Divine Justice: τίνω (Strong’s G5099: tino) Reveals Ultimate Accountability

Strong’s G5099: A verb meaning “to pay a penalty” or “suffer punishment,” from root meaning “to pay.” Used uniquely in 2 Thessalonians to describe the final justice rendered to those who reject God, emphasizing the certainty of divine judgment.

U- Unveiling the Word

τίνω carries profound theological significance in its sole New Testament appearance. This verb expresses the concept of paying what is due or suffering deserved punishment, particularly in contexts of divine justice. In 2 Thessalonians, it appears in Paul’s discussion of final judgment, emphasizing the certainty of God’s justice. The early church saw in this word both warning and comfort – warning to those who persist in evil and comfort to the persecuted that justice will prevail. Today, it continues to remind believers of God’s ultimate authority to judge and vindicate.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τίνω, tino, /TEE-no/
• Detailed pronunciation: TEE-noh (emphasis on TEE)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• From Proto-Indo-European *kʷey- meaning “to pay”
• Primary verb with no prefixes or suffixes
• Root word for terms relating to payment and penalty

D – Defining Meanings

• To pay a penalty
• To suffer punishment
• To make recompense
• To pay what is due

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but a primary verb

Translation Options:

• “Pay penalty” – Emphasizing recompense
• “Suffer punishment” – Emphasizing consequences
• “Make payment” – More literal translation

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀποτίνω (apotino) /a-po-TEE-no/ – to repay fully. See G661
• ἐκτίνω (ektino) /ek-TEE-no/ – to pay out completely. See G1551
• ἀνταποδίδωμι (antapodidomi) /an-ta-po-DI-do-mi/ – to repay. See G467

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a Verb:

• Tense: Future
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Perfective

Forms include:

• Present: τίνω (I pay)
• Future: τίσω (I will pay)
• Aorist: ἔτισα (I paid)
• Perfect: τέτικα (I have paid)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes τίνω’s use in contexts of divine retribution. Thayer’s notes its connection to legal and financial obligations. LSJ documents its extensive use in classical Greek for both literal payments and metaphorical punishment. Vine’s highlights its appearance in eschatological judgment contexts. Strong’s connects it to fundamental concepts of payment and penalty. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its use in legal documents for penalties and fines. The synthesis reveals a term carefully chosen to express the certainty of divine justice.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Who shall [suffer] [τίνω] punishment, even eternal destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his might;” 2 Thessalonians 1:9

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τίνω appears in Scripture emphasizing the certainty of divine justice. While sobering, this word proclaims the good news that King Jesus will ultimately right all wrongs and vindicate His people. It reminds us that God’s justice is perfect and certain, offering comfort to the persecuted while warning those who reject His grace. The word points to Christ’s own payment for sin, showing that divine justice is satisfied through His sacrifice.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was commonly used in ancient financial transactions.
2. Early Christian martyrs saw their suffering as distinct from this type of payment.
3. It appears in ancient legal codes for criminal penalties.

Strong’s G5099: A verb meaning “to pay a penalty” or “suffer punishment,” from root meaning “to pay.” Used uniquely in 2 Thessalonians to describe the final justice rendered to those who reject God, emphasizing the certainty of divine judgment.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: judgment, penalty, payment, justice, punishment, retribution, accountability, divine justice, consequences, final judgment, vindication, justice​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​