ἀντάλλαγμα
antállagma
G465 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An equivalent given in exchange for something; a substitute or price paid in order to obtain release or substitution. Primarily denotes something that is offered in place of something else, often in contexts of trade or ransom, where an equivalent is substituted to effect a release or transaction. In extended use, may refer to anything regarded as a compensation or substitute in exchange for another.
Semantic Range
equivalent, compensation, substitute, ransom, price paid for exchange or release, something given in exchange for another
Root / Etymology
Formed from the preposition ἀντί (in place of, instead of) and the verb ἀλλάσσω (to exchange, to change). Thus, ἀντάλλαγμα is a noun meaning 'that which is given in exchange' or 'substitute.' Not directly derived from Hebrew or Aramaic.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἀντάλλαγμα is attested with the meaning of an equivalent, ransom, or consideration given in exchange for something else, especially in transactions, commerce, or the freeing of captives. In the New Testament and contemporaneous Koine, it appears rarely (found in Matthew 16:26 and Mark 8:37), primarily in rhetorical questions about the value of a human life versus material gain, underscoring the impossibility of finding any equivalent or substitute commensurate with the 'psyche' (life, soul, self). English translations often render ἀντάλλαγμα as 'exchange,' 'ransom,' or 'equivalent,' but the sense of substitution or something paid to secure release is central. The concept overlaps with but is not identical to λύτρον ('ransom, means of release'), which usually refers specifically to the price for freeing someone from captivity. ἀντάλλαγμα has a broader sense and can refer to any compensation, not only legal or ransom contexts. In the LXX, the noun is rare and its use aligns with general Greek usage for equivalents in exchange, usually in legal or transactional settings.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a compound of ἀντί and ἀλλάσσω; an equivalent or ransom:--in exchange.
Root Family
ἀντάλλαγμα (antállagma) — equivalent, substitute, compensation, ransom, exchange-price
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G465-01 |
ἀντάλλαγμα | antallagma | N ACC N SG |
in exchange | an exchange-price | an exchange-price | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G465-01 |
Matthew 16:26 | ἀντάλλαγμα | antallagma | N ACC N SG |
in exchange | an exchange-price | an exchange-price |
G465-01 |
Mark 8:37 | ἀντάλλαγμα | antallagma | N ACC N SG |
in exchange | an exchange-price | an exchange-price |