GospelMount
Search Topics Scripture Prayer Resources Ebooks About Support the mission Saved articles

παραλλαγή (parallagē)

parallagē

variation

G3883 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun parallagē denotes a change or variation in form or appearance. It appears only once in the New Testament, in James 1:17, to describe the constancy of God’s gifts. The term suggests a shift in state or aspect rather than a fundamental alteration of essence.

Its root implies a stepping aside or a different arrangement. In the Septuagint, it translates Hebrew terms for madness or confusion, highlighting a disruption of order. James uses it positively to contrast with earthly instability, emphasizing that divine generosity remains steady without any shifting variation.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

When life feels unpredictable, it is easy to wonder if God’s love might change with our circumstances. The word parallagē, translated as 'variation', appears in James 1:17 to assure us that the Father of lights does not shift or waver. Unlike the changing shadows cast by moving objects, God remains steady in His character and generosity.

This stability offers deep comfort. You do not need to guess whether God’s favor will fade when you stumble or succeed. His gifts are constant, rooted in who He is rather than how you perform. This unchanging nature allows us to rest securely, knowing that His care for you is reliable today and forever.

How it's translated

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

  • variation1×

Forms in the text

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

  • παραλλαγὴ1×

Key Verses

  • James 1:17
    Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation nor turning shadow.

    This verse uses the word to contrast God's constancy with the shifting shadows of creation, emphasizing that divine generosity does not fluctuate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'variation' mean in James 1:17?

In this context, variation refers to a change in form or appearance, similar to how shadows shift as light sources move. James uses it to highlight that God does not experience such fluctuations in His nature or gifts.

Why is this word significant for understanding God's character?

It underscores the reliability of God’s love. By stating there is no variation, the text assures believers that God’s goodness is not dependent on changing circumstances but is fixed and constant.

How does this concept apply to daily life?

It provides a foundation for trust during uncertain times. Knowing that God does not change helps believers find stability when their own situations feel volatile or unpredictable.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

James 1 verse
James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no…