Lexical Summary katallagé: Reconciliation Original Word: καταλλαγή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance atonement, reconciliation. From katallasso; exchange (figuratively, adjustment), i.e. Restoration to (the divine) favor -- atonement, reconciliation(-ing). see GREEK katallasso HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2643 katallagḗ – reconciliation (restoration) as the resulting of Christ exactly (precisely) exchanging His righteousness (blood) for our guilt. See 2644 (katallassō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom katallassó Definition reconciliation NASB Translation reconciliation (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2643: καταλλαγήκαταλλαγή, καταλλαγῆς, ἡ (καταλλάσσω, which see); 1. exchange; of the business of money-changers, exchanging equivalent values ((Aristotle, others)). Hence, 2. adjustment of a difference, reconciliation, restoration to favor, (from Aeschylus on); in the N. T., of the restoration of the favor of God to sinners that repent and put their trust in the expiatory death of Christ: 2 Corinthians 5:18f; with the genitive of the one received into favor, τοῦ κόσμου (opposed to ἀποβολή), Romans 11:15; καταλλαγήν ἐλάβομεν, we received the blessing of the recovered favor of God, Romans 5:11; with the genitive of him whose favor is recovered, 2 Macc. 5:20. (Cf. Trench, § lxxvii.) Strong’s Greek 2643 (katallagē) speaks of reconciliation—the decisive restoration of a broken relationship between God and humanity accomplished through the saving work of Jesus Christ. While Scripture contains broader calls for harmony among people, katallagē is used exclusively of God’s act in Christ that removes hostility, grants peace, and re-establishes covenant fellowship. Biblical Occurrences Romans 5:11: “Not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” Romans 11:15: “For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?” 2 Corinthians 5:18: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:19: “that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” Paul’s Use and Immediate Contexts Romans 5:11 sits in a section that connects reconciliation with justification by faith (Romans 5:1). The gift is portrayed as already “received,” underscoring the believer’s present peace with God. Romans 11:15 extends the concept to redemptive history: Israel’s present hardening has opened the door for Gentile inclusion; when Israel ultimately returns, an even greater consummation (“life from the dead”) will follow. Reconciliation therefore functions as a hinge in God’s unfolding plan. 2 Corinthians 5:18–19 places reconciliation at the heart of new-creation reality (2 Corinthians 5:17). God initiates, Christ mediates, and believers become ambassadors who announce what God has done. The term moves from soteriology to mission. Theological Significance 1. Godward Orientation: Katallagē is never mutual in the New Testament; humanity does not negotiate terms with God. Divine initiative removes sin’s barrier (“not counting their trespasses against them,” 2 Corinthians 5:19). Historical Background In Greco-Roman diplomacy katallagē described political or familial disputes resolved by a mediator. Paul adapts this cultural language but radically transforms it: the offended party (God) Himself provides the Mediator (Christ) and bears the cost. The term thus communicates both familiarity to first-century readers and a gospel-specific meaning grounded in the cross. The Ministry and Message of Reconciliation Believers are entrusted with two inseparable tasks: Practical Implications for Church Life 1. Evangelism: The gospel is fundamentally an offer of restored relationship; apologetics and preaching must move beyond abstract ethics to the Person and work of Christ. Reception in Early Church Teaching Patristic writers—especially Irenaeus and Athanasius—often spoke of humanity being “recapitulated” or “made friends” with God through Christ, echoing Paul’s katallagē. The doctrine guarded both the deity of Christ (for only God can reconcile) and the true humanity of Christ (for the mediator must represent humankind). Summary Katallagē captures the heart of the gospel: God, at His own initiative and expense, removes sin’s enmity through Jesus Christ, bringing believers into joyful fellowship, inaugurating a new creation, and commissioning them to carry the same reconciling word to the ends of the earth. Englishman's Concordance Romans 5:11 N-AFSGRK: νῦν τὴν καταλλαγὴν ἐλάβομεν NAS: received the reconciliation. KJV: now received the atonement. INT: now the reconciliation we received Romans 11:15 N-NFS 2 Corinthians 5:18 N-GFS 2 Corinthians 5:19 N-GFS Strong's Greek 2643 |
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