The Greek word tínō, represented by G5099, means to pay a price, i.e. as a penalty. It is a rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its singular use defines the concept of being punished.
In its sole biblical appearance, G5099 is used to describe the fate of those who are separated from God. The text states they "shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power" 2 Thessalonians 1:9. The word conveys the idea of a penalty being paid, which is specifically defined in this context as an eternal separation from the Lord's presence and glory.
Several related words clarify the context of the penalty described:
- G1349 díkē (vengeance): This word for justice or vengeance is used alongside G5099 in its only occurrence 2 Thessalonians 1:9. It is also seen in contexts where divine retribution is expected, as when barbarians assumed a man was a murderer whom "vengeance suffereth not to live" Acts 28:4.
- G3639 ólethros (destruction): This term specifies the nature of the punishment. The penalty is "everlasting destruction" 2 Thessalonians 1:9. It is also used to describe the destruction that snares and temptations can bring upon men 1 Timothy 6:9.
- G166 aiṓnios (everlasting): This word describes the duration of the punishment. The destruction is everlasting 2 Thessalonians 1:9, but this same word is also used to describe the contrasting concepts of everlasting life John 3:16 and eternal glory 1 Peter 5:10.
The theological weight of G5099 is significant despite its rarity, focusing entirely on the final consequences of divine judgment.
- The Price of Unrighteousness: The core meaning of tínō is to pay a penalty. Its use in 2 Thessalonians 1:9 frames the final judgment not as a random event, but as a just consequence, a price paid.
- The Nature of Punishment: The punishment is explicitly defined as "everlasting destruction" 2 Thessalonians 1:9, which is characterized by separation from the presence G4383 of the Lord G2962 and the glory G1391 of His power G2479.
- Divine Justice: The word appears with G1349 díkē (justice, vengeance), underscoring that the penalty is an execution of divine justice. This is reinforced in other uses of díkē, such as the "vengeance of eternal fire" mentioned in Jude 1:7.
In summary, G5099 provides a specific and potent definition of punishment as paying a penalty. Though used only once, its context in 2 Thessalonians 1:9, supported by associated terms for destruction, eternity, and justice, powerfully outlines the concept of final judgment as an everlasting separation from the presence and glory of God. It highlights that this consequence is presented as a just penalty.
TRV