Understanding ἀπονέμω (aponemo) Strong’s G632: The Divine Call to Honor and Share Life’s Inheritance

Pronunciation Guide: ah-pon-em’-o (emphasis on second syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G632: ἀπονέμω refers to the act of assigning, apportioning, or giving honor to someone as their rightful due. It carries the nuance of distributing something with careful consideration and respect, particularly in contexts of showing honor or sharing inheritance. The word emphasizes both the action of giving and the recognition of the recipient’s inherent worth or position.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb – Present Active Indicative
• Compound word from ἀπό (away from, of) and νέμω (to distribute, assign)
• Primary usage in epistolary and teaching contexts
• Rare in New Testament (hapax legomenon)

ἀπονέμω Morphology:

• ἀπονέμω (present active indicative) – to assign/give honor
• ἀπονέμων (present active participle) – assigning/giving honor
• ἀπονέμειν (present active infinitive) – to assign/give honor
• ἀπονέμοντες (present active participle plural) – those assigning/giving honor

Origin & History

The word ἀπονέμω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used in legal and social contexts. Xenophon employed it in his “Memorabilia” when discussing the proper distribution of duties and honors in society. In the Septuagint, though not frequently used, it appears in contexts of proper allocation of resources and responsibilities.

The concept gained particular significance in Hellenistic times, where it was used in administrative documents to denote official assignments of duties or privileges. Philo of Alexandria used the term when discussing the proper attribution of honor to God and the reasonable distribution of respect among humans.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To assign or apportion with careful consideration
• To give honor or respect as due
• To distribute or share inheritance or privileges
• To recognize and act upon obligations toward others

ἀπονέμω Translation Options:

• “Give honor” – Emphasizes the active bestowal of respect
• “Show consideration” – Highlights the thoughtful aspect of the action
• “Assign proper recognition” – Stresses the official or formal nature
• “Grant due respect” – Combines both action and obligation aspects

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀπονέμω appears uniquely in 1 Peter 3:7, where it is used in the context of husbands showing honor to their wives. The choice of this specific word is significant, as it implies not just a casual showing of respect but a deliberate, thoughtful assignment of honor as something rightfully due.

Though rare in biblical usage, its singular appearance carries significant weight in establishing the proper attitude and behavior expected in Christian marriages. The word choice suggests that the honor given to wives is not optional but is their rightful inheritance as co-heirs of God’s grace.

• “Showing honor [ἀπονέμοντες τιμήν] to the woman as to the weaker vessel” 1 Peter 3:7

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world of the first century, the concept of honor distribution was deeply embedded in social structures. The use of ἀπονέμω in 1 Peter reflects a radical counter-cultural statement, as it places wives in a position of honor that was uncommon in the patriarchal society of the time.

The word carries echoes of the Roman legal concept of patria potestas (father’s power), but transforms it by requiring the powerful to give honor to those traditionally considered weaker. This represents a distinctly Messianic understanding of power and honor, where strength is expressed through giving rather than dominating.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀπονέμω in the context of marriage reflects the deeper theological truth of how God relates to His people. Just as husbands are called to deliberately assign honor to their wives, this mirrors how the Messiah Jesus honors His bride, the Church. The word choice emphasizes that this honor is not merely an emotional response but a deliberate action based on recognition of inherent worth.

This concept also connects to the broader biblical theme of inheritance, suggesting that the honor given is not merely a gift but a rightful portion. This reflects how believers are not merely recipients of God’s grace but are actually counted as co-heirs with the Messiah (Romans 8:17).

Personal Application

In our daily lives, ἀπονέμω challenges us to move beyond casual respect to deliberate honor-giving. This applies not only in marriage relationships but in all our interactions. We are called to thoughtfully consider how to assign honor to others, recognizing their worth as image-bearers of God.

This word reminds us that showing honor isn’t optional or based on feelings, but is a deliberate action of recognizing and uplifting the God-given dignity in others. It calls us to be intentional in how we treat others, especially those who might be considered “weaker” by worldly standards.

Related Words

• τιμάω (timao) – to honor, revere, value – Similar in showing honor but lacks the specific nuance of careful distribution. See G5091
• δίδωμι (didomi) – to give, grant, allow – A more general term for giving without the specific connotation of honor. See G1325
• μερίζω (merizo) – to divide, distribute – Focuses more on the act of division without the honor aspect. See G3307
• νέμω (nemo) – to distribute, deal out – The root word focusing on distribution without the specific directional force. See G3551

Did you Know?

• The word ἀπονέμω was used in ancient Greek marriage contracts to specify the proper distribution of property and rights, making its use in 1 Peter particularly relevant to its original audience.
• In modern Greek, derivatives of ἀπονέμω are still used in legal contexts, particularly in terms of assigning rights or privileges, maintaining its connection to formal recognition and distribution.
• The compound structure of ἀπονέμω (ἀπό + νέμω) suggests a deliberate “setting apart” of honor for someone, implying that the honor given is specially reserved and protected for the recipient.

Remember This

ἀπονέμω embodies the divine principle that true strength is expressed not in dominance but in the deliberate assignment of honor to others, reflecting God’s own character of elevating the humble.