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εἰρηνοποιέω (eirēnopoieō)

eirēnopoieō

to make peace

G1517 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The verb eirēnopoieō means to make peace or establish harmony. It is a compound word formed from eirēnē, meaning "peace," and poieō, meaning "to make." This construction emphasizes the active role of the subject in creating a state of reconciliation where none existed before.

In Scripture, this term appears only once, in Colossians 1:20. Here, it describes God’s work through Christ to reconcile all things to Himself. The focus is on the divine initiative in restoring broken relationships and bringing order out of conflict. The word highlights peace as something actively achieved rather than merely passively received.

Its rarity in the New Testament gives it special weight. When used, it points to a profound act of reconciliation that transcends human effort. The term underscores the belief that true peace is not just an absence of strife but a positive state of harmony brought about by God’s action.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

This rare verb describes an active work of reconciliation. It is not a passive state but a deliberate act of making peace where conflict once stood. The word combines 'peace' and 'to make,' showing that harmony is something achieved, not just wished for.

In Colossians 1:20, we see this power at work through Christ. He did not simply observe our brokenness; He acted to restore it. This reminds us that true peace comes from God’s initiative, bridging the gap between heaven and earth through His sacrifice.

When you face division or unrest in your life, remember that God is the ultimate peacemaker. His work in Christ shows that no relationship is beyond repair. We can trust in this same power to bring order and harmony into our own hearts and communities.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • having made peace1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • εἰρηνοποιήσας1×

Key Verses

  • 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.

    This verse uniquely uses the term to describe Christ's active role in reconciling all creation to God through His sacrificial death.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does eirēnopoieō mean?

It is a Greek verb meaning 'to make peace.' It combines the words for 'peace' and 'to make,' emphasizing an active effort to establish harmony.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It appears only once in the New Testament, in Colossians 1:20. This rarity highlights its significance in describing Christ's reconciling work.

How is making peace different from just having peace?

This word stresses the action of creating peace where it did not exist. It is not merely a state of calm but a deliberate act of reconciliation that bridges divides.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)