### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **opsṓnion**, represented by `{{G3800}}`, primarily means **wages**, originating from the concept of rations or a stipend for a soldier. It appears **4 times** in **4 unique verses**, where its meaning extends from a literal payment for service to a profound spiritual metaphor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its scriptural usage, `{{G3800}}` is applied in both literal and figurative contexts. It is used literally when soldiers ask John the Baptist what they should do, and he instructs them to "be content with your **wages**" [[Luke 3:14]]. Paul uses it metaphorically when asking who serves as a soldier at his own **charges**, or wages, to illustrate the principle that laborers are worthy of their hire [[1 Corinthians 9:7]]. In a more striking metaphor, Paul describes receiving support from other congregations as "taking **wages**" to minister to the Corinthians [[2 Corinthians 11:8]]. The most significant use is in [[Romans 6:23]], which states that "the **wages** of sin is death," framing death as the earned payment for sin.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which **opsṓnion** is used:
* `{{G4754}}` **strateúomai** (to serve in a military campaign): This word, used for soldiers and warfare, establishes the military origin of **opsṓnion**. It appears when the **soldiers** ask for instruction [[Luke 3:14]] and when Paul asks who **goeth a warfare** at his own expense [[1 Corinthians 9:7]].
* `{{G266}}` **hamartía** (a sin): This term is critically linked to **wages** in the Bible's most well-known use of the word, defining what is being paid for: "the wages of **sin** is death" [[Romans 6:23]].
* `{{G5486}}` **chárisma** (a (divine) gratuity... (free) gift): This word stands in direct theological contrast to **opsṓnion**. While death is the earned **wages** for sin, eternal life is presented as the free **gift** of God [[Romans 6:23]].
* `{{G4813}}` **syláō** (to despoil): Paul uses this strong word to describe his actions in receiving support, stating "I **robbed** other churches, taking wages of them" [[2 Corinthians 11:8]], emphasizing the sacrifice made by others for his ministry.
* `{{G2983}}` **lambánō** (to take): This word describes the action associated with receiving payment. Paul explains his financial support by stating he was "**taking** wages" from other churches [[2 Corinthians 11:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3800}}` is most evident in its metaphorical applications. It establishes a powerful framework for understanding spiritual cause and effect.
* **The Principle of Due Payment:** The word reinforces the concept that actions have consequences. Whether for a soldier's service [[Luke 3:14]] or apostolic ministry [[1 Corinthians 9:7]], work earns a wage.
* **The Earned Consequence of Sin:** By defining death as the **wages** of sin, scripture presents it not as an arbitrary punishment but as the just and direct result of a life lived in opposition to God [[Romans 6:23]].
* **The Contrast Between Wages and Grace:** The term's use in [[Romans 6:23]] creates one of the central contrasts of the gospel. What is earned by humanity through sin is death; what is given by God is the free **gift** `{{G5486}}` of eternal life, something that cannot be earned.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3800}}` moves from the simple, transactional world of a soldier's pay to the heart of Christian theology. While it affirms the principle of just compensation for service, its ultimate significance lies in its use as a metaphor. By defining death as the **wages** of sin, it powerfully illustrates humanity's fallen state and underscores the un-earnable nature of God's grace, which is given not as a payment but as a gift.
TRV