from μισθαποδότης; requital (good or bad):--recompence of reward.
Transliteration:misthapodosía
Pronunciation:mis-thap-od-os-ee'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term μισθαποδοσία (misthapodosía, `{{G3405}}`) is a compound noun derived from μισθαποδότης (misthapodotes, `{{G3406}}`), meaning "a rewarder." Breaking down its etymological components further, it combines μισθός (misthos, `{{G3408}}`), meaning "wages" or "reward," and a form related to ἀπόδοσις (apodosis), which signifies "a giving back" or "repayment" (from ἀποδίδωμι, apodidomi, `{{G591}}`, "to give back"). Therefore, the core meaning of μισθαποδοσία is "a giving back of wages" or "repayment." Its semantic range encompasses both positive and negative aspects of this return: it can denote a "recompense of reward" for good deeds or faithfulness, or a "requital" or "punishment" for transgression and disobedience. It fundamentally refers to a just return for actions, whether beneficial or punitive.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term μισθαποδοσία (misthapodosía, `{{G3405}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Hebrews, occurring three times. Each instance offers crucial contextual insight into its dual nature.
* **[[Hebrews 2:2]]**: "For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense (μισθαποδοσία),..."
* In this context, μισθαποδοσία clearly refers to a negative consequence. It highlights the certainty of divine retribution for breaking the Old Covenant law, which was mediated by angels. The "just recompense" here underscores God's righteousness in judging sin and disobedience, emphasizing that actions have unavoidable consequences under divine law.
* **[[Hebrews 10:35]]**: "Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great recompense of reward (μισθαποδοσία)."
* Here, the term is used in a distinctly positive sense. The author encourages believers facing persecution not to abandon their faith, promising that their steadfast confidence in Christ will yield a "great recompense of reward." This μισθαποδοσία serves as a powerful motivation for perseverance, pointing to a future divine reward for enduring faithfulness.
* **[[Hebrews 11:26]]**: "[Moses] esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the recompense of reward (μισθαποδοσία)."
* Within the "faith hall of fame," Moses' sacrificial choice is attributed to his forward-looking faith in God's future μισθαποδοσία. He chose suffering with God's people over the fleeting pleasures and riches of Egypt because he anticipated a divine reward. This instance again highlights the positive aspect of the term, portraying it as a spiritual, eternal reward for obedient and self-sacrificial faith.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of μισθαποδοσία (misthapodosía, `{{G3405}}`) is enriched by examining its linguistic and conceptual relatives:
* **μισθαποδότης (misthapodotes, `{{G3406}}`):** Directly related, this noun means "a rewarder." It is used in [[Hebrews 11:6]] to describe God's character: "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." μισθαποδοσία is the *act* or *result* of what the μισθαποδότης does.
* **μισθός (misthos, `{{G3408}}`):** The root word meaning "wages, reward, pay." This emphasizes the concept of a just return for labor or action.
* **ἀποδίδωμι (apodidomi, `{{G591}}`):** "To give back, repay, restore." This verb underscores the reciprocal nature inherent in μισθαποδοσία.
* **ἀνταποδίδωμι (antapodidomi, `{{G467}}`) and ἀνταπόδομα (antapodoma, `{{G468}}`):** These terms also convey the idea of "repaying" or "recompense," often used in contexts of divine retribution or reward, reinforcing the broader biblical theme of God's just dealings.
Conceptually, μισθαποδοσία is deeply intertwined with:
* **Divine Justice:** It reflects God's unwavering commitment to righteous judgment, whether it be punishing sin or rewarding faithfulness.
* **Retribution and Reward:** It encapsulates the biblical principle that all actions, good or bad, will ultimately receive a fitting divine response.
* **Faith and Endurance:** Particularly in its positive sense, it serves as a powerful incentive for believers to persevere in faith, knowing that their trials and sacrifices are seen and will be eternally honored by God.
* **Eschatology:** The "recompense of reward" often points to future, eternal blessings, encouraging a heavenly perspective over earthly gains.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μισθαποδοσία (misthapodosía, `{{G3405}}`) is profound, especially within the theological framework of Hebrews:
1. **Affirmation of God's Righteous Governance:** The term highlights God's active involvement in the affairs of humanity, ensuring that a just and fitting return is rendered for every action. This underscores His sovereignty and moral perfection as the ultimate arbiter of justice. Whether it is the certainty of judgment for disobedience ([[Hebrews 2:2]]) or the assurance of reward for faithfulness ([[Hebrews 10:35]], [[Hebrews 11:26]]), μισθαποδοσία firmly establishes that God is not indifferent to human conduct.
2. **Motivation for Steadfastness in Faith:** In its positive application, μισθαποδοσία serves as a critical theological anchor for believers enduring hardship and persecution. The promise of "great recompense of reward" provides a powerful incentive to maintain confidence and not shrink back from trials. It directs the believer's gaze beyond immediate suffering to an eternal, divine acknowledgment of their fidelity, fostering perseverance and hope.
3. **The Nature of God as the Faithful Rewarder:** The concept of μισθαποδοσία is intrinsically linked to God's identity as the "rewarder" (μισθαποδότης, `{{G3406}}`). This attribute is foundational to faith itself, as articulated in [[Hebrews 11:6]]. For God to be a rewarder, there must be a recompense to be given. Thus, μισθαποδοσία is the tangible expression of God's faithfulness to those who diligently seek Him and obey His will. It assures believers that their labor in the Lord is never in vain.
### Summary
The Greek word μισθαποδοσία (misthapodosía, `{{G3405}}`) signifies a "recompense" or "requital," encompassing both positive rewards and negative punishments. Appearing exclusively in the book of Hebrews, its contextual uses illuminate this dual nature. In [[Hebrews 2:2]], it denotes the just consequence for transgression, underscoring divine judgment. Conversely, in [[Hebrews 10:35]] and [[Hebrews 11:26]], it refers to the significant, positive reward awaiting those who persevere in faith and make sacrificial choices for Christ. Theologically, μισθαποδοσία powerfully affirms God's impartial justice and His role as the ultimate dispenser of both judgment and blessing. It serves as a profound motivation for believers to remain steadfast and confident in their faith, assured that their actions will receive a certain and righteous divine return, thereby reflecting God's character as a faithful rewarder.
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