Understanding ἀνταπόδομα (antapodoma) Strong’s G468: The Divine Principle of Recompense in God’s Perfect Justice

Pronunciation Guide: an-tap-od’-om-ah

Basic Definition

Strong’s G468: ἀνταπόδομα (antapodoma) refers to a reward, recompense, or repayment given in return for actions or services rendered. It encompasses both positive rewards and negative consequences, emphasizing the principle of divine justice and reciprocity in God’s economy. This word uniquely captures the biblical concept that every action has corresponding consequences in God’s perfect justice system.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (neuter)
• Derived from ἀνταποδίδωμι (antapodidōmi, G467)
• Compound word: ἀντί (anti, “in return for”) + ἀπό (apo, “from”) + δίδωμι (didōmi, “to give”)
• Primarily used in teaching passages and prophetic contexts
• Common in wisdom literature of the Septuagint

ἀνταπόδομα Morphology:

• ἀνταπόδομα (nominative/accusative singular) – a recompense
• ἀνταποδόματος (genitive singular) – of recompense
• ἀνταποδόματι (dative singular) – in/with recompense
• ἀνταποδόματα (nominative/accusative plural) – recompenses

Origin & History

The concept of ἀνταπόδομα emerged from classical Greek economic and judicial terminology, where it initially described commercial transactions and legal settlements. In Plato’s “Laws” (Book IX), the term appears in discussions of justice and appropriate compensation for wrongdoing.

The Septuagint significantly expanded its usage, incorporating it into religious vocabulary to express God’s system of divine retribution and blessing. The word appears notably in Psalm 136 (LXX) as part of the repeated phrase describing God’s dealings with Egypt and other nations, showing His perfect justice in action.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A divinely orchestrated recompense or repayment
• The natural or supernatural consequence of actions
• A reward or punishment that perfectly matches the deed
• The principle of reciprocity in God’s economy

ἀνταπόδομα Translation Options:

• “Recompense” – Emphasizes the exact nature of return based on actions
• “Reward” – Best used when context indicates positive returns
• “Retribution” – Appropriate for contexts of divine justice
• “Requital” – Captures the reciprocal nature of the term
• “Just return” – Emphasizes the fairness of the compensation

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀνταπόδομα appears in contexts emphasizing God’s perfect justice and the principle of spiritual reciprocity. Luke 14:12 presents it in Yeshua’s teaching about true hospitality, where He warns against expecting an antapodoma (repayment) from guests who can repay you.

The Septuagint employs ἀνταπόδομα extensively, particularly in the Psalms and Prophetic literature, where it often describes God’s righteous judgments and rewards. This usage established a theological framework for understanding divine justice that carried into New Testament thought.

• “lest they also invite you in return [ἀνταπόδομα]” Luke 14:12
• “The blessing of יהוה brings [ἀνταπόδομα]” Proverbs 10:22 (LXX)
• “He will give them [ἀνταπόδομα] according to their works” Isaiah 59:18 (LXX)
• “Your [ἀνταπόδομα] shall return upon your own head” Obadiah 1:15 (LXX)

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of measure-for-measure (middah k’neged middah) was a fundamental principle of divine justice. This understanding deeply influenced the usage of ἀνταπόδομα in both Septuagint and New Testament contexts. The rabbis taught that God’s justice operates with perfect precision – not merely as punishment, but as a educational tool helping people understand the natural consequences of their actions.

The concept also related to the ancient Near Eastern practice of reciprocal gift-giving, where gifts created social obligations. However, Yeshua transformed this cultural understanding in Luke 14:12-14, teaching that true blessing comes from giving without expectation of earthly ἀνταπόδομα.

Theological Significance

ἀνταπόδομα reveals the perfect justice and precision of God’s dealings with humanity. It demonstrates that He is neither arbitrary nor capricious in His judgments, but operates according to established principles of righteousness. This word presents divine justice not as mere punishment, but as a system of perfect reciprocity that encompasses both reward and consequence.

The term also points to the Messianic fulfillment in Yeshua, who received the ultimate ἀνταπόδομα of our sin upon Himself (2 Corinthians 5:21), while granting us the ἀνταπόδομα of His righteousness. This divine exchange represents the perfect fulfillment of God’s justice system.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀνταπόδομα should shape how we view both our actions and God’s responses in our lives. When we experience consequences – whether positive or negative – we can recognize them as part of God’s perfect system of justice and growth, not random occurrences.

This understanding should also influence our motivations in serving others. Following Yeshua’s teaching, we should learn to give, serve, and love without expecting immediate ἀνταπόδομα, trusting in God’s perfect timing and justice for our reward.

Related Words

• μισθός (misthos) – wage, reward, recompense; emphasizes earned payment rather than reciprocal return See G3408
• ἀνταποδίδωμι (antapodidōmi) – to give back, repay; the verb form expressing the action of recompense See G467
• ἀμοιβή (amoibē) – requital, return; focuses on exchange aspect See G287
• κομίζω (komizō) – to receive back, obtain; emphasizes receiving what is due See G2865

Did you Know?

• The principle of ἀνταπόδομα in Jewish thought influenced the development of karma concepts in other cultures, though the biblical concept uniquely emphasizes God’s personal involvement in justice rather than an impersonal force.
• Modern Greek still uses forms of ἀνταπόδομα in legal contexts, particularly in discussions of reciprocity in international law and diplomatic relations.
• The compound structure of ἀνταπόδομα (ἀντί + ἀπό + δίδωμι) makes it one of the longest compound words in New Testament Greek, emphasizing the completeness of God’s reciprocal justice system.

Remember This

ἀνταπόδομα reminds us that in God’s perfect economy, nothing is random – every action has its divinely ordained consequence, operating under His supervision for our growth and His glory.