Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Reconciliation”
The biblical word “Reconciliation” traces back to Hebrew / Greek (shalom / katallasso), where it meant “To change from enmity to friendship, to restore a broken relationship”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “The restoration of relationship between God and humanity through Christ's atoning work”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Hebrew / Greekshalom / katallassoTo change from enmity to friendship, to restore a broken relationship
Hebrew shalom (H7965) carries peace and wholeness. Greek katallasso (G2644) means to reconcile or exchange. Paul uses katallasso in Romans 5:10 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20.
Medieval Latin / Church
LatinreconciliatioGod's act of restoring peace and relationship between humanity and the divine through Christ
Latin reconciliatio from reconciliare. The Church taught that Christ bridges the enmity between sinful humanity and holy God, restoring relational peace.
Modern English
EnglishreconciliationThe restoration of relationship between God and humanity through Christ's atoning work
From Latin via Old French. In modern theology, reconciliation emphasizes both vertical (God-human) and horizontal (human-human) restoration of relationships broken by sin.