μεταβάλλω (metaballō)
metaballō
to change mind
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb metaballō literally means to turn around or transform oneself, but in the New Testament it takes on a specific psychological sense. It describes changing one’s mind or shifting an opinion after careful consideration. This single occurrence in Acts 28:6 captures that nuance perfectly, where the islanders change their minds about Paul being a murderer once they see he remains unharmed.
Its structure combines the prefix meta, indicating change or after, with ballō, meaning to throw or cast. While often translated simply as "change," the word implies a dynamic shift in perspective rather than a static state. The sources note its use in the Septuagint for turning about, highlighting this physical-to-metaphorical movement from action to attitude.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Acts 28:6, the islanders of Malta watch Paul closely after a viper bites his hand. They initially expect him to collapse or die suddenly, but when nothing happens, they change their minds. The Greek word metaballō captures this shift perfectly. It is not just a casual whim; it is a complete reversal of judgment based on what they actually saw.
Life often asks us to hold onto first impressions that might be wrong. We judge situations or people before we have the full picture. This word reminds us that being willing to change our minds is a sign of wisdom, not weakness. It invites us to look at evidence and let reality shape our views.
When we find ourselves stuck in anger or fear, we can ask for the grace to see things differently. God often uses unexpected moments to correct our misunderstandings. Let your heart remain open to new light, trusting that truth will set you free from false fears.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having changed their opinion1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μεταβαλόμενοι1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 28:6
But they expected that he would have swollen or fallen down dead suddenly, but when they watched for a long time and saw nothing bad happen to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
This verse shows the word describing a sudden reversal of judgment from expecting death to believing Paul was divine.