μετατρέπω (metatrepō)
metatrepō
to turn around
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb metatrepō means to turn around or change one’s direction. It appears only once in the New Testament, in James 4:8, where believers are urged to draw near to God with the promise that He will respond in kind. The word suggests a physical and spiritual reorientation, moving away from distance and toward intimacy.
Textual evidence shows some manuscripts use metastrephō (G3344) instead, which also means to turn around but carries a slightly stronger sense of transformation or conversion. This variant highlights the early scribes’ awareness that the call in James involves more than a casual shift; it demands a decisive change in posture and allegiance. Both forms emphasize movement toward God as the central action.
Though rare, metatrepō captures a vivid image: turning one’s face from emptiness to encounter. In its single occurrence, it anchors James’ exhortation in concrete action — not abstract longing, but active turning. The word reminds readers that approaching God begins with a deliberate turn of heart and direction.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word metatrepō paints a vivid picture of turning around. In James 4:9, it describes how our outward expressions should shift when we face spiritual dryness. Laughter turns to mourning, and joy becomes gloom. This is not about suppressing happiness, but about aligning our hearts with the seriousness of our relationship with God.
When life feels empty or distant, this word invites a deliberate change in direction. It suggests that true comfort comes from acknowledging our need for God before seeking relief. By turning toward Him, we open ourselves to His presence and grace.
This simple act of turning can transform how we experience faith. It reminds us that God meets us where we are, even in moments of sorrow or reflection. Let this truth encourage you to seek closeness with Him today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- should be turned1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μετατραπήτω1×
Key Verses
-
James 4:9
Lament, mourn, and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
The word metatrepō here illustrates how outward emotions like laughter and joy should shift inwardly toward mourning and gloom as part of spiritual reorientation.