The Greek word antapodídōmi, represented by G467, means to requite, whether for good or for evil. It is a compound word derived from ἀντί and ἀποδίδωμι. Appearing 9 times across 6 unique verses, this term is used to convey the concepts of rendering, repaying, or providing recompense.
In scripture, G467 is frequently used to describe God's role as the ultimate dispenser of justice. In Romans 12:19 and Hebrews 10:30, God declares that vengeance is His and He will repay or recompense. This theme of divine requital is also present in 2 Thessalonians 1:6, which states it is a righteous act for God to recompense tribulation to those who trouble believers. The word is not exclusively negative; in Luke 14:14, it is used to assure the righteous that they will be recompensed at the resurrection for their charity. It is also used to express human gratitude, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 3:9, which asks what thanks can be rendered to God.
Several related Greek words help clarify the contexts in which G467 appears:
- G1556 ekdikéō (to vindicate, retaliate, punish:--a (re-)venge): This word appears in Romans 12:19, where believers are instructed not to avenge themselves, directly contrasting human retaliation with God's promise to repay G467.
- G1557 ekdíkēsis (vindication, retribution:--(a-, re-)venge(-ance), punishment): This term for vengeance is explicitly claimed by God in both Romans 12:19 and Hebrews 10:30, setting the stage for His act of recompense G467.
- G2346 thlíbō (to crowd (literally or figuratively):--afflict, narrow, throng, suffer tribulation, trouble): The connection is made clear in 2 Thessalonians 1:6, where God promises to recompense G467 those who trouble G2346 the faithful.
- G2919 krínō (to distinguish, i.e. decide... judge): In Hebrews 10:30, the promise "I will recompense" G467 is paired with the statement "The Lord shall judge his people," linking divine recompense to divine judgment.
The theological weight of G467 is significant, highlighting key aspects of God's character and plan.
- Divine Sovereignty in Justice: The term establishes that final justice is God's exclusive domain. Humans are commanded to forego personal vengeance because God Himself will repay Romans 12:19.
- Eschatological Reward and Retribution: Recompense is often presented as a future event. God will recompense affliction to persecutors 2 Thessalonians 1:6, and the righteous will be recompensed at the resurrection Luke 14:14.
- The Incalculable Debt to God: The rhetorical question in Romans 11:35, asking who has first given to God that he might be recompensed, emphasizes that humanity can never place God in its debt.
In summary, G467 is a crucial term for understanding biblical justice. It encapsulates the principle of requital, applying to both the positive repayment of good deeds and the negative retribution for evil. Primarily an action attributed to God, it underscores His role as the righteous judge who will balance all accounts, particularly in the context of final judgment and the resurrection.
TRV