ἀλλάσσω (allassō)
allassō
to change
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb allassō means to change something into a different form or state. It is derived from the word for "other" (allos), suggesting a shift from one identity to another. In the New Testament, it appears in six verses, primarily describing physical transformations or exchanges of nature.
Its most striking usage occurs in 1 Corinthians 15:52, where Paul describes the resurrection body as being changed "in a moment." Here, the word conveys a sudden, radical transformation rather than a gradual adjustment. Similarly, Hebrews 1:12 uses it to describe how heaven and earth will be rolled up like a garment, highlighting a complete alteration of the created order.
The sources also note its use in Romans 1:23, where people exchanged the glory of God for images resembling mortal man and birds. In this context, allassō carries the sense of an exchange or barter, emphasizing the substitution of one value for another. This usage underscores the word’s core idea of replacing what is with something else entirely.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word allassō points to a fundamental shift in state or identity. It is not merely about minor adjustments, but a complete transformation from one condition into another. In our daily lives, we often seek stability, yet Scripture reminds us that change is an inherent part of God’s design for creation and redemption.
For the believer, this concept offers profound hope. The Apostle Paul uses it to describe the resurrection body in 1 Corinthians 15:52. He assures us that at the last trumpet, we will be changed from perishable to imperishable. This is not a loss of self, but a glorious upgrade of our existence.
Conversely, Romans 1:23 warns of a dangerous exchange where humanity traded God’s glory for created things. This contrast shows that change can lead to either decay or glory, depending on what we hold onto. We are invited to trust in the One who changes us into His image, rather than clinging to fleeting idols.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will change1×
- will be changed.1×
- we will be changed —1×
- to change1×
- they will be changed;1×
- they changed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἤλλαξαν1×
- ἀλλάξει1×
- ἀλλάξαι1×
- ἀλλαγήσονται·1×
- ἀλλαγησόμεθα.1×
- ἀλλαγησόμεθα1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 15:52
in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed.
This verse uses allassō to describe the sudden, miraculous transformation of believers at the resurrection, shifting from mortality to immortality.
-
Romans 1:23
and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, four-footed animals, and creeping things.
Here the word highlights the tragic exchange where humans substituted the glory of God with images of created creatures.
-
Hebrews 1:12
You will roll them up like a mantle, and they will be changed; but you are the same. Your years won’t fail.”
The author applies this term to the heavens and earth, indicating their temporary nature as they undergo a complete alteration while Christ remains constant.