ἀνταποδίδωμι

I give in return

Definition

The verb ἀνταποδίδωμι means to give back, repay, or recompense, often in the sense of returning something that is due. It can refer to both positive and negative repayment, such as rewarding good deeds or punishing wrongdoing. In Luke 14:14, it describes God's future reward for acts of kindness, while in Romans 12:19 and Hebrews 10:30, it emphasizes God's role in executing vengeance, not humans. The word implies a just and fitting response, whether in blessing or judgment, based on prior actions.

Biblical Usage

ἀνταποδίδωμι appears six times in the New Testament, primarily in epistles that discuss divine justice and human relationships. In Luke 14:14, Jesus uses it for God's reward at the resurrection. Paul employs it in Romans 11:35 to highlight that God owes nothing to humans, in Romans 12:19 to command believers not to seek personal revenge, and in 1 Thessalonians 3:9 to express gratitude to God. It also appears in 2 Thessalonians 1:6 and Hebrews 10:30 to affirm God's righteous judgment on evil. The usage consistently points to divine, rather than human, agency in recompense.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀντί (anti, meaning 'against' or 'in return') and the verb ἀποδίδωμι (apodidōmi, meaning 'to give back' or 'repay'). The compound intensifies the idea of reciprocal giving, emphasizing a response that matches an initial action. Cognates include ἀνταπόδοσις (antapodosis, 'recompense') and ἀνταποδομα (antapodoma, 'repayment'), highlighting themes of retribution or reward.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it underscores God's character as the just judge who repays according to deeds. It reinforces doctrines of divine justice, eschatological reward, and the prohibition of personal vengeance (Romans 12:19). Understanding ἀνταποδίδωμι enriches Bible reading by clarifying that ultimate recompense—whether for good or evil—belongs to God, encouraging trust in His timing and righteousness.

In the Greco-Roman world, reciprocity was a core social value, where gifts or injuries demanded a proportional response. ἀνταποδίδωμι reflects this cultural expectation of balanced exchange. However, the New Testament redirects this concept: instead of personal retaliation, it assigns repayment to God, challenging cultural norms of honor-based revenge and emphasizing divine sovereignty.

ἀποδίδωμι (apodidōmi, G591) — a broader term for giving back or repaying, without the intensive reciprocal force of ἀνταποδίδωμι. μισθαποδότης (misthapodotēs, G3406) — specifically a rewarder or paymaster, focusing on compensation for labor. ἐκδικέω (ekdikeō, G1556) — to avenge or vindicate, often in a legal or punitive context.

Word Details

Scripture References