ἀποκαταλλάσσω
apokatallássō
G604 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To fully reconcile, to restore to a state of harmony after estrangement, to bring about complete restoration of relationships that were formerly marked by alienation; specifically, to effect a thorough reconciliation between parties, especially after a division or conflict. In Pauline usage, used both for interpersonal and divine-human relationships, denoting a comprehensive and completed act of making peace or restoring favor.
Semantic Range
to thoroughly reconcile, to restore to full harmony, to completely repair a relationship or alienation, to resolve estrangement, to bring about a total restoration
Root / Etymology
From ἀπό (from, away from) and καταλλάσσω (to reconcile, to exchange hostility for friendship); a compound intensifying the root idea of reconciliation to indicate thoroughness or completeness. Derivation model follows standard Koine compounding practices: ἀπό + καταλλάσσω → ἀποκαταλλάσσω, meaning to reconcile completely or restore fully.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested in Koine Greek primarily in Hellenistic and early Christian writings; not found in classical Greek sources, and rare outside Christian literature (such as Paul). The intensified compound strengthens the notion of full or complete reconciliation compared to the more common καταλλάσσω (to reconcile). In Pauline usage (Ephesians 2:16, Colossians 1:20, 1:22), ἀποκαταλλάσσω carries the idea of a comprehensive, once-for-all restoring of relationships, particularly regarding the mending of divisions between groups (e.g., Judeans and non-Judeans—see the Greek text of Ephesians 2:11–16), and between humanity and the divine. Standard English translations often use 'reconcile' or 'reconcile fully' for this term but may not reflect the intensity imparted by the prefix ἀπό. No evidence suggests use in non-biblical Koine outside specialized contexts. Related terms: καταλλάσσω (to reconcile, usually between human parties), διαλλάσσω (to exchange differences for friendship, sometimes used for reconciliation), and the noun καταλλαγή (reconciliation).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἀπό and καταλλάσσω; to reconcile fully:--reconcile.
Root Family
καταλλαγ- (katallagḗ) — to change, to reconcile, to exchange
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G2643 | καταλλαγή | reconciliation |
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G604-01 |
ἀποκαταλλάξαι | apokatallaxai | V AOR ACT INF |
to reconcile | to fully reconcile | to fully reconcile | 1 |
G604-02 |
ἀποκαταλλάξῃ | apokatallaxe | V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG |
might reconcile | might fully reconcile | might fully reconcile | 1 |
G604-03 |
ἀποκατηλλάγητε | apokatellagete | V AOR PASS IND 2P PL |
you have been reconciled | you were fully reconciled | you were fully reconciled | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G604-02 |
Ephesians 2:16 | ἀποκαταλλάξῃ | apokatallaxe | V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG |
might reconcile | might fully reconcile | might fully reconcile |
G604-01 |
Colossians 1:20 | ἀποκαταλλάξαι | apokatallaxai | V AOR ACT INF |
to reconcile | to fully reconcile | to fully reconcile |
G604-03 |
Colossians 1:22 | ἀποκατηλλάγητε | apokatellagete | V AOR PASS IND 2P PL |
you have been reconciled | you were fully reconciled | you were fully reconciled |