Lexical Summary apokatallassó: To reconcile completely, to restore to favor Original Word: ἀποκαταλλάσσω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance reconcile. From apo and katallasso; to reconcile fully -- reconcile. see GREEK apo see GREEK katallasso NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and katallassó Definition to reconcile completely NASB Translation reconcile (2), reconciled (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 604: ἀποκαταλλάσσωἀποκαταλλάσσω or ἀποκαταλλάττω: 1 aorist ἀποκατηλλαξα; 2 aorist passive ἀποκατηλλαγητε (Colossians 1:22-21L Tr marginal reading WH marginal reading); to reconcile completely (ἀπό) (others, to reconcile back again, bring back to a former state of harmony; Ellicott on Ephesians 2:16; Lightfoot or Bleek on Colossians 1:20; Winers De verb. comp. etc. Part iv., p. 7f; yet see Meyer on Ephesians, the passage cited; Fritzsche on Romans, vol. i., p. 278; (see ἀπό V.)) (cf. καταλλάσσω): Colossians 1:22 (21) (cf. Lightfoot at the passage); τινα τίνι, Ephesians 2:16; concisely, πάντα εἰς αὑτόν (better αὐτόν with editions; cf. Buttmann, p. 111 (97) and under the word αὑτοῦ), to draw to himself by reconciliation, or so to reconcile that they should be devoted to himself, Colossians 1:20 (Winer's Grammar, 212 (200) but cf. § 49, a. c. d.). (Found neither in secular authors nor in the Greek O. T.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope of Reconciliation Strong’s Greek 604, ἀποκαταλλάσσω, expresses a decisive, complete restoration of harmony between estranged parties. Unlike the broader καταλλάσσω, this intensive form stresses a total, once-for-all bringing back into favor that leaves no residual hostility. In the New Testament it is reserved for God’s work in Jesus Christ, underscoring that such reconciliation is neither partial nor merely potential; it is accomplished and objective. Theological Background in Scripture From Genesis 3 onward, Scripture traces humanity’s alienation from the Creator. Sacrificial types (e.g., Leviticus 16) foreshadowed a mediator who would remove enmity. The prophets anticipated a covenant of peace (Isaiah 54:10; Ezekiel 37:26), yet left its fulfillment open. Paul identifies ἀποκαταλλάσσω as the climactic answer: “and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things” (Colossians 1:20). Usage in the Pauline Epistles Colossians 1:20 situates reconciliation on a cosmic plane—“things on earth or things in heaven”—signifying that Christ’s cross has redemptive efficacy beyond humanity, extending to the entire created order disfigured by sin. Ephesians 2:16 applies the verb to ethnic hostility, declaring that Jew and Gentile have been “reconciled to God in one body through the cross.” The horizontal peace of the Church flows from the vertical peace established with God. Colossians 1:22 brings the term down to the individual believer: “He has now reconciled you by His physical body through death to present you holy, unblemished, and blameless in His presence.” Justification and sanctification are implicit goals of reconciliation. Christological Emphasis Only the incarnate Son effects ἀποκαταλλάσσω. His “blood of the cross” (Colossians 1:20) is the exclusive means; His “body of flesh” (Colossians 1:22) the historical arena. The unique focus on Christ guards against any notion of human contribution. The middle voice (Ephesians 2:16) highlights His personal agency: He Himself acted to reconcile. Soteriological Implications 1. Objective reality: Reconciliation is accomplished outside the believer before it is applied by faith. Ecclesiological Dimensions Ephesians 2:16 places the Church at the intersection of reconciled humanity. The “one new man” emerges as the visible demonstration of peace, making any form of racial or cultural segregation a denial of the Gospel’s power. Pastoral and Missional Application • Assurance: Believers grounded in the finished work of reconciliation possess a stable identity, resisting legalism and mysticism. Historical Reception and Doctrinal Formulation Early fathers such as Athanasius appealed to Colossians 1:20 to argue that only one who is fully God and fully man can reconcile all creation. The Reformation sharpened the forensic facets, while Puritan theologians stressed the accompanying sanctification. Contemporary evangelical missions cite Ephesians 2 to challenge ethnic divisions and advance a theology of racial harmony grounded in the cross. Personal and Corporate Worship Liturgical readings of Colossians 1:15-23 lead the congregation to adore Christ as cosmic reconciler. The Lord’s Supper visibly proclaims reconciliation achieved (vertical) and shared (horizontal), calling worshipers to examine relational integrity before partaking. Eschatological Horizon Though decisively inaugurated, reconciliation awaits consummation when “creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay” (Romans 8:21). The Church lives in hopeful tension: enjoying peace with God now while yearning for the universal shalom secured by Christ’s cross to be fully unveiled at His return. Related Greek Terms and Distinctions • καταλλάσσω (Strong’s 2644): general term for reconciliation, used for both divine and human relationships. By choosing ἀποκαταλλάσσω, Paul signals an intensified, divine initiative that brings completion where lesser reconciliations prove temporary. Summary Statement Strong’s 604 encapsulates God’s definitive act in Christ to restore the fractured cosmos, unite divided humanity, and present believers holy before Him. This accomplished reconciliation forms the foundation for Christian identity, community, mission, and hope. Forms and Transliterations αποκαταλλαξαι αποκαταλλάξαι ἀποκαταλλάξαι αποκαταλλαξη αποκαταλλάξη ἀποκαταλλάξῃ αποκατηλλαξεν αποκατήλλαξεν ἀποκατήλλαξεν apokatallaxai apokatalláxai apokatallaxe apokatallaxē apokatalláxei apokatalláxēi apokatellaxen apokatēllaxen apokatḗllaxenLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ephesians 2:16 V-ASA-3SGRK: καὶ ἀποκαταλλάξῃ τοὺς ἀμφοτέρους NAS: and might reconcile them both in one KJV: And that he might reconcile both INT: and might reconcile both Colossians 1:20 V-ANA Colossians 1:22 V-AIA-3S Strong's Greek 604 |
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