### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀποτίνω (apotínō `{{G661}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἀπό (apo), meaning "from," "away from," or indicating completion/intensity, and the verb τίνω (tinō), meaning "to pay," "to pay a price," or "to suffer punishment." The combination yields a precise meaning: "to pay back in full," "to repay completely," or "to make full restitution." The prefix ἀπό intensifies the act of paying, emphasizing the finality and completeness of the transaction, ensuring that a debt or obligation is entirely discharged. It implies a prior liability or indebtedness that is now being settled.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀποτίνω (apotínō `{{G661}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, yet its single occurrence is profoundly significant, found in Paul's personal letter to Philemon.
* **Philemon 1:19**: "I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it (ἀποτίνω) – to say nothing of your owing me even your own self."
In this passage, Paul is interceding on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave who had apparently wronged his master, Philemon, possibly by theft or financial loss. Paul, with a remarkable act of grace and personal responsibility, offers to personally cover any debt or damage Onesimus might have incurred. His promise, "I will repay it," uses ἀποτίνω (apotínō `{{G661}}`), underscoring his commitment to make full and complete restitution. This is not a mere partial payment but a promise to settle the entire outstanding amount. The context highlights Paul's character, his deep love for both Philemon and Onesimus, and his practical demonstration of Christian reconciliation and justice within the community. It is a powerful example of one person stepping in to bear the burden of another's debt.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἀποτίνω (apotínō `{{G661}}`) is enhanced by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual parallels:
* **τίνω (tinō)**: The root verb `{{G5099}}`, meaning "to pay," "to pay a price," or "to suffer punishment." While ἀποτίνω (apotínō `{{G661}}`) focuses on the act of repayment, τίνω (tinō `{{G5099}}`) carries the broader sense of settling an account, whether financially or by incurring a penalty.
* **ἀποδίδωμι (apodidōmi `{{G591}}`)**: Another compound verb, "to give back," "to return," or "to pay back." This word is more common and often used for rendering what is due, fulfilling obligations, or paying debts. While similar in outcome, ἀποτίνω (apotínō `{{G661}}`) carries a particular emphasis on the full and complete discharge of an obligation.
* **ὀφείλω (opheilō `{{G3784}}`)**: "to owe," "to be indebted," "to be under obligation." This verb describes the state of indebtedness that ἀποτίνω (apotínō `{{G661}}`) resolves. The debt owed (ὀφείλω `{{G3784}}`) is what is then repaid (ἀποτίνω `{{G661}}`).
* **Concepts**: The word is intrinsically linked to concepts of debt, obligation, restitution, payment, and reconciliation. In a broader sense, it touches on themes of justice and mercy, where a wrong is righted, and a relationship is restored through a deliberate act of payment.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular appearance, the theological weight of ἀποτίνω (apotínō `{{G661}}`) in Philemon 1:19 is considerable.
1. **Substitutionary Payment**: Paul's offer to "repay" Onesimus's debt serves as a profound earthly illustration of the principle of substitutionary atonement. Just as Paul steps into Onesimus's place to bear his financial burden, so Christ steps into humanity's place to bear the debt of sin owed to God. Christ's death on the cross is the ultimate "repayment" that satisfies divine justice and reconciles humanity to God. This human act foreshadows a divine reality.
2. **Practical Love and Reconciliation**: The use of ἀποτίνω (apotínō `{{G661}}`) highlights the practical outworking of Christian love and the gospel's power to bring about reconciliation. Paul is not merely offering forgiveness but actively taking responsibility for the consequences of another's actions. This demonstrates that Christian love is not passive but involves tangible, sacrificial action to restore broken relationships and right wrongs.
3. **Integrity and Responsibility**: Paul's willingness to personally guarantee the repayment underscores the importance of integrity and responsibility within the Christian community. It teaches that even when wrongs are committed, there is a path to restoration that may involve a commitment to restitution.
4. **Grace and Forgiveness**: While Paul promises to repay, his plea to Philemon is ultimately for grace and forgiveness towards Onesimus. The act of repayment facilitates the extension of mercy, showing that justice and mercy can coexist and indeed work together in the process of reconciliation.
### Summary
ἀποτίνω (apotínō `{{G661}}`) is a rare but potent Greek verb meaning "to pay in full" or "to repay completely." Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Philemon 1:19]] is contextually rich, depicting the Apostle Paul's personal commitment to make full restitution for any debt or wrong committed by Onesimus against Philemon. Theologically, this act serves as a powerful microcosm of Christ's substitutionary work, where He paid the ultimate debt for humanity's sin, making full atonement. It underscores core Christian principles of responsibility, practical love, reconciliation, and the interplay of justice and grace, demonstrating how the gospel transforms relationships and provides a path to restoration through sacrificial payment.
TRV