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Unveiling the Word

Understanding the depth and nuance of key Greek words in the New Testament can greatly enhance one’s comprehension of biblical texts. One such word is μισθός (misthós), which appears in Matthew 5:12 as part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, specifically in the Beatitudes. The word denotes the concept of a “reward” or “wage” and is used throughout the New Testament to describe both earthly and heavenly compensation for actions. Grasping the meaning of misthós helps deepen our understanding of the relationship between faithfulness and divine reward in both the present life and in eternity.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μισθός (misthós)

Transliteration: mis-thos

Pronunciation: /mis-thos/

Etymology: The term misthós comes from the root word related to receiving something in exchange for work or effort. Its origin ties to the concept of payment or wages for services rendered.

Part of Speech: Noun, masculine. Misthós is primarily used as a noun in the New Testament, referring to wages or a reward for actions, whether literal or metaphorical, as in divine compensation for righteousness.

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

Defining Meanings

1. Wages or Payment: The word misthós frequently refers to compensation given in return for work or services. This is the most literal and common usage of the word, particularly in contexts of manual labor or services rendered.

2. Reward (Divine or Spiritual): In many New Testament passages, misthós is used metaphorically to describe the spiritual or heavenly reward given by God for faithfulness, righteousness, and endurance. For instance, in Matthew 5:12, Jesus promises a great reward in heaven for those persecuted for righteousness.

Exploring Similar Words

1. μισθαποδότης (misthapodotēs) [mis-tha-po-do-tes]: A closely related word meaning “one who gives a reward” or “rewarder,” often referring to God as the one who gives divine recompense.

2. ἀνταπόδομα (antapodoma) [an-ta-po-do-ma]: This term signifies a repayment or recompense, often used in both positive and negative contexts to refer to just retribution for actions.

3. ἐργάτης (ergatēs) [er-ga-tes]: Meaning “worker” or “laborer,” this word is connected to misthós in that laborers receive misthós (wages) for their work.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender:

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

Case Singular Plural

Nominative μισθός μισθοί

Genitive μισθοῦ μισθῶν

Dative μισθῷ μισθοῖς

Accusative μισθόν μισθούς

For a beginner’s guide to reading Greek, click here.

Studying Lexicon Insights

According to the major Greek lexicons, misthós is used both literally and metaphorically. In its literal sense, it refers to payment for services rendered, as seen in parables and teachings concerning laborers and workers. However, its more significant theological use comes in the New Testament, where it describes the reward God promises to the faithful. This reward can be understood as eternal life, the kingdom of heaven, or blessings for obedience. It conveys the idea that God sees and acknowledges righteous actions, providing a form of recompense.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 5:12 – “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward [μισθός] in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

2. Luke 6:23 – “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For behold, your reward [μισθός] is great in heaven.”

3. 1 Corinthians 3:8 – “Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward [μισθός] according to his own labor.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Example Text

Plato Republic “The misthos of justice is greater than the misthos of injustice.”

Xenophon Anabasis “They demanded their misthós after the battle.”

Septuagint Genesis 15:1 “Your reward [μισθός] shall be very great.”

Noteworthy Summary

The word misthós holds significant meaning in both biblical and classical contexts. In the New Testament, it often emphasizes the spiritual rewards awaiting those who endure persecution or live righteously. This concept of divine compensation is central to many of Jesus’ teachings, where He encourages believers to focus on heavenly rewards rather than earthly recognition. Beyond its theological implications, misthós also reflects the economic realities of the ancient world, where compensation for work was a common part of daily life.

Did You Know?

1. The word misthós appears over 28 times in the New Testament, often in the context of heavenly rewards promised by God.

2. In ancient Greek literature, misthós was commonly used to refer to the wages paid to soldiers and workers, underscoring the concept of earned recompense.

3. The Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) also uses misthós frequently, linking the concept of reward to both earthly blessings and divine promises.