τίνω

I pay

Definition

The verb τίνω means 'to pay' or 'to pay a penalty,' specifically in the sense of settling a debt or suffering the consequences of an action. In its sole New Testament occurrence, it carries the severe meaning of paying a penalty of eternal destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:9). While not used elsewhere in the NT, in broader Greek literature it could refer to paying a price, a fine, or a penalty, and sometimes even to paying honor or worship. The biblical usage focuses exclusively on the punitive sense of paying what is due for wrongdoing.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 2 Thessalonians 1:9. It describes the fate of those who do not know God and disobey the gospel: they will 'pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord.' The context is eschatological judgment, where the verb powerfully conveys the idea of suffering the just and inevitable consequences for rebellion against God.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek verb τίνω (tinō), meaning 'to pay, to punish, to avenge.' It is a primary verb with a root sense of 'to pay a price.' Related words include τίσις (tisis, G5098) meaning 'vengeance' or 'punishment,' and τίμη (timē, G5092) meaning 'price' or 'honor,' showing a conceptual connection between value, payment, and retribution.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it underscores the biblical principle of divine justice and retribution. In 2 Thessalonians 1:9, it clarifies that eternal destruction is not an arbitrary act but a just penalty paid by the unrighteous. It contrasts with the gospel truth that Christ paid (a different Greek verb, ἀποθνῄσκω) the penalty for sin on behalf of believers, highlighting the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of paying a penalty (τίσις) was foundational to legal and moral thought. The idea that wrongdoing incurred a debt that must be settled was widely understood in both judicial and philosophical contexts. Paul's use of this term would resonate with his audience's understanding of justice, while investing it with the ultimate, spiritual consequence of separation from God.

ἀποδίδωμι (apodidōmi, G591) — a more general term for 'to pay back' or 'to give back,' used for debts, wages, or rewards. ἀποτίνω (apotinō) — a strengthened form meaning 'to pay off in full,' but not used in the NT. τίσις (tisis, G5098) — the noun 'vengeance' or 'punishment,' the penalty that is paid.

Word Details

Scripture References