διαλλάσσω (diallassō)
diallassō
be reconciled
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diallassō signifies a mutual process of reconciliation, where former enemies actively choose to restore friendship. Unlike simple forgiveness, it implies a reciprocal shift in relationship status, moving from hostility to peace through concession on both sides. This meaning is rooted in its components: dia ("through" or "across") and allassō ("to change"), suggesting a crossing over from one state of being to another.
A key distinction noted by scholars is that diallassō emphasizes the mutual nature of the reconciliation, whereas related terms like katallassein may focus more on the act of changing an enemy into a friend without stressing the reciprocal element. This nuance highlights the active participation required from both parties to mend a broken bond.
In Scripture, this word appears in Matthew 5:24, where Jesus instructs that one must first be reconciled to their brother before offering a gift at the altar. The context underscores that right relationship with others is a prerequisite for valid worship, framing reconciliation as an urgent, active duty rather than a passive feeling.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diallassō points to a mutual restoration of peace between people who have been at odds. It is not merely forgiving someone from a distance, but actively crossing over from hostility to friendship. This requires both parties to change their stance and choose connection again.
In Matthew 5:24, Jesus places this reconciliation before religious ritual. He teaches that right relationships with others are essential for genuine worship. Before bringing an offering to God, we must first address broken bonds with those around us. This shifts our focus from external acts to internal peace and community healing.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do be reconciled1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διαλλάγηθι1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 5:24
leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
This verse uniquely uses diallassō to show that restoring a broken human relationship takes priority over presenting a religious gift at the altar.