ἀνταπόδοσις

a reward, recompense

Definition

ἀνταπόδοσις (antapodosis) refers to a repayment, recompense, or reward, often implying a fitting or just return for actions taken. In the New Testament, it carries the sense of a divine reward or retribution that corresponds to one's deeds, whether good or evil. The word emphasizes the principle of reciprocity, where God justly gives back what is due. Its sole biblical occurrence in Colossians 3:24 specifically points to the positive 'reward' or 'inheritance' believers will receive from the Lord for faithful service.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Colossians 3:24. It appears in a household code context, where slaves are instructed to work heartily for the Lord, knowing they will receive 'the reward (ἀνταπόδοσις) of the inheritance' from Christ. The usage is positive, focusing on future divine compensation for faithful obedience, contrasting with any earthly master's potential unfairness.

Etymology

Derived from the compound verb ἀνταποδίδωμι (antapodidōmi, G591), meaning 'to give back in return, repay, recompense.' It combines ἀντί (anti, 'in return, against') and ἀποδίδωμι (apodidōmi, 'to give back, render'). The noun form ἀνταπόδοσις thus inherently conveys the idea of a reciprocal giving back, a repayment that matches an action.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it underscores the biblical principle of divine justice and reward. It assures believers that their labor for the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58) and that God is a just judge who will repay each according to their works (Romans 2:6). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the certainty and appropriateness of God's future recompense, which is an inheritance rooted in grace, not merely earned wages.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of reciprocity (do ut des, 'I give so that you might give') was a fundamental social and religious principle. ἀνταπόδοσις fits within this framework, but the New Testament elevates it by placing the ultimate recompense in the hands of a perfectly just and gracious God, rather than in fallible human masters or capricious pagan deities.

μισθός (misthos, G3408) — a wage or reward, often for work done; more common and can imply earned compensation. ἀμοιβή (amoibē, G287) — a requital or exchange, often in a more general reciprocal sense.

Word Details

Scripture References