### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἀντικαλέω (antikaléō), Strong's `{{G479}}`, is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἀντί (antí), meaning "over against," "in return for," or "instead of," and the verb καλέω (kaléō), meaning "to call" or "to invite." Therefore, its core meaning is "to invite in return" or "to return an invitation." The word inherently carries the semantic nuance of reciprocity or mutual exchange. It describes an action that is a direct response to a prior action of the same kind, specifically in the context of social invitations. The emphasis is on a reciprocal calling or bidding, implying an expectation of return or a fulfillment of social obligation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀντικαλέω (antikaléō) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Luke 14:12]]. This singular occurrence, however, is highly significant as it forms a crucial part of Jesus' teaching on hospitality and the values of the Kingdom of God. In this passage, Jesus is addressing the host of a dinner party, presumably a Pharisee, and offers instruction on how one should host. He advises: "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back (ἀντικαλέσωσιν) and you be repaid."
The context reveals Jesus' challenge to the prevailing social customs of His day, where invitations were often extended with an implicit expectation of reciprocation. Such reciprocity ensured the maintenance of social status, alliances, and economic advantage. Jesus' counsel directly confronts this self-serving dynamic, urging a radical departure from the norm. The use of ἀντικαλέω (antikaléō) here precisely highlights the worldly system of give-and-take, which Jesus contrasts with a higher, divine economy of selfless giving. The implication is that invitations extended with the expectation of being "invited back" preclude the host from receiving a greater, divine reward.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἀντικαλέω (antikaléō) is enhanced by considering its constituent parts and related terms.
* **καλέω (kaléō) `{{G2564}}`**: The root verb, meaning "to call," "to invite," or "to summon." This is the foundational action upon which the reciprocal nature of ἀντικαλέω (antikaléō) is built.
* **ἀντί (antí) `{{G473}}`**: The preposition signifying "in return for," "instead of," or "over against." It clearly defines the reciprocal aspect of the compound verb.
* **ἀποδίδωμι (apodídōmi) `{{G591}}`**: Meaning "to give back," "to repay," or "to return." This verb encapsulates the broader concept of reciprocation, which Jesus critiques in [[Luke 14:12]]. The phrase "and you be repaid" in the verse uses the related concept of repayment (ἀποδῶσιν).
* **μισθός (misthós) `{{G3406}}`**: Meaning "wages" or "reward." Jesus contrasts earthly reciprocation (being invited back) with a heavenly "repayment" (ἀνταπόδομα) or "reward" (μισθός) for those who extend hospitality to the poor, crippled, lame, and blind, who cannot ἀντικαλέω (antikaléō) them.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of ἀντικαλέω (antikaléō) in [[Luke 14:12]] is profoundly significant for understanding Kingdom ethics and the nature of true generosity. Jesus' teaching directly challenges the self-interested motivation behind much human interaction, particularly in social and economic spheres. By advising against inviting those who can "invite you back" (ἀντικαλέσωσιν), Jesus exposes the transactional nature of worldly hospitality, which seeks a return on investment.
Instead, Jesus advocates for a radical, selfless form of hospitality directed towards those who cannot reciprocate: the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. The theological implication is that true generosity is not driven by the expectation of earthly reward or social advancement, but by unconditional love and compassion. The "repayment" for such selfless acts is not to be found in human social circles, but "at the resurrection of the just" [[Luke 14:14]]. This shifts the focus from horizontal, human-centered reciprocity to vertical, God-centered recompense. It underscores the principle that acts of kindness performed without expectation of earthly return are those that accumulate true treasure in heaven, reflecting God's own unmerited grace.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀντικαλέω (antikaléō), meaning "to invite in return," encapsulates the concept of social reciprocity and the expectation of mutual exchange. Though it appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Luke 14:12]], its context is pivotal. Jesus uses this term to highlight and critique the self-serving nature of worldly hospitality, where invitations are extended with the implicit expectation of being "invited back." By contrasting this with the selfless act of inviting those who cannot reciprocate, Jesus teaches a profound lesson on Kingdom values. True generosity, according to Jesus, is not motivated by the desire for earthly reward or social validation, but by unconditional love, with the promise of divine "repayment at the resurrection of the just" [[Luke 14:14]]. Thus, ἀντικαλέω (antikaléō) serves as a concise descriptor for the very human tendency that Jesus calls His followers to transcend for the sake of higher, eternal rewards.
TRV