### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ζημιόω (zēmióō) is derived from the noun ζημία (zēmia) `{{G2209}}`, which signifies "damage, loss, or penalty." Consequently, ζημιόω fundamentally means "to suffer loss," "to incur damage," "to be penalized," or "to experience detriment." It can be used transitively (to cause loss to someone) but more commonly appears in the passive or middle voice in the New Testament, emphasizing the experience of loss by the subject. The semantic range of ζημιόω is broad, encompassing material, physical, reputational, and profoundly spiritual or eternal losses. A key nuance is that the loss is often a consequence, either of one's actions, a particular circumstance, or a divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of ζημιόω in the New Testament reveal its varied and significant applications:
* **Spiritual Loss (The Soul's Value):** In the Synoptic Gospels, ζημιόω is used in a crucial rhetorical question posed by Jesus: "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" ([[Matthew 16:26]], cf. [[Mark 8:36]], [[Luke 9:25]]). Here, "forfeits" (ζημιόω) refers to the ultimate spiritual detriment—the loss of one's eternal life or soul. The contrast is stark: fleeting worldly gain versus eternal, irreparable loss. This highlights the immeasurable value of the human soul.
* **Loss of Reward (Judgment of Works):** Paul employs ζημιόω in his discussion of the believer's works at the judgment seat of Christ: "If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss (ζημιόω), though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire" ([[1 Corinthians 3:15]]). This passage indicates a qualitative loss of commendation or reward for work that does not endure, rather than a loss of salvation itself. It speaks to the divine evaluation of faithfulness in service.
* **Avoiding Harm/Detriment:** In [[2 Corinthians 7:9]], Paul expresses relief that the Corinthians' godly grief led to repentance, "so that you suffered no loss (ζημιόω) through us." Here, ζημιόω implies suffering no harm or negative consequence. The grief was beneficial, preventing greater spiritual or relational detriment.
* **Volitional Loss for Christ:** One of the most profound uses is found in [[Philippians 3:8]]: "Indeed, I count everything as loss (ζημιόω) because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss (ζημιόω) of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ." Paul uses the verb twice. First, he *considers* his former religious and social advantages as "loss" in comparison to Christ. Second, he has *actually experienced* the "loss" of these things (e.g., reputation, legalistic righteousness). This is not a passive suffering but an active, deliberate revaluation and embrace of loss for the sake of a greater spiritual gain—knowing and gaining Christ.
* **Material/Physical Loss:** In a more literal sense, ζημιόω describes physical damage or loss during the shipwreck narrative in [[Acts 27:21]]: "Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss (ζημιόω)." Here, it refers to the material and physical detriment experienced by the ship and its cargo.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ζημία (zēmia) `{{G2209}}`:** The direct cognate noun, meaning "damage, loss, penalty." It provides the foundational concept for the verb.
* **κερδαίνω (kerdainō) `{{G2770}}`:** "To gain, to profit." This is the primary antonym of ζημιόω, frequently appearing in antithetical parallelism, especially in Jesus's teaching on gaining the world versus losing one's soul, and Paul's declaration of counting all things loss to gain Christ.
* **ἀπολλύω (apollyo) `{{G622}}` / ἀπόλλυμι (apollumi) `{{G622}}`:** "To destroy, to lose, to perish." While ζημιόω emphasizes experiencing detriment or suffering loss, ἀπολλύω can imply utter ruin or complete destruction, particularly in the context of eternal damnation. There is an overlap in the concept of "losing" one's soul, but ζημιόω often focuses on the *detrimental consequence* of that loss.
* **Suffering, sacrifice, forfeiture, detriment, penalty.** These English terms capture various shades of ζημιόω's meaning.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ζημιόω is profound, touching upon core doctrines:
* **The Supremacy of Christ and Redemptive Loss:** Perhaps most powerfully articulated by Paul in [[Philippians 3:8]], ζημιόω highlights the radical reorientation of values demanded by allegiance to Christ. Paul's willingness to "suffer the loss of all things" for Christ's sake transforms what the world deems valuable into "rubbish" (σκύβαλα). This concept of "redemptive loss" is central to Christian discipleship, where earthly advantages are willingly relinquished for the immeasurable gain of knowing Christ and His righteousness by faith. It underscores that true spiritual gain often necessitates a profound experience of loss in the world's eyes.
* **The Value of the Soul and Eternal Stakes:** Jesus's use of ζημιόω in the Synoptics ([[Matthew 16:26]]) serves as a stark warning about the ultimate spiritual consequences of prioritizing temporal gain over eternal salvation. The "loss of one's soul" is presented as the most catastrophic and irreversible detriment, emphasizing the infinite value of the human soul in God's eyes and the eternal ramifications of earthly choices.
* **Divine Judgment and Accountability:** In [[1 Corinthians 3:15]], ζημιόω speaks to the reality of divine evaluation of believers' works. While salvation is by grace through faith, the quality and faithfulness of one's service will be assessed, with the potential for "suffering loss" of commendation or reward, though the believer himself is saved. This teaches accountability for stewardship and ministry.
### Summary
The Greek verb ζημιόω (zēmióō) signifies "to suffer loss," "to incur damage," or "to experience detriment," stemming from the root ζημία (zēmia) `{{G2209}}`, meaning "damage" or "penalty." Its New Testament usage is rich and multi-faceted, ranging from literal material damage ([[Acts 27:21]]) to profound spiritual and eschatological implications. Most notably, ζημιόω underscores the ultimate spiritual "forfeiture" of one's soul if worldly gain is prioritized over eternal life ([[Matthew 16:26]]). Conversely, for the Apostle Paul, ζημιόω describes a deliberate, Christ-centered revaluation where all former advantages are willingly "suffered as loss" in order to "gain Christ" and His righteousness ([[Philippians 3:8]]). It also speaks to the potential loss of commendation for unfaithful work at the judgment seat of Christ ([[1 Corinthians 3:15]]). Thus, ζημιόω serves as a powerful theological term, underscoring the critical choices between temporal gain and eternal value, and the transformative nature of embracing Christ as supreme.
TRV