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G240 · Greek · New Testament
ἀλλήλων
allēlōn
Pronoun, reciprocal
one another, each other, mutually

Definition

The reciprocal pronoun meaning 'one another' or 'each other.' It appears in over 100 NT verses, forming the backbone of Christian community ethics — the 'one another' commands that define life together in the body of Christ.

Usage & Theological Significance

The allēlōn commands are the DNA of Christian community: love one another, forgive one another, bear one another's burdens, encourage one another, serve one another. These are not optional extras but the essential marks of the church. The frequency of allēlōn in the epistles shows that Christianity was never meant to be individualistic — it is inherently communal, relational, and mutually dependent.

Key Bible Verses

John 13:34 Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
Galatians 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Encourage one another and build each other up.
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Related Words

External Resources

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