### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun μίσθωμα (místhōma, `{{G3410}}`) is derived from the verb μισθόω (misthoō), meaning "to hire" or "to rent." As a noun, μίσθωμα specifically denotes "a rented building," "a hired dwelling," or "a rented house." The suffix -μα typically indicates the result or object of an action, thus signifying "that which has been hired" or "that which is rented." It implies a temporary occupancy or use of a property under a contractual agreement, typically involving payment. Unlike a permanently owned dwelling, a μίσθωμα is a provisional abode, secured for a specific period through a financial transaction. Its semantic range is narrow, precisely pinpointing a structure acquired through a rental arrangement rather than ownership.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term μίσθωμα (místhōma, `{{G3410}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in [[Acts 28:30]]. This singular occurrence, however, is profoundly significant for understanding the concluding phase of the Apostle Paul's ministry as recorded in Acts:
* [[Acts 28:30]]: "And Paul stayed two whole years in his own hired house, and received all who came to him."
This verse describes Paul's situation during his first Roman imprisonment. Despite being under house arrest, he was granted a remarkable degree of freedom, sufficient to rent his own dwelling (τὸ ἴδιον μίσθωμα). This "hired house" served as his base of operations for two full years. From this rented abode, Paul was able to "receive all who came to him," implying an open-door policy for visitors, and continued to preach "the kingdom of God and teach about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance" ([[Acts 28:31]]). The choice of μίσθωμα emphasizes that this was not a gift or a permanent residence, but a dwelling secured through a financial arrangement, likely supported by his own means or the generosity of fellow believers. The fact that he was allowed to rent his *own* place, rather than being confined to a common prison, underscores the leniency of his house arrest and the providential circumstances that enabled his continued evangelistic and teaching ministry even while awaiting trial before Caesar.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding μίσθωμα (místhōma, `{{G3410}}`) is enhanced by examining its linguistic relatives and associated concepts:
* **μισθόω (misthoō):** The root verb from which μίσθωμα is derived, meaning "to hire" or "to rent." This verb highlights the action of securing something for temporary use in exchange for payment.
* **μισθός (misthos, `{{G3408}}`):** This noun refers to "wages," "reward," or "hire." It represents the payment made for work or for the use of something, directly related to the concept of renting.
* **μίσθιος (misthios, `{{G3407}}`):** A noun meaning "a hired servant" or "a hired laborer." This word denotes the person who is hired, completing the semantic field of hiring and renting.
* **οἰκία (oikia, `{{G3614}}`):** A general term for "house" or "dwelling." While μίσθωμα is a type of οἰκία, it specifically designates its rented status, distinguishing it from an owned or permanent residence.
* **κατοικία (katoikia, `{{G2733}}`):** Meaning "dwelling" or "habitation," often implying a more settled or permanent residence. The use of μίσθωμα for Paul's abode in Rome subtly contrasts with the idea of a fixed home, emphasizing its temporary and provisional nature.
* **Παρεπίδημος (parepidēmos, `{{G3927}}`):** A word meaning "sojourner" or "stranger," often used to describe believers as temporary residents on earth, awaiting their true, eternal home. While μίσθωμα refers to a physical rented space, it resonates with the broader theological concept of believers as temporary dwellers in this world.
### Theological Significance
The singular mention of μίσθωμα (místhōma, `{{G3410}}`) in [[Acts 28:30]] carries profound theological weight, despite its seemingly mundane meaning:
1. **Divine Providence and Sovereignty:** The fact that Paul, a prisoner, was granted the liberty to rent his own dwelling rather than being confined to a common jail highlights God's sovereign hand. This "hired house" became a strategic center for the gospel's advance in the heart of the Roman Empire. It demonstrates that even in restrictive circumstances, God can open doors for His purposes to be fulfilled.
2. **Unstoppable Nature of the Gospel:** The "hired house" symbolizes the unhindered progress of God's Word. Despite chains, the apostle's ministry was not bound. The gospel could not be imprisoned; it continued to spread from this rented dwelling to all who came, including influential figures in Rome. This serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and ultimate triumph of the Kingdom of God.
3. **Adaptability and Resourcefulness in Ministry:** Paul's use of a rented house as his ministry base exemplifies the early church's adaptability. They did not wait for ideal conditions or grand temples but utilized whatever means were available—even a temporary, rented space—to proclaim Christ. This underscores the principle that the locus of ministry is not limited to specific sacred buildings but can occur wherever believers gather and share the truth.
4. **The Believer's Earthly Sojourn:** While referring to a physical building, the concept of a "hired house" can subtly resonate with the broader theological understanding of believers as sojourners or temporary residents on earth. Our earthly dwellings, whether owned or rented, are provisional. Our ultimate and permanent home is with God in eternity, reminding us not to become too attached to temporary earthly comforts.
### Summary
The Greek word μίσθωμα (místhōma, `{{G3410}}`) precisely denotes "a rented building" or "a hired house," emphasizing a temporary dwelling secured through a financial arrangement. Its sole occurrence in the New Testament, [[Acts 28:30]], is highly significant: it describes the "hired house" in Rome that served as the Apostle Paul's ministry headquarters during his two-year house arrest. From this rented abode, Paul continued to preach the Kingdom of God and teach about Jesus Christ without hindrance. The theological significance of this single word is substantial, highlighting God's divine providence in providing a platform for the gospel's advance even amidst Paul's imprisonment. It underscores the unstoppable nature of the gospel, the adaptability of early Christian ministry, and subtly points to the temporary nature of our earthly dwellings in contrast to our eternal home with God.
TRV