The Greek noun ἀνταπόδοσις (antapodosis) means “recompense” or “return.” It is derived from ἀντά (anti, “in return”) and πόδοσις (podosis, “a giving”), indicating the act of giving something back in exchange for what has been received or done. It conveys the notion of reciprocation or compensation for actions, often implying fairness and justice in the return or reward given.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀνταπόδοσις as “recompense” or “return,” focusing on the concept of a payment or reward given in exchange for previous actions. It signifies the idea of receiving something in return for what has been done.
2. Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon: BDAG describes ἀνταπόδοσις as “recompense,” emphasizing the broader context of return or repayment. It highlights that the term can refer to a variety of returns, including both material and non-material compensations, based on the context of reciprocity or justice.
3. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon: LSJ defines ἀνταπόδοσις as “recompense” or “return,” emphasizing its use in contexts where something is given back in response to an action or service. The term reflects the concept of reciprocal compensation or fairness in the exchange.
4. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon: Thayer’s describes ἀνταπόδοσις as “recompense” or “return,” focusing on the idea of giving back something in exchange for what has been received. It underscores the principle of reciprocity and the idea of equitable compensation.

In summary, ἀνταπόδοσις (antapodosis) generally means “recompense” or “return,” indicating the act of giving something back in exchange for previous actions or services. Strong’s provides the basic definition, while BDAG, LSJ, and Thayer’s offer additional insights into the term’s use and implications in various contexts of reciprocity and fairness.