### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **apotínō**, represented by `{{G661}}`, means **to pay in full** or **repay**. It is formed from the words ἀπό and τίνω. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, making its single usage particularly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G661}}` is in [[Philemon 1:19]], where the apostle Paul makes a personal and binding promise. In his appeal to Philemon regarding Onesimus, Paul writes, "I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will **repay** it." By using this word, Paul takes full financial responsibility for any debt Onesimus may have incurred, offering to settle the account completely. This declaration is immediately followed by a reminder of the greater spiritual debt Philemon owes to Paul, as he adds, "thou owest unto me even thine own self besides" [[Philemon 1:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words within its only context illuminate the meaning of `{{G661}}`:
* `{{G1125}}` **gráphō** (to write): Paul's promise to repay is not merely spoken but is **written** by his own hand, giving it a formal, almost legal weight [[Philemon 1:19]]. This word is often used for scripture itself, signifying a permanent and authoritative record [[Matthew 4:4]].
* `{{G1473}}` **egṓ** (I): This emphatic first-person pronoun is used twice by Paul in the same sentence, "I Paul... I will repay." It underscores the deeply personal nature of the commitment he is making [[Philemon 1:19]].
* `{{G4359}}` **prosopheílō** (to be indebted additionally): This word directly contrasts with Paul's offer to repay. It is used to describe the greater debt Philemon has toward Paul, emphasizing that Philemon **owest** him his own self **besides** any material considerations [[Philemon 1:19]].
* `{{G5495}}` **cheír** (hand): The mention of Paul's own **hand** authenticates the written promise, turning a declaration into a signed commitment to **repay** [[Philemon 1:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G661}}` is demonstrated in its singular, powerful application.
* **Personal Substitution:** Paul's pledge, "I will **repay** it," serves as a tangible picture of substitutionary atonement, where one individual takes on the debt of another to pay it in full [[Philemon 1:19]].
* **A Binding Promise:** The commitment to **repay** is formalized in writing, highlighting the seriousness and reliability of the promise. Paul makes it a personal, signed guarantee, stating, "I Paul have written it with mine own hand" [[Philemon 1:19]].
* **Contrasting Debts:** The use of `{{G661}}` to cover a material debt is immediately set against the greater spiritual debt Philemon owes Paul, illustrating that while some debts can be **repaid**, the debt of one's own salvation is of a completely different nature [[Philemon 1:19]].
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G661}}` is used only once, its context in Philemon provides a profound illustration of financial and personal responsibility. The word **apotínō** captures the essence of paying a debt in full. Through Paul's personal guarantee, it becomes a powerful metaphor for substitution, the weight of a written promise, and the immeasurable value of a spiritual debt when compared to a material one.
TRV