G3410

Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding key Greek words like μίσθωμα (misthōma) provides greater insight into the cultural and theological contexts of the New Testament. This word is particularly significant in Acts 28:30, where it describes the rented house in which the Apostle Paul stayed while awaiting trial in Rome. The use of μίσθωμα not only sheds light on historical details about Paul’s life but also gives us a glimpse into everyday Roman society and the economic conditions of the time. Understanding this term deepens our appreciation of Paul’s ministry, even during his imprisonment, and underscores how the early church operated in a diverse and often hostile environment.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μίσθωμα (misthōma)

Transliteration: mis-tho-mah

Pronunciation: /mis-tho-mah/

Etymology: The word μίσθωμα is derived from the root word μισθός (misthos), meaning “wage” or “reward.” μίσθωμα refers to something that is rented or hired, such as a house or room. The suffix “-μα” in Greek often denotes a result or object of an action, so μίσθωμα literally refers to something obtained by payment.

Part of Speech: Noun. Specifically, it is a neuter noun used to describe an object or thing that is hired or rented. In the context of Acts 28:30, μίσθωμα refers to the rented house in which Paul stayed for two years, receiving visitors and continuing his ministry.

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

Defining Meanings

1. Rented Place: The primary meaning of μίσθωμα is “a place that is rented” or “something hired.” In Acts 28:30, it refers to a house or dwelling rented by Paul while under house arrest in Rome.

2. Hired Property: The term can extend to refer to any form of hired property, whether a building, land, or other possessions that are obtained in exchange for a payment.

Exploring Similar Words

1. μισθός (misthós) [mis-thos]: This word means “wages” or “reward,” and is the root from which misthōma is derived. While μισθός refers to the payment or reward, μίσθωμα refers to the object or thing obtained through that payment, such as a rented house or land.

2. μισθόω (misthóō) [mis-tho-oh]: This verb means “to hire” or “to employ,” focusing on the act of renting or hiring someone for wages. It highlights the transactional nature of the exchange.

3. ἐνοικία (enoikia) [en-oy-kee-ah]: This word can also refer to a rented house or dwelling but is more commonly used in different contexts than μίσθωμα, often relating to inhabiting or dwelling in a place.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender:

μίσθωμα is a neuter noun. In its singular form, it typically appears in the nominative, accusative, or vocative case as μίσθωμα. The plural form is μισθώματα. The word does not change based on gender, as it is neuter.

Declension Table (Singular and Plural Forms):

Case Singular Plural

Nominative μίσθωμα μισθώματα

Genitive μισθώματος μισθωμάτων

Dative μισθώματι μισθώμασι

Accusative μίσθωμα μισθώματα

For more on Greek grammar, click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Across major Greek lexicons, μίσθωμα consistently refers to an object, property, or dwelling that is rented or hired for a period of time. It conveys a commercial relationship or transaction involving payment in exchange for temporary use of property. In Acts 28:30, μίσθωμα specifically points to the rented house where Paul, though under house arrest, was able to live and continue his ministry. Lexical sources emphasize how μίσθωμα reflects common economic and social practices in ancient Rome, showing how even during Paul’s imprisonment, he could still rent property and engage in ministry. This speaks to the flexibility and adaptability of the early Christian mission, even under less-than-ideal circumstances.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Acts 28:30 – “And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired [μίσθωμα] house, and received all that came in unto him.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Example Text

Plato Laws “A property hired [μίσθωμα] for the sake of the city’s defense.”

Herodotus Histories “The land was rented [μίσθωμα] for the purpose of agriculture.”

Septuagint Tobit 1:5 “He gave payment for the hired [μίσθωμα] servants in his house.”

Noteworthy Summary

The word μίσθωμα, found in Acts 28:30, holds significant relevance to both the practical and theological narratives of the New Testament. It refers to a rented property and is used in the context of Paul’s house arrest in Rome. Understanding this term helps us appreciate the economic realities of early Christianity, where even under restrictive circumstances like imprisonment, the work of ministry continued. The flexibility demonstrated in this passage reminds readers of the ways in which God’s purposes transcend human limitations.

Did You Know?

1. Paul’s rented house in Acts 28:30 was likely funded by the support of the early Christian community, illustrating the communal nature of early Christian ministry.

2. The concept of renting or hiring (μίσθωμα) was commonplace in Roman cities, where property and land were often rented by middle-class citizens.

3. The use of μίσθωμα in Acts signifies how, despite being under Roman custody, Paul had relative freedom to continue his mission, reflecting the providential spread of the Gospel even in captivity.