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μεταλλάσσω

metallássō

G3337 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To change, alter, or exchange something for something else; primarily refers to making one thing become another, either by substitution or transformation. In broader usage, can signify exchanging roles, characteristics, or nature between entities, or transforming in form or function. Often used in transitive contexts with a direct object specifying what is changed or exchanged.

Semantic Range

to change, to exchange one thing for another, to substitute, to transform, to alter the nature of something, to replace, to convert

Root / Etymology

From the preposition μετά (with, after, among) and ἀλλάσσω (to change, exchange). Thus, the word conveys a sense of changing 'with' or 'in relation to' another; i.e., to exchange one for another. The combination signifies an active exchange or transformation rather than a simple intransitive change.

Historical & Contextual Notes

μεταλλάσσω is attested in classical Greek (notably in Polybius and later writers) with the meaning 'to change' or 'to exchange,' especially referring to the substitution of one thing for another. In the Septuagint (LXX), it is relatively rare but appears in contexts denoting exchanging or altering status, appearance, or allegiance (e.g., exchanging glory for idol worship, Psalms 105:20 = 106:20 LXX). In the New Testament, it is found in Romans 1:23, describing the exchange of the glory of the immortal God for images. The English translations often render it as 'exchange' or 'change,' but this can flatten the nuance of intentional and sometimes reciprocal alteration or substitution. The term is more specific than the broader ἀλλάσσω, which can mean to change in any sense; μεταλλάσσω highlights a purposeful or transactional aspect. Its usage reflects both literal and figurative contexts, including the changing of character, allegiance, forms, or worship objects, and it can carry the connotation of an unfavorable swap, as in the case of forsaking something superior for something inferior.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from μετά and ἀλλάσσω; to exchange:--change.

Root Family

μεταλλάσσω (metallassō) — to change, to exchange, to alter

Root μεταλλασσ- to change, to exchange, to alter

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3337-01 μετήλλαξαν metellaxan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL exchanged they exchanged they exchanged 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3337-01 Romans 1:25 μετήλλαξαν metellaxan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL exchanged they exchanged they exchanged
G3337-01 Romans 1:26 μετήλλαξαν metellaxan V AOR ACT IND 3P PL exchanged they exchanged they exchanged
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