ἀποκαταλλάσσω (apokatallassō)
apokatallassō
to reconcile
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb apokatallassō means to bring two parties back into harmony, specifically by removing an existing barrier. It appears only twice in the New Testament, in Ephesians 2:16 and Colossians 1:20, carrying a sense of complete restoration rather than a superficial truce. The prefix apo- intensifies the base word katallasseō, suggesting a thorough or final reconciliation that restores a former state of peace.
This term is used to describe God’s work through Christ. In Ephesians, it describes how Jesus reconciles both Jews and Gentiles to God in one body, putting their hostility to death on the cross. Colossians expands this scope to include all creation, stating that God was pleased to reconcile all things to Himself through Christ’s blood. The word emphasizes a decisive shift from enmity to unity.
Its rarity highlights its theological weight. Translators typically render it as "reconcile," but the Greek root implies a change in relationship status. It is not merely an emotional adjustment but a structural restoration of peace between estranged parties, achieved through a specific historical act.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word apokatallassō describes a deep and complete restoration of peace between parties that were once enemies. It is not simply about forgiving a grudge, but removing the very barrier that kept people apart. In Ephesians 2:16, we see this power at work as Jesus brings Jews and Gentiles together into one new community. The cross did more than offer forgiveness; it killed the hostility that divided them, creating a single body united with God.
This same profound reconciliation extends beyond human relationships in Colossians 1:20. Through Christ’s blood, God restores harmony to all creation, healing the brokenness caused by sin. For you, this means your relationship with God is not fragile or temporary. It is a settled reality built on Jesus’ finished work. You can rest in the knowledge that the distance between heaven and earth has been closed.
When you feel separated from others or from God, remember that apokatallassō points to a decisive shift from enmity to unity. This peace is not something you achieve through your own efforts. It is a gift received by faith, inviting you into the harmony Christ has already secured for you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to reconcile1×
- He may reconcile1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀποκαταλλάξῃ1×
- ἀποκαταλλάξαι1×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 2:16
and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having killed the hostility through it.
This verse highlights how the cross actively removes hostility to unite divided groups into one body with God.
-
Colossians 1:20
and through him to reconcile all things to himself by him, whether things on the earth or things in the heavens, having made peace through the blood of his cross.
Here the scope widens to show that Christ’s blood establishes peace across all creation, not just among people.