KATALASSO (Reconcile)

What is the Word?

If we were told to pick a word that best captures the gospel story, then the word Katalasso might be a good candidate. While the scriptures talk extensively about ending relationships, Katalasso expresses the idea of reconciliation with God and with one another. 

How does the Bible use this word?

Katalasso is a verb, but it is unique in that it is a compound verb, the combination of two distinct words to form an entirely new word. The compound is made up of the words kata and alasso. Kata (κατά) is a preposition that denotes the idea of “against” or “according to.” Alasso (ἀλλάσσω) is a verb which carries the idea of “exchange” or “transform.” When the intensifier kata is added to alasso, it leaves us with a word that is comparable to that has undertones of total transformation or complete change. Reconciliation is a comparable translation when we attempt to render an English version. 

Where in the Bible?

As Christians, the idea of reconciliation is a major theme in our life of faith. Through Jesus, we as sinners are reconciled to God the Father by his death and resurrection. As Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17-21:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled (καταλλάξαντος) us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation (καταλλαγῆς); that is, in Christ God was reconciling (καταλλάσσων) the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation (καταλλαγῆς). Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled (καταλλάγητε) to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

In this passage, Paul explains to us the beautiful mystery of the incarnation. The divine son of God became man in order that through entering into his creation, he might bring creation back to the Father. In Jesus Christ he has reconciled the world to God through his work on the cross. Because of this reconciliation, our relationship with God is renewed. Our sins were carried with Christ to the cross where they died along with him. Along with his garments, our sins were left in the tomb. Our slate is wiped clean and we are transformed into ambassadors for Christ, taking this message of reconciliation and renewal out into the world. 

Relaying the Message

This message of reconciliation is captured in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. In him, all things are reconciled. Sinners are reconciled to God. There is no longer Jew, Greek, Male, nor Female. All have become reconciled to the Father through faith in Christ. Because we have been reconciled to God, we as Christians are endowed with a mission to take this message of reconciliation to the ends of the earth. We preach Christ crucified to all, and we strive to reconcile with others as God has reconciled us to himself. 

Written by Drew Matz