Lexical Summary eirénopoieó: To make peace, to reconcile Original Word: εἰρηνοποιέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance make peace. From eirenopoios; to be a peace-maker, i.e. (figuratively) to harmonize -- make peace. see GREEK eirenopoios NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom eirénopoios Definition to make peace NASB Translation made peace (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1517: εἰρηνοποιέωεἰρηνοποιέω, ἐιρηνοποιῶ (1 aorist ἐιρηνοποιησἀ'; (εἰρηνοποιός); to make peace, establish harmony: Colossians 1:20. (Proverbs 10:10; in the middle, Hermes quoted in Stobaeus, eclog. ph. 1, 52 (984).) Topical Lexicon The Setting within ColossiansColossians 1:20 sets the solitary New Testament occurrence of εἰρηνοποιήσας at the climactic center of Paul’s Christ-hymn. The participle expands verse 19’s affirmation that “God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him,” revealing the means by which the divine fullness reaches creation: “and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things… having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20). The verb underscores an accomplished, once-for-all action—peace has been effected, not merely offered—anchoring believers’ assurance in the completed work of Christ. Old Testament Roots of Peace-Making 1. Covenant Peace The concept draws on the Hebrew שָׁלוֹם (shalom). In Numbers 25:12 the Lord grants Phinehas a “covenant of peace” after atonement was made; similarly Ezekiel 37:26 anticipates an “everlasting covenant of peace.” The Old Testament shows that true peace is always covenantal, grounded in sacrificial blood and divine initiative. 2. Messianic Anticipation Isaiah heralds the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) whose government will bring endless shalom. Haggai 2:9 promises that Yahweh will “give peace” in the latter temple. These prophetic strands converge in Christ, in whom the peace-making verb finds its single New Testament expression. Christological Fulfillment 1. Peace Achieved by Blood Peace is secured “through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20). The phrase highlights substitutionary atonement: peace is neither political negotiation nor subjective tranquility but reconciliation wrought by sacrificial death (compare Isaiah 53:5; Romans 5:1). 2. Cosmic Scope Paul immediately adds “whether things on earth or things in heaven,” pointing beyond individual salvation to the ultimate renewal of the created order (Romans 8:21; Revelation 21:1). The participle therefore carries eschatological weight: Christ’s cross initiates the restoration that creation will experience in fullness at His return. Peace-Making in Pauline Theology 1. Reconciliation Language Colossians 1:20 parallels 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, where “God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ.” While different verbs are used, the themes are inseparable: God removes enmity, establishes right relationship, and commissions ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). 2. Vertical and Horizontal Dimensions Ephesians 2:14-16 shows that the peace Christ makes also destroys the “dividing wall of hostility” between Jew and Gentile, creating “one new man.” The ministry implication is that gospel peace must manifest in unified fellowship within the church (Ephesians 4:3). Historical Reception Early church fathers linked εἰρηνοποιήσας with Levitical peace offerings, viewing Christ as both priest and sacrifice. Medieval commentators emphasized the cosmic reconciliation of angels and redeemed humanity. Reformation expositors, concerned with justification, highlighted the once-for-all nature of the peace made. Contemporary scholarship often stresses the social ramifications, yet the foundation remains the vicarious cross. Ministry Application 1. Proclamation of Finished Peace Evangelism centers on declaring what God has already accomplished, urging sinners to “be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20) rather than strive for peace by works. 2. Cultivating Unity Since Christ “has made peace,” believers are called to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body” (Colossians 3:15). Congregational life must reflect the reality purchased at Calvary. 3. Peacemaking Ethic Jesus blesses peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). Grounded in the cross, Christians pursue reconciliation in personal conflicts, societal injustice, and global missions, confident that ultimate peace is assured. Related Terms and Concepts • εἰρήνη (peace) – the state produced by εἰρηνοποιήσας (John 14:27; Philippians 4:7) Summary Strong’s Greek 1517 appears only once, yet its theological depth is vast. εἰρηνοποιήσας encapsulates the gospel: God, through Christ’s blood, has made definitive, cosmic peace, reconciling believers and creation to Himself. The church therefore lives, worships, and witnesses from the secure ground of a peace already won, anticipating the day when it is universally manifest. Forms and Transliterations ειρηνοποιεί ειρηνοποιησας ειρηνοποιήσας εἰρηνοποιήσας eirenopoiesas eirenopoiḗsas eirēnopoiēsas eirēnopoiḗsasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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