μισθός

wages, reward

Definition

The Greek word μισθός primarily means 'wages' or 'reward,' encompassing both positive and negative outcomes. In its most literal sense, it refers to payment for labor, as seen in the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:8). More broadly, it denotes a divine reward for righteous actions, such as the 'great reward in heaven' promised to those who are persecuted (Matthew 5:12). It can also imply a just recompense or consequence, not always positive, for one's deeds, as in the idea of receiving back according to what one has done (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Biblical Usage

Μισθός is used 28 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels (especially Matthew) and the Pauline epistles. In Matthew's Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:1-16), it repeatedly warns against performing righteous acts for the sake of human praise, stating the doer 'has received their reward.' This contrasts with the promised reward from God. Paul uses it to speak of the believer's future, eschatological reward (1 Corinthians 3:8, 14). The usage consistently ties actions to their ultimate, often divine, consequence.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek μισθός, meaning 'pay,' 'hire,' or 'reward.' It is related to the verb μισθόω (misthoō, G3409), meaning 'to hire.' The root concept is a payment that is earned or owed, a fundamental idea in ancient economies that was naturally applied to spiritual concepts of divine repayment.

Semantic Range

Μισθός is theologically significant for understanding biblical concepts of divine justice, grace, and motivation. It underscores that God is a just rewarder (Hebrews 11:6) and that human actions have eternal consequences. However, it also creates a tension with the doctrine of grace—rewards are not earned salvation but are gracious acknowledgments of faithful service. Understanding this word enriches reading by highlighting the Bible's consistent link between earthly conduct and heavenly outcome, moving beyond mere 'wages' to a theology of ultimate accountability and promise.

In the Greco-Roman world, μισθός was a standard term for payment to soldiers, day-laborers, and hired servants. This cultural understanding of a contractual, earned payment forms the backdrop for its biblical use. When Jesus and the apostles used it for divine rewards, they were leveraging a familiar economic concept to explain spiritual realities, though shifting the focus from a purely transactional relationship to one based on God's character and covenant.

ἀμοιβή (amoibē, G287) — a more general term for 'repayment' or 'requital,' often used in a negative sense of retribution. ἀνταπόδοσις (antapodosis, G469) — emphasizes 'recompense' or 'repayment,' often in the context of divine justice. μισθαποδοσία (misthapodosia, G3405) — a compound word specifically meaning 'payment of wages' or 'reward,' used for the final divine recompense (Hebrews 10:35, 11:26).

Word Details

Scripture References