From meta (change) and tithēmi (to place). To transfer from one place to another, to change, to transpose. Used of Enoch's translation, the changing of the law, and the perversion of the gospel.
This word carries both positive and negative force. Positively, Enoch was 'translated' so he did not see death (Hebrews 11:5) — a picture of divine grace transporting a faithful man beyond mortality. Negatively, Paul rebukes the Galatians for so quickly 'deserting' the one who called them (Galatians 1:6) — turning away from grace to a different gospel. The word teaches that transfers happen in both directions: God transfers believers into His kingdom, but humans can also turn away from His grace.