The Greek word misthós, represented by G3408, refers to pay for service. This can be understood literally or figuratively, for good or for bad, and is commonly translated as hire, reward, or wages. It appears 29 times across 28 unique verses in the Bible, indicating its significance in discussions of compensation and consequence.
The semantic core of G3408 inherently carries the expectation of a commensurate return for service rendered, whether that service is physical labor, moral conduct, or spiritual ministry. This distinguishes misthós from a gratuitous gift (χάρις, charis) by emphasizing a transactional relationship, where the payment is a due, an earned recompense. Even in its spiritual application, this underlying sense of a deserved outcome for specific actions or attitudes persists, highlighting God's just nature in recognizing and valuing the efforts of His servants, as well as holding accountable those who pursue unrighteousness.
In scripture, G3408 is used to describe both earthly payment and divine recompense. It is used for the literal hire due to laborers in a vineyard Matthew 20:8, and James warns against the fraudulent withholding of this hire from those who have reaped the fields James 5:4. The concept extends to a spiritual principle, where a labourer G2040 is considered worthy of his reward 1 Timothy 5:18. Jesus speaks of a great reward in heaven for those who are persecuted Matthew 5:12 and for those who love their enemies Luke 6:35. Conversely, the term can carry a negative meaning, as in the case of Balaam, who "loved the wages of unrighteousness" 2 Peter 2:15, and Judas, who purchased a field with the "reward of iniquity" Acts 1:18.
Beyond its direct application to wages, G3408 also illuminates the certainty of divine recompense for even the smallest acts of faith and kindness. Jesus assures His disciples that whoever gives a cup of cold water in His name "shall in no wise lose his G3408" Matthew 10:42, underscoring that no righteous deed performed for Christ's sake goes unnoticed or unrewarded by God. Similarly, those who "reapeth receiveth G3408, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal" John 4:36, portraying the spiritual harvest as a form of divine payment for faithful service. Paul also employs the term to describe his own voluntary choice to preach the gospel without charge, considering his commitment to selfless service as his true G3408 1 Corinthians 9:17-18.
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which a reward is given or received:
- G2040 ergátēs (a toiler; figuratively, a teacher): This word for labourer or worker is directly linked to receiving a just payment. The principle that "the labourer is worthy of his hire" establishes a direct connection between work and its deserved reward G3408 Luke 10:7.
- G2041 érgon (an act): This word for work or deed is the basis upon which a reward G3408 is determined. Christ's future return involves giving every person a reward "according as his work shall be" Revelation 22:12.
- G93 adikía (wrongfulness): This term for unrighteousness or iniquity illustrates the negative aspect of receiving one's due. It is used to describe the "wages G3408 of unrighteousness" that some love 2 Peter 2:15 and the "reward of iniquity" that comes from betrayal Acts 1:18.
- G2983 lambánō (to take, obtain, receive): This verb is frequently used to describe the act of getting a reward G3408. Paul states that every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor 1 Corinthians 3:8, and those who receive a prophet will receive a prophet's reward Matthew 10:41.
- G3409 misthóō (to hire): This verb directly relates to the concept of G3408 by describing the action of engaging someone for service for which a reward or wage is due.
The theological weight of G3408 is significant, touching on justice, motivation, and final judgment.
- The Principle of Just Compensation: The idea that a labourer G2040 is worthy of his reward is a foundational principle of fairness 1 Timothy 5:18. This extends to spiritual work, where those who plant and water will each receive their own reward according to their labor 1 Corinthians 3:8.
- Motivation and Divine Reward: A key theme is the motivation behind actions. Those who perform acts like giving alms G1654 or praying to be seen by others have already received their reward on earth. The true, great reward comes from the Father in heaven for acts done in secret or for selfless reasons (Matthew 6:1, Luke 6:35).
- Consequences of Unrighteousness: Misthós is not always a positive outcome. It serves as the "pay" or consequence for sin, described as the "reward of unrighteousness" 2 Peter 2:13. This highlights that divine justice ensures a fitting outcome for both righteous and unrighteous deeds.
- Future Judgment: The concept of a final reward is a recurring theme. Christ will bring His reward with Him to judge all people based on their work G2041 Revelation 22:12. Believers are exhorted to be steadfast so that they may receive a full reward and not lose what they have worked for 2 John 1:8.
- The Nature of Enduring Work: The concept of G3408 highlights the qualitative aspect of spiritual labor. Paul explains that if a man's work, built upon the foundation of Christ, "abide. he shall receive a G3408" 1 Corinthians 3:14. This implies a divine assessment of the lasting value and purity of one's service, distinguishing between efforts that endure and those that prove to be temporary or of lesser substance, which may result in a loss of G3408 even if the worker is saved.
In summary, G3408 is a profound term that transcends a simple monetary transaction, serving as a cornerstone for understanding divine justice and the interconnectedness of action and outcome in the biblical narrative. It denotes the compensation, wages, or reward that is justly due, whether for good or ill, encompassing both material payment for earthly labor and spiritual recompense for deeds performed in God's sight.
The expectation of G3408 underpins various biblical teachings, from the fair treatment of laborers to the certainty of God's recognition for acts of faith, even the smallest gesture of kindness. It speaks to the motivations behind human actions, contrasting those performed for earthly acclaim with those done in secret for a heavenly G3408. Furthermore, it serves as a critical component of eschatological judgment, where Christ's return brings a G3408 commensurate with each individual's G2041 (work), reinforcing the principle that all labor will ultimately receive its fitting due.
Thus, G3408 encapsulates the biblical principle that consequences are inextricably linked to choices and actions. It motivates believers to righteous stewardship, knowing that their enduring work will be acknowledged, while simultaneously warning against the "wages of unrighteousness" that await those who stray.
TRV