The Difference Between katallagē and kâphar

Both katallagē (Greek: καταλλαγή, G2643) and kâphar (Hebrew: כָּפַר, H3722) address overlapping biblical themes — katallagē carrying the sense of "atonement" and kâphar conveying "appease". Each word is shaped by its own covenant and cultural context, yet together they illuminate how the Old and New Testaments speak with one voice on this theme.

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greekhebrew

καταλλαγή vs כָּפַר

katallagē and kâphar

καταλλαγή

exchange (figuratively, adjustment), i.e. restoration to (the divine) favor

G2643

Exegetical Meaning

exchange (figuratively, adjustment), i.e. restoration to (the divine) favor | Etymology: from G2644 (καταλλάσσω); | KJV: atonement, reconciliation(-ing)

Origin

Root form

English Glosses

atonementreconciliation

Canon Usage

No data

Context Themes

    No clusters available

כָּפַר

to cover (specifically with bitumen); figuratively, to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel

H3722

Exegetical Meaning

to cover (specifically with bitumen); figuratively, to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel | Etymology: a primitive root; | KJV: appease, make (an atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, purge (away), put off, (make) reconcile(-liation).

Origin

Root form

English Glosses

appeasemakeput offreconcile.

Canon Usage

No data

Context Themes

    No clusters available