### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀνταποδίδωμι (antapodídōmi) `{{G467}}` is a compound word formed from the preposition ἀντί (anti), meaning "in return for," "opposite to," or "instead of," and the verb ἀποδίδωμι (apodídōmi) `{{G591}}`, meaning "to give back," "to pay back," or "to render." The combination yields the fundamental meaning of "to give back in return," "to repay," or "to requite." Its semantic range is broad, encompassing both positive recompense (reward, blessing for good deeds) and negative requital (retribution, punishment for evil deeds). The core idea is that of a proportional response, a rendering back of what is due, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of the action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἀνταποδίδωμι appears in the New Testament, primarily in contexts that highlight divine justice, human accountability, and the principle of sowing and reaping.
* **Positive Recompense:**
* In [[Luke 14:14]], Jesus speaks concerning those who invite the poor, crippled, lame, and blind to a feast: "for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just." Here, the verb signifies a future, eschatological reward from God for selfless generosity, emphasizing divine blessing.
* [[Romans 11:35]] employs the word in a rhetorical question: "Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?" This emphasizes God's absolute self-sufficiency and sovereignty; no one can place God in their debt, for all giving originates from Him.
* **Negative Recompense/Retribution:**
* [[Romans 12:19]] is a pivotal passage: "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'" This is a direct quotation from [[Deuteronomy 32:35]] (LXX), firmly establishing God's exclusive prerogative in administering retribution. Here, ἀνταποδίδωμι unequivocally denotes God's just judgment against wrongdoing.
* [[2 Thessalonians 1:6]] declares: "since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you." This verse explicitly links God's justice (δίκαιον) with His act of ἀνταποδίδωμι, promising divine retribution upon those who persecute believers. It is a powerful declaration of God's vindication of His people.
Across these occurrences, the word consistently underscores a fundamental biblical principle: actions have consequences, and there is a divine system of accountability where deeds are met with fitting responses from God.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἀποδίδωμι (apodídōmi) `{{G591}}`**: The base verb, "to give back," "to pay back." While related, ἀνταποδίδωμι (antapodídōmi) carries a stronger emphasis on the reciprocal or retaliatory nature, often implying a direct response to a preceding action.
* **ἀνταπόδομα (antapodoma) `{{G468}}`**: The noun form, meaning "recompense" or "retribution," referring to the actual repayment or requital (e.g., [[Romans 11:9]]).
* **ἀνταπόδοσις (antapodosis) `{{G469}}`**: Another noun form, also meaning "recompense" or "requital," often emphasizing the act or state of repayment (e.g., [[Colossians 3:24]]).
* **μισθαποδότης (misthapodotes) `{{G3406}}`**: "A rewarder," a compound from μισθός (reward) and ἀποδίδωμι. This term describes God in [[Hebrews 11:6]], highlighting His role as one who gives back a recompense.
* **Justice (δικαιοσύνη `{{G1343}}`)**: The concept of ἀνταποδίδωμι is inextricably linked with divine justice, as God's requital is always righteous and proportionate.
* **Vengeance (ἐκδίκησις `{{G1557}}`)**: While humans are forbidden to take personal vengeance, God's ἀνταποδίδωμι often functions as divine vengeance, justly administered.
* **Reward (μισθός `{{G3408}}`)**: In its positive sense, ἀνταποδίδωμι refers to the divine reward for faithfulness and good deeds.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of ἀνταποδίδωμι are profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Justice:** The most significant implication is the affirmation of God's absolute sovereignty over justice and retribution. It is His exclusive prerogative to "repay," whether in blessing or judgment. This truth liberates humanity from the burden and sin of personal vengeance ([[Romans 12:19]]) and places it securely in the hands of a perfectly righteous and omniscient God.
* **The Principle of Retribution:** The word underscores a foundational biblical principle: God is not indifferent to human actions. There exists a moral order in the universe, and deeds, whether good or evil, will ultimately be met with a fitting and just response from God. This is not arbitrary but flows from His unchangeable, righteous character.
* **Eschatological Hope and Warning:** For believers, the promise of ἀνταποδίδωμι offers immense comfort and hope, assuring them that their suffering for Christ will be divinely vindicated and rewarded in the future ([[Luke 14:14]], [[2 Thessalonians 1:6-7]]). Conversely, it serves as a solemn warning to those who oppose God and His people, indicating the certainty of inevitable divine judgment.
* **Motivation for Righteous Living:** The understanding that God "recompenses" serves as a powerful motivation for believers to live righteously, knowing that their labor in the Lord is not in vain, and to abstain from evil, knowing that God sees all and will justly judge.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἀνταποδίδωμι (antapodídōmi) `{{G467}}` precisely conveys the concept of "repaying" or "requiting," encompassing both positive recompense (reward) and negative retribution (punishment). Etymologically rooted in "giving back in return," it signifies a reciprocal action, a rendering back of what is due. In the New Testament, its primary application is in relation to God's divine justice, asserting His exclusive right and power to repay individuals according to their deeds. This principle highlights God's absolute sovereignty, provides comfort and hope for the righteous who anticipate future reward, and serves as a solemn warning of inevitable judgment for the wicked. It is a cornerstone concept affirming that God is a just God who will ultimately settle all accounts in perfect righteousness.
TRV