from μισθόω and ἀποδίδωμι; a renumerator:--rewarder.
Transliteration:misthapodótēs
Pronunciation:mis-thap-od-ot'-ace
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term μισθαποδότης (misthapodótēs, `{{G3406}}`) is a compound noun, rich in its etymological roots. It is formed from two significant components: μισθός (misthos, `{{G3406}}`), which denotes "wages," "pay," or "reward," and ἀποδίδωμι (apodidōmi, `{{G591}}`), meaning "to give back," "to pay back," or "to render what is due." Therefore, μισθαποδότης precisely signifies "one who gives back a reward" or "a recompenser." The prefix ἀπο- in ἀποδίδωμι strongly emphasizes the notion of recompense, implying a just and appropriate return or a rendering of what is owed. This word inherently carries the idea of equitable and deserved remuneration, highlighting a relationship where effort or action is met with a corresponding, promised return.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term μισθαποδότης (misthapodótēs, `{{G3406}}`) appears uniquely in the New Testament in [[Hebrews 11:6]]. This verse, central to the discourse on faith, declares, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." The context of Hebrews 11 is a robust affirmation of faith as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" ([[Hebrews 11:1]]). Within this framework, God is presented not merely as an abstract deity, but as an active agent who acknowledges and responds to genuine faith.
The placement of "rewarder" immediately after "believe that he is" highlights two fundamental tenets of faith: first, belief in God's existence and His sovereign nature, and second, belief in His character as one who justly recompenses those who earnestly pursue Him. The phrase "diligently seek him" (ἐκζητοῦσιν, ekzētousin, from `{{G1567}}`) implies an earnest, persistent, and active pursuit, distinguishing it from a casual or superficial interest. Thus, God's identity as a μισθαποδότης is intrinsically linked to His faithfulness and justice in responding to a faith that manifests in diligent seeking. This verse serves as a foundational encouragement for believers to persevere, knowing that their faith and pursuit of God will not go unacknowledged or unrewarded by Him.
### Related Words & Concepts
The foundational components of μισθαποδότης provide immediate connections to several related words and concepts.
* **μισθός (misthos, `{{G3406}}`):** This noun, from which the first part of μισθαποδότης is derived, directly refers to the "reward," "wage," or "recompense" that is given. It appears frequently in the New Testament in contexts of divine reward ([[Matthew 5:12]], [[1 Corinthians 3:8]]), and also human wages.
* **ἀποδίδωμι (apodidōmi, `{{G591}}`):** The verb forming the second part of μισθαποδότης, signifies the act of "giving back" or "rendering what is due." This verb often carries connotations of justice, repayment, and fulfilling obligations, whether divine or human ([[Matthew 22:21]], [[Romans 13:7]]).
* **ἔργον (ergon, `{{G2041}}`):** Meaning "work" or "deed," this term is often associated with the basis for receiving a reward or recompense, though in the context of salvation, the "work" is one of faith, not meritorious human effort.
* **Divine Justice and Faithfulness:** The concept of God as a rewarder is deeply interwoven with His attributes of justice (He gives what is due) and faithfulness (He fulfills His promises to those who trust Him).
* **Recompense and Retribution:** While μισθαποδότης specifically denotes positive reward, the broader biblical concept of recompense includes both positive returns for righteousness and negative retribution for sin, underscoring God's role as the ultimate judge and dispenser of justice.
* **Eschatological Reward:** The reward promised by God often extends beyond temporal blessings to eternal life, an inheritance in Christ, and full fellowship with God in the age to come.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of μισθαποδότης (misthapodótēs, `{{G3406}}`) in [[Hebrews 11:6]] carries profound theological weight. It reveals a fundamental attribute of God's character: He is intrinsically a rewarder. This is not a transactional relationship based on human merit or works, but rather a divine response to genuine faith and diligent seeking. The act of "seeking Him diligently" (ἐκζητοῦσιν, ekzētousin, from `{{G1567}}`) implies a persistent, earnest pursuit that demonstrates the active and living nature of saving faith.
God's identity as a μισθαποδότης assures believers that their faith is not in vain and their pursuit of Him is not unnoticed. This attribute serves as a powerful encouragement for perseverance in the face of trials and uncertainties, as the faithful know that their ultimate hope rests in a God who will justly and graciously recompense their trust. The reward itself is multifaceted, encompassing not only eschatological blessings such as eternal life, an inheritance in Christ, and a place in God's kingdom, but also the present reality of finding God Himself and experiencing His presence, peace, and guidance. This concept underscores God's perfect justice and His unwavering commitment to those who place their trust in Him, affirming that He honors and completes what He begins in His people through faith.
### Summary
The Greek term μισθαποδότης (misthapodótēs, `{{G3406}}`) precisely describes God as "the rewarder," derived from the concepts of "wages/reward" and "giving back what is due." Its singular, yet pivotal, occurrence in [[Hebrews 11:6]] establishes a foundational truth about God's character: He is faithful and just to acknowledge and recompense those who diligently seek Him by faith. This attribute serves as both an encouragement for believers to persevere in their trust and pursuit of God, and a cornerstone for understanding divine justice and the nature of the relationship between God and His believing people. The promise of God as a rewarder assures that genuine faith and earnest seeking will always be met with His divine affirmation and blessing.
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