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Unveiling the Word

Understanding the original Greek words used in the New Testament is essential for a deeper understanding of its teachings and cultural context. One such word is μίσθιος (misthios), which is used in Luke 15:17 in the well-known Parable of the Prodigal Son. This word gives insight into the social and economic realities of the ancient world, particularly in relation to hired labor. By examining μίσθιος, we gain a fuller understanding of the prodigal son’s desperation when he desired the status of a mere hired servant in his father’s household, an indication of how far he had fallen in status and dignity.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μίσθιος (misthios)

Transliteration: mis-thee-os

Pronunciation: /mis-thee-os/

Etymology: Misthios is derived from the root word μισθός (misthós), meaning “wages” or “reward.” The addition of the suffix -ios turns the term into a noun referring to a hired laborer, someone who works for wages.

Part of Speech: Noun, masculine. Misthios refers specifically to a person who works for pay, commonly understood as a hired servant or laborer.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Hired Servant: The most common meaning of misthios is a hired servant or laborer. In Luke 15:17, the prodigal son refers to the misthioi (plural) in his father’s house, those who work for wages, contrasting their situation with his own after having squandered his inheritance.

2. Worker for Pay: This meaning emphasizes the economic relationship where labor is exchanged for wages, distinguishing a misthios from a slave, who would not typically receive payment for their labor.

Exploring Similar Words

1. μισθός (misthós) [mis-thos]: This word means “wages” or “reward” and is the root of misthios. It refers to the payment or compensation given in return for work or services rendered.

2. δοῦλος (doulos) [doo-los]: While misthios refers to a hired laborer, doulos means “slave.” The key difference is that a doulos is bound to serve without compensation, whereas a misthios works for wages.

3. ἐργάτης (ergátēs) [er-ga-tes]: This term means “worker” or “laborer,” and while it can overlap with misthios, it doesn’t necessarily imply that the worker is paid for their labor.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender:

As a masculine noun, misthios follows the standard declension patterns of second-declension masculine nouns in Greek.

Case Singular Plural

Nominative μίσθιος μισθίοι

Genitive μισθίου μισθίων

Dative μισθίῳ μισθίοις

Accusative μίσθιον μισθίους

For a deeper dive into Greek grammar, click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicons agree that misthios primarily describes a hired servant, someone who works for wages rather than out of obligation or servitude. In New Testament contexts, particularly in Luke 15:17, the term highlights the distinction between hired laborers who earn their keep and others, like slaves or family members, whose roles do not revolve around financial compensation. Theological insights drawn from misthios in the parable underscore the contrast between the son’s previous status as a beloved child and his fallen state where he longs to be a mere paid servant in his father’s household.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Luke 15:17 – “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants [μίσθιοι] have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!’”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Example Text

Xenophon Memorabilia “He sought a misthios to tend his flocks.”

Plato Republic “The misthioi labor for wages, not for honor.”

Septuagint Genesis 30:32 “Laban hired Jacob as a misthios to tend the sheep.”

Noteworthy Summary

The word misthios provides valuable insight into the economic realities of labor and compensation in the ancient world. Its occurrence in the Parable of the Prodigal Son emphasizes the depth of the son’s regret and shame, as he longs for the lowly status of a hired servant. The word’s use conveys more than just employment; it also expresses the son’s broken relationship with his father and his desire to regain even a fraction of his former life. Classical and Septuagint usages align with this meaning, showing that misthios was often used to describe those who worked for pay in various capacities, from tending flocks to laboring in homes.

Did You Know?

1. Misthios is only used once in the New Testament, highlighting its unique significance in the parable of the Prodigal Son.

2. The term misthios is not simply a synonym for servant or slave, but specifically refers to someone who works for wages, distinguishing them from others who might work out of duty or necessity.

3. In ancient Greek literature, misthios often referred to temporary workers or mercenaries who were paid for their services, adding another layer to its meaning in the context of Jesus’ parables.