Pronunciation Guide: ah-moy-BAY

Basic Definition

Strong’s G287: ἀμοιβή refers to the act of reciprocating or repaying, specifically in the context of children or grandchildren showing gratitude and providing care for their parents or elderly family members. It carries the deeper meaning of completing a cycle of care and honor that reflects God’s design for family relationships.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Derived from ἀμείβω (ameibō) – to change, exchange, or repay
• Primary usage in teaching and ethical instruction
• Found in both classical and Koine Greek literature
• Particularly significant in familial and social relationship contexts

ἀμοιβή Morphology:

• ἀμοιβή (nominative singular) – repayment, requital
• ἀμοιβῆς (genitive singular) – of repayment
• ἀμοιβῇ (dative singular) – with/in repayment
• ἀμοιβήν (accusative singular) – repayment (direct object)

Origin & History

The word ἀμοιβή has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was used to describe the principle of reciprocity in various social contexts. Homer employs it in the Odyssey to describe the exchange of gifts and hospitality, while Aristotle uses it in his Nicomachean Ethics to discuss the reciprocal nature of friendship and justice.

In the Septuagint, though the exact form ἀμοιβή is not frequent, related forms of the word appear in contexts describing appropriate responses to kindness and the fulfillment of obligations. The concept becomes particularly significant in wisdom literature, where it connects to teachings about honoring parents and caring for family members.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The act of repaying or returning care received
• The fulfillment of familial obligations through practical support
• The expression of gratitude through tangible actions
• The completion of a cycle of care within family relationships

ἀμοιβή Translation Options:

• “Repayment” – Emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the action
• “Return” – Highlights the completing of a cycle of care
• “Requital” – Stresses the appropriate response to previous care
• “Recompense” – Focuses on the practical aspects of showing gratitude

Biblical Usage

The word ἀμοιβή appears explicitly in 1 Timothy 5:4, where Paul addresses the responsibilities of children and grandchildren toward their elderly family members. This usage is particularly significant as it occurs within a broader discussion of caring for widows and maintaining proper family relationships within the believing community.

While the exact form appears only once in the New Testament, the principle it represents is found throughout Scripture, from the Fifth Commandment (Exodus 20:12) to Yeshua’s criticism of those who neglected their parents through misuse of the Corban tradition (Mark 7:9-13).

• “But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay [ἀμοιβάς] their parents.” 1 Timothy 5:4

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of ἀμοιβή aligned closely with the principle of כִּבּוּד אָב וָאֵם (kibbud av va’em) – honoring father and mother. This was not merely about showing respect but included the practical provision of care and support in old age. The rabbis taught that this honor was to be demonstrated through specific actions: providing food, drink, clothing, and proper care when parents could no longer care for themselves.

The use of ἀμοιβή in 1 Timothy reflects this Jewish understanding while addressing it to a predominantly Gentile audience, showing how the early Messianic community maintained these important family values while expanding them to include the broader family of faith.

Theological Significance

The concept of ἀμοιβή reflects the character of God Himself, who is faithful to reward those who serve Him (Hebrews 11:6). Just as Yahweh consistently shows חֶסֶד (chesed – covenant faithfulness) to His people, He expects His children to demonstrate similar faithfulness in their family relationships.

This word also points to the deeper reality of our relationship with God through the Messiah. Yeshua, in His perfect fulfillment of the Law, demonstrated the ultimate ἀμοιβή by caring for His mother even from the cross (John 19:26-27). This sets the standard for how believers should care for their own family members.

Personal Application

In our modern context, where elderly care is often institutionalized and family bonds are frequently strained, the concept of ἀμοιβή challenges us to reconsider our responsibilities to our aging parents and grandparents. It calls us to move beyond mere duty to a grateful recognition of the debt of love we owe to those who cared for us in our youth.

This principle extends beyond physical care to include emotional support, respect, and the maintenance of family bonds that reflect God’s design for intergenerational relationships. It invites us to ask ourselves how we can better honor those who have invested in our lives, recognizing that such care is both a command and a privilege.

Related Words

• ἀνταπόδοσις (antapodosis) – recompense, return – Emphasizes divine reward or punishment for actions See G469
• ἀνταπόδομα (antapodoma) – requital, recompense – Focuses on the thing given in return See G468
• μισθός (misthos) – wages, reward – Highlights earned compensation See G3408
• χάρις (charis) – grace, favor – Shows the divine model of giving without expectation of return See G5485

Did you Know?

• The concept of ἀμοιβή was so important in ancient Greek society that it formed the basis of their understanding of justice in business transactions and social relationships.
• In modern Greek, the word ἀμοιβή is still used to refer to professional fees or compensation, showing how the basic concept of appropriate return for service has carried through to contemporary times.
• The rabbis of the Talmudic period taught that honoring parents (the practical application of ἀμοιβή) was considered equal to honoring God Himself, as all three – father, mother, and God – are partners in a person’s creation.

Remember This

ἀμοιβή embodies the divine principle that gratitude is best expressed through practical care, reminding us that true faith manifests itself in how we honor those who have honored us.