### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἀνταπόδομα (G468) is derived from the verb ἀνταποδίδωμι (G467), which means "to give back in return," "to repay," or "to recompense." The prefix ἀντί (G473) signifies "in return for" or "opposite to," intensifying the idea of reciprocity inherent in ἀποδίδωμι (G591), "to give back." Thus, ἀνταπόδομα precisely denotes "that which is given back in return," a "repayment," or a "requital." It carries the strong connotation of a just and fitting return, whether that return is positive (a reward) or negative (a punishment or retribution). The base definition "recompense" accurately captures this dual potential, emphasizing the *thing* or *outcome* that is given in response to an action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀνταπόδομα (G468) appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in the Pauline epistles, and its usage in these two contexts reveals its semantic breadth.
1. **[[Romans 11:9]]**: "And David says, 'Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a recompense to them.'"
In this passage, Paul quotes from Psalm 69:22 (LXX) to describe the spiritual state and ultimate fate of those Israelites who rejected Christ. Here, ἀνταπόδομα clearly refers to a negative consequence, a divine judgment or retribution. It is linked with "snare," "trap," and "stumbling block," indicating a punitive outcome that justly befalls those who have hardened their hearts against the gospel. The "recompense" is a fitting and deserved return for their unbelief and resistance.
2. **[[Colossians 3:24]]**: "knowing that from the Lord you will receive the recompense of the inheritance. You serve the Lord Christ."
In stark contrast to the usage in Romans, here ἀνταπόδομα signifies a positive reward. Paul encourages believers, particularly slaves, to serve their masters with sincerity, as if serving Christ Himself. He assures them that their faithful service will not go unrewarded, for they will receive the "recompense of the inheritance" from the Lord. This "recompense" is not a mere wage but the ultimate spiritual blessing of their eternal inheritance in Christ, highlighting God's faithfulness to justly reward obedience and service.
These two occurrences demonstrate that ἀνταπόδομα is a neutral term regarding its *nature* (positive or negative) but absolute regarding its *certainty* as a just return.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ἀνταπόδομα is illuminated by its relationship to several other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **ἀνταποδίδωμι (G467)**: This is the verbal form from which ἀνταπόδομα is derived. It means "to repay" or "to recompense." Its usage in passages like [[Romans 12:19]] ("Never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay,' says the Lord") directly illustrates the action that results in the ἀνταπόδομα.
* **μισθαποδοσία (G3405)**: Meaning "recompense of reward" or "retribution," this term also speaks of a just return, often with an emphasis on the divine administration of either reward or punishment. Examples include [[Hebrews 2:2]] and [[Hebrews 11:26]].
* **μισθός (G3406)**: This broader term refers to "wages" or "reward," encompassing any form of payment for labor or service. While μισθός can be a general payment, ἀνταπόδομα carries a stronger connotation of a specific, fitting return for a particular action or state.
* **ἀποδίδωμι (G591)**: The simpler verb "to give back" or "to pay back," without the intensive "anti-" prefix, forms the root of the more specific ἀνταποδίδωμι and ἀνταπόδομα.
* **Justice (δικαιοσύνη - G1343)**: The concept of ἀνταπόδομα is intrinsically linked to divine justice. It underscores the principle that God is righteous and will always administer a fitting response to human actions, whether in judgment or in reward.
* **Retribution and Reward**: These two theological concepts are the practical manifestations of ἀνταπόδομα. The term serves as a linguistic bridge between human action and divine consequence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀνταπόδομα is profound, centering on the absolute certainty of divine justice and God's sovereign administration of all outcomes.
1. **Divine Justice and Sovereignty**: ἀνταπόδομα powerfully affirms that God is a God of perfect justice. He is not indifferent to human actions; rather, He ensures that every deed, whether good or evil, receives its appropriate and certain return. Both instances of the word emphasize that this recompense comes "from the Lord" ([[Colossians 3:24]]), underscoring His ultimate authority and control over human destiny. It reinforces the biblical principle that "whatever one sows, that will he also reap" ([[Galatians 6:7]]).
2. **Warning and Encouragement**: The dual application of ἀνταπόδομα serves as a potent theological tool for both warning and encouragement.
* In [[Romans 11:9]], it stands as a solemn warning against spiritual hardening and unbelief, reminding believers and unbelievers alike that a just and severe recompense awaits those who reject God's truth. This is not arbitrary punishment, but a fitting return for their actions.
* In [[Colossians 3:24]], it provides immense encouragement and motivation for faithful living and diligent service. It assures believers that their labor in the Lord is never in vain ([[1 Corinthians 15:58]]), and that a glorious, eternal inheritance awaits them as a just recompense for their obedience and devotion. This reward is a gracious act of God's justice, not a payment for merited salvation, but a fitting response to Spirit-empowered faithfulness.
3. **Eschatological Orientation**: Both occurrences of ἀνταπόδομα point to a future reality. The recompense for unbelief in Romans 11 is an ongoing and ultimate judgment, while the recompense of inheritance in Colossians 3 is an eschatological promise. This highlights the biblical emphasis on God's ultimate justice being fully realized in the end times, where all accounts are settled by the righteous Judge.
### Summary
The Greek term ἀνταπόδομα (G468) is a precise and potent word signifying "requital" or "recompense"—that which is given back in return for actions. Derived from the verb ἀνταποδίδωμι (G467), it carries the strong connotation of a just and fitting repayment. Though appearing only twice in the New Testament, its contextual usage reveals its profound theological depth. In [[Romans 11:9]], it refers to a negative, punitive retribution, a just consequence for spiritual hardening. Conversely, in [[Colossians 3:24]], it denotes a positive, glorious reward, specifically the inheritance promised to faithful servants of Christ. This dual application powerfully underscores the certainty of divine justice: God infallibly responds to human actions with appropriate consequences, whether in judgment against sin or in gracious recompense for obedience. ἀνταπόδομα thus encapsulates the unwavering biblical truth that all deeds ultimately receive their just and certain return from the sovereign Lord, serving as both a solemn warning and a glorious encouragement for all who hear His word.
TRV