ἀνταπόδομα

a gift in return, a return, a recompense

Definition

ἀνταπόδομα refers to a repayment or recompense given in return for something, often implying a reciprocal exchange. In Luke 14:12, Jesus uses it to describe the 'repayment' one might expect from inviting rich neighbors to a feast, highlighting a transactional expectation. In Romans 11:9, Paul quotes Psalm 69:22, where it denotes a 'retribution' or 'penalty' from God upon the disobedient, shifting the sense from mutual gift to divine judgment. Thus, the word spans both positive reciprocity and negative requital, depending on context.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in contexts discussing reciprocity or divine justice. In Luke 14:12, it is used in Jesus' teaching on hospitality, warning against seeking earthly repayment. In Romans 11:9, it is part of a quotation about God's judgment on Israel's unbelief, emphasizing a punitive recompense. The usage shows a pattern from human social exchange to theological retribution.

Etymology

Derived from the compound verb ἀνταποδίδωμι (antapodidōmi, G591), meaning 'to give back in return' or 'to repay.' It combines ἀντί (anti, 'against' or 'in return') and ἀποδίδωμι (apodidōmi, 'to give back'), literally conveying the idea of a return gift or payback. The noun form emphasizes the thing given in reciprocity.

Semantic Range

This word enriches understanding of divine justice and human motives. In Romans 11:9, it underscores God's righteous retribution against persistent unbelief, linking to themes of judgment and covenant faithfulness. In Luke 14:12, it challenges believers to practice selfless generosity without expectation of earthly reward, pointing to heavenly recompense. Grasping its dual sense deepens appreciation for biblical teachings on grace versus merit.

In Greco-Roman culture, reciprocal gift-giving was a key social practice that reinforced relationships and status. ἀνταπόδομα reflects this expectation of mutual obligation. Jesus' teaching in Luke subverts this norm by urging generosity without seeking return, which would have been countercultural. The term's use in divine judgment aligns with Jewish concepts of just recompense found in the Old Testament.

μισθός (misthos, G3408) — typically a wage or reward, often with positive connotation; ἀνταπόδοσις (antapodosis, G469) — a very close synonym, also meaning repayment or recompense, used interchangeably in some contexts; ὀψώνιον (opsōnion, G3800) — refers specifically to wages or provisions, more limited in scope.

Word Details

Scripture References