G3405

Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding Greek terms like μισθαποδοσία (misthapodosía) is crucial for grasping the deeper meanings embedded within Scripture. Appearing in Hebrews 2:2, this word refers to “reward” or “recompense,” emphasizing the idea of compensation or receiving a just outcome for actions. In New Testament interpretation, misthapodosía holds theological importance, particularly when discussing divine justice and the concept of reward for righteousness. It also carries broader implications for understanding both earthly and heavenly recompense in ancient Greek culture.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μισθαποδοσία (misthapodosía)

Pronunciation: mees-thah-poh-do-SEE-ah

Etymology: The word misthapodosía is a compound formed from two root words: μισθός (misthós), meaning “wage” or “reward,” and ἀποδίδωμι (apodídōmi), meaning “to give back” or “to recompense.” Together, they convey the concept of giving back a reward or payment, often in the context of divine justice or compensation for good or bad deeds.

Part of Speech: Noun, feminine. It refers to the act or result of receiving a reward, recompense, or payment for services or deeds, often within a legal, moral, or spiritual context.

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

Defining Meanings

1. Recompense or Reward – The primary meaning of misthapodosía is the act of receiving a recompense, either for righteous behavior or wickedness, depending on the context. It is often linked to divine judgment, where God rewards the faithful or punishes the unrighteous.

2. Divine Reward – In several New Testament passages, this word conveys the idea of a reward given by God to those who faithfully follow His commandments. It emphasizes the eternal nature of this reward, as opposed to temporary, earthly compensation.

3. Earthly Compensation – In some contexts, misthapodosía also refers to a wage or payment given in return for labor or service, though this meaning is less emphasized in theological writings.

Exploring Similar Words

1. μισθός (misthós) [mees-THOS]: This word simply means “wage” or “reward” and is the root of misthapodosía. While misthós refers directly to the payment, misthapodosía focuses on the act of receiving that payment or recompense.

2. ἀποδίδωμι (apodídōmi) [ah-poh-DEE-doh-mee]: Meaning “to give back” or “to repay,” this verb underlies the idea of recompense in misthapodosía, highlighting the process of returning or rewarding what is due.

3. ἀνταποδίδωμι (antapodídōmi) [an-tah-poh-DEE-doh-mee]: A similar term meaning “to repay” or “to recompense,” but often used in a context of mutual repayment or exchange, whereas misthapodosía focuses on divine or moral recompense.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender:

As a feminine noun, misthapodosía follows the typical declension patterns for feminine nouns in the Greek language. The word appears in various cases to express its role in sentences, such as the nominative (subject), genitive (possession), or accusative (object) forms. Here’s a basic declension for singular use:

Case Singular

Nominative μισθαποδοσία

Genitive μισθαποδοσίας

Dative μισθαποδοσίᾳ

Accusative μισθαποδοσίαν

For a more in-depth understanding of Greek grammar, check out this beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Misthapodosía is frequently associated with themes of divine judgment and reward. In the New Testament, it appears mainly in contexts where God is said to repay or reward individuals based on their deeds. For example, in Hebrews 2:2, it emphasizes the certainty of divine recompense for actions. In other texts, such as Hebrews 10:35 and 11:26, misthapodosía highlights the idea of an eternal reward that outweighs earthly suffering or sacrifice. This concept is deeply rooted in both Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures, where reward and punishment were key aspects of divine and legal justice.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Hebrews 2:2 – “For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense [μισθαποδοσίαν] of reward.”

2. Hebrews 10:35 – “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense [μισθαποδοσίαν] of reward.”

3. Hebrews 11:26 – “Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense [μισθαποδοσίαν] of the reward.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Example Text

Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics “Virtue itself is its own reward [μισθός], but the city gives a reward.”

Plato Republic “Every person receives the just recompense [ἀποδίδωμι] for their actions.”

Septuagint Wisdom of Solomon “The reward [μισθαποδοσία] of the righteous is eternal.”

Noteworthy Summary

Misthapodosía is a significant term in New Testament theology, particularly in understanding the concept of divine reward or recompense. Its use in passages like Hebrews 2:2 underscores the certainty of divine justice, while other references highlight the eternal nature of the reward promised to believers. In classical Greek and Jewish thought, this term emphasizes both immediate and future rewards, making it central to the biblical theme of judgment and divine justice.

Did You Know?

1. The word misthapodosía is only found in the New Testament book of Hebrews, where it highlights both the consequences of disobedience and the eternal reward of faithfulness.

2. In classical Greek culture, receiving misthapodosía was often viewed as a civic virtue, with rewards given for honorable service to the city or state.

3. The Septuagint frequently uses this word in wisdom literature, emphasizing the righteous receiving their due reward in the afterlife.