John 13:35ESV
By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
Allelon is the proof. The world does not first notice our theology. It notices how we treat each other.
Greek word · FaithLabz word study
ἀλλήλων
allelon
one another, reciprocal action
Often translated: one anothereach othermutually
What allelon means
Allelon is the reciprocal pronoun. It means one another, each other, mutually. On its own it is a small grammatical word. In the New Testament it becomes one of the most important words in the church's vocabulary because of how often it appears next to a command. Love one another. Forgive one another. Bear with one another. Confess your sins to one another. Pray for one another. Encourage one another. Spur one another on. Scholars have counted roughly fifty-nine 'one another' commands in the New Testament. They are not optional accessories on the Christian life. They are the shape of the Christian life. What allelon makes clear is that the New Testament has no real category for solo discipleship. Following Jesus is not a private contract between you and God. It is being grafted into a body where other people get to call on you, depend on you, see you on your worst days, and refuse to let you drift. The word also cuts in the other direction. Allelon means you have a right to be cared for by the church. You are not supposed to white-knuckle your faith alone. The one anothers go both ways.
Why this word matters
I spent years thinking my faith was between me and God, with church as an optional support system. Allelon embarrassed that. The New Testament keeps using a word that, by its grammar, cannot describe what I was doing. There is no 'one another' when you are alone. If you are reading this and you are doing the Christian life solo, you are doing a version of it the New Testament does not actually recognize. That is not a guilt trip. It is an invitation. The body of Christ is not a fan club for Jesus. It is the place where the fifty-nine one anothers happen. You were not designed to carry it alone, and Scripture refuses to let you try.
Etymology
Allelon is a contraction of allos allon, literally 'other of others.' It is the same root that gives us words like allegory (saying one thing in terms of another). In Greek grammar it is always reciprocal. It cannot mean one-way action. By definition it requires a circle of people doing something for each other.
Key Verses
Where allelon appears in Scripture, and why each verse showcases it.
Romans 12:10ESV
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Two allelons in one verse. A holy competition, but the prize is honoring the other person more than yourself.
Galatians 6:2ESV
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Allelon makes burden-bearing mutual. The strong one today will be the weak one tomorrow.
Hebrews 10:24-25ESV
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together.
The reason gathering matters: the one anothers cannot happen at a distance.
Related Words
Words in the same semantic family.
2 Teachings on allelon
Every video where Adam teaches on this word, in publication order.
word study
Allelon: The Greek Word That Changes Mother's Day
Explores the Greek word allelon and its transformative meaning for understanding motherhood and mutual care.
word study
Allelon: The Greek Word That Changes Everything
Explore the Greek word allelon and its transformative impact on Christian community and relationships.
Featured In
This word is studied in depth in the following monthly Bible studies.