The Greek verb apallotrioō means to estrange, to alienate, or to cut off from fellowship. Appearing 3 times in the New Testament (Ephesians 2:12; 4:18; Colossians 1:21), it describes the fundamental estrangement from God that characterizes unredeemed humanity — and from which Christ's redemption rescues.
Apallotrioō is compounded from apo (away from) + allotrios (belonging to another, foreign). In Ephesians 2:12, Paul describes the pre-conversion state of Gentile believers: 'Remember that at that time you were... excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise.' Ephesians 4:18 uses the same word for those 'alienated from the life of God.' Colossians 1:21 states the universal human condition: 'Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior' — followed immediately by the great reversal: 'But now he has reconciled you.' The theology of apallotrioō is the theology of the fall — humanity cut off from the covenant life, the presence, and the peace of God. The entire gospel is the news that this alienation has been overcome by the cross of Christ.