it expresses the result of reconciliation rather than the act itself, focusing on the restored status or harmony achieved.

Semantic Range

reconciliation, restoration to favor, restoration of relations after alienation, harmonious reestablishment of relationship, peace after estrangement

Root / Etymology

From the verb καταλλάσσω (katallassō, to reconcile, to change in relation to another), composed of κατά (kata, 'down, according to') and ἀλλάσσω (allassō, 'to change'). Thus, the noun indicates either the act of reconciling or the resulting reconciled state. No strong evidence exists for direct dependence on Hebrew/Aramaic terms, but possible background from LXX usage.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, καταλλαγή is rare, and reconciliation (καταλλάσσω) typically refers to relations between people, such as ending hostilities or making peace after conflict. In Hellenistic and especially Pauline usage, καταλλαγή is used for both social and theological reconciliation—primarily in contexts involving a change from estrangement to restored favor or peace, especially between humans and a deity or (in secular contexts) between alienated persons or groups. In the NT (notably in Paul's letters), the term often refers to the reestablishment of peaceful relations between humans and the divine, but not to 'atonement' in the sense developed in later Christian theology. Major English translations sometimes render it 'reconciliation,' while older versions (e.g., KJV, 'atonement') reflect evolving theological understanding that may not match ancient use. The focus remains on changed relationship, not on a cultic or sacrificial act as in certain religious atonement rites. The word is found chiefly in the Pauline corpus (Romans 5:11; 11:15; 2 Corinthians 5:18–19) and is not common in the LXX, though the underlying verb is used there for personal and social reconciliation. Thus, while later Christian theology interprets this word with specific dogmatic implications, the original Koine context emphasizes the restoration of harmonious relations after estrangement, whether interpersonal or between humans and the divine.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from καταλλάσσω; exchange (figuratively, adjustment), i.e. restoration to (the divine) favor:--atonement, reconciliation(-ing).

Root Family

καταλλαγή (katallagē) — reconciliation, restoration to favor, relational change, exchange

Root καταλλαγ- to change, to reconcile, to exchange

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2643-03 καταλλαγῆς katallages N GEN F SG reconciliation of reconciliation of reconciliation 2
G2643-01 καταλλαγὴ katallage N NOM F SG reconciliation reconciliation reconciliation 1
G2643-02 καταλλαγὴν katallagen N ACC F SG reconciliation reconciliation reconciliation 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2643-02 Romans 5:11 καταλλαγὴν katallagen N ACC F SG reconciliation reconciliation reconciliation
G2643-01 Romans 11:15 καταλλαγὴ katallage N NOM F SG reconciliation reconciliation reconciliation
G2643-03 2 Corinthians 5:18 καταλλαγῆς katallages N GEN F SG reconciliation of reconciliation of reconciliation
G2643-03 2 Corinthians 5:19 καταλλαγῆς katallages N GEN F SG reconciliation of reconciliation reconciliation
← G2642 Greek Lexicon G2644 →