### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἀπαιτέω (apaitéō - `{{G523}}`) is a compound verb formed from the preposition ἀπό (apo - "from, away from") and the verb αἰτέω (aitéō - "to ask, demand"). The prefix ἀπό in this context intensifies the root verb, conveying the idea of asking *back* or *away from* someone something that is due or was previously given. Its core meaning is "to demand back," "to require," or "to ask for repayment." It carries a stronger connotation than a simple request, often implying a right or obligation on the part of the one making the demand, whether it be a debt, a loan, or something entrusted.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἀπαιτέω (apaitéō - `{{G523}}`) appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in the Gospel of Luke, and in contexts that highlight significant ethical and theological truths.
1. **[[Luke 6:30]]**: "Give to everyone who asks you, and from him who takes away your goods do not demand them back."
* In this verse, ἀπαιτέω is used within Jesus' radical teaching on love for enemies and generosity. The context is one of a person having their goods taken away, implying an unjust act or theft. Normally, one would have a legal or moral right to demand back what was stolen. However, Jesus commands his disciples *not* to exercise this right. This highlights a profound call to radical generosity, non-retaliation, and a relinquishing of personal claims for the sake of a higher, kingdom ethic. It challenges conventional notions of justice and property rights, urging believers to trust in God's provision and to model a selfless love that transcends the desire for restitution.
2. **[[Luke 12:20]]**: "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?'"
* Here, ἀπαιτέω is employed in the parable of the rich fool. The subject of the verb is God, and the object is the man's "soul" (ψυχή - `{{G5590}}`). This usage is profoundly significant. God does not merely "take" the man's soul, but "demands it back" or "requires it." This implies that life itself, specifically the soul, is not an inherent possession of humanity but a stewardship entrusted by God. The suddenness and finality of this divine demand underscore God's absolute sovereignty over life and death. It serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of human existence, the futility of material accumulation apart from God, and the ultimate accountability of every individual before their Creator.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **αἰτέω (aitéō - `{{G154}}`)**: The foundational verb meaning "to ask, request, beg." ἀπαιτέω adds the nuance of demanding something back or as a right.
* **ἀποδίδωμι (apodidōmi - `{{G591}}`)**: "To give back, pay back, restore." While ἀπαιτέω is the act of demanding, ἀποδίδωμι is the act of returning what is owed.
* **ὀφείλω (opheilō - `{{G3784}}`)**: "To owe, be indebted." This concept of debt or obligation often forms the basis for a demand made by ἀπαιτέω.
* **Justice and Restitution**: In human interactions, ἀπαιτέω relates to the legal or moral right to reclaim property or debt.
* **Stewardship**: In the divine context of [[Luke 12:20]], the "soul" being "demanded back" highlights the theological concept of life as a gift and a stewardship from God, not an inherent possession.
### Theological Significance
The dual appearances of ἀπαιτέω (apaitéō - `{{G523}}`) in Luke's Gospel, though few, carry profound theological weight:
1. **Radical Discipleship and Self-Sacrifice**: In [[Luke 6:30]], Jesus' command not to "demand back" stolen goods presents a radical call to discipleship. It challenges the natural human inclination towards self-preservation and justice based on retribution. Instead, it promotes a counter-cultural ethic of generosity, non-resistance, and trust in God's ultimate justice and provision. This command aligns with the broader teachings on turning the other cheek (`{{G4762}}`) and loving one's enemies, demonstrating that true faith may require relinquishing even legitimate claims for the sake of the Kingdom and compassionate witness.
2. **Divine Sovereignty and Human Accountability**: The usage in [[Luke 12:20]] is a powerful theological statement about God's absolute sovereignty. Life is portrayed not as a right but as a loan or a trust from God. The act of God "requiring" the rich fool's soul underscores that God is the ultimate owner and giver of life, and humanity is merely a steward. This highlights the brevity of life, the folly of earthly accumulation without regard for eternal realities, and the inescapable accountability that every individual faces before their Creator. It serves as a stark reminder of the necessity of spiritual preparedness over material wealth.
3. **Contrast of Human and Divine Demands**: The two occurrences of ἀπαιτέω present a striking contrast. In the human sphere, Jesus instructs his followers *not* to exercise their right to demand back, promoting grace and self-sacrifice. In the divine sphere, God *does* exercise His absolute right to demand back, demonstrating His ultimate authority and the inevitability of His judgment. This contrast underscores the distinct nature of God's rights versus human rights, and the different ways these play out in the economy of salvation and judgment.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀπαιτέω (apaitéō - `{{G523}}`), meaning "to demand back" or "to require," appears twice in the New Testament, exclusively in the Gospel of Luke, and provides significant theological insights. In [[Luke 6:30]], it highlights Jesus' call to radical discipleship, urging believers to forgo their right to reclaim stolen goods, thereby embodying a spirit of selfless generosity and trust in God's provision. Conversely, in [[Luke 12:20]], ἀπαιτέω powerfully describes God's sovereign act of "requiring" the rich fool's soul, underscoring divine ownership of life and the ultimate accountability of humanity before God. Thus, ἀπαιτέω encapsulates both a call to human relinquishment of earthly rights in discipleship and a profound declaration of God's unassailable authority over all life, serving as a stark reminder of the transient nature of worldly possessions and the eternal significance of one's spiritual state.
TRV