### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἀδάπανος (adápanos, `{{G77}}`) is a compound word derived from the privative alpha (α-), meaning "without" or "not," and δαπάνη (dapánē, `{{G1160}}`), which signifies "cost," "expense," or "outlay." Thus, the core meaning of ἀδάπανος is "without expense," "costless," or "gratuitous." It denotes something that does not incur a financial burden on the recipient, emphasizing a complete absence of charge or demand for payment. The semantic range is quite narrow, focusing specifically on the financial aspect of an interaction – the provision of a service or benefit without requiring compensation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀδάπανος (adápanos, `{{G77}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, making it a hapax legomenon. This sole occurrence is found in the Apostle Paul's second letter to the Corinthians:
> "Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God's gospel to you without expense?" [[2 Corinthians 11:7]]
In this context, Paul is defending his apostolic ministry against false apostles who sought to undermine his authority and motives in Corinth. He highlights his deliberate choice to preach the gospel to the Corinthians "without expense" (ἀδάπανος). This was a conscious decision to forego his right to financial support from the Corinthian church, a right he explicitly affirmed for other apostles and gospel workers (cf. [[1 Corinthians 9:1-14]]).
Paul's motivation for this unusual practice was multifaceted:
1. **To remove any obstacle to the gospel:** By not being a financial burden, Paul aimed to ensure that his preaching was received purely on its own merits, free from any suspicion that he was motivated by monetary gain.
2. **To demonstrate the purity of his motives:** In a culture where itinerant teachers often charged fees, Paul's gratuitous service distinguished him and validated his genuine commitment to Christ and the Corinthians.
3. **To shame the false apostles:** While the false apostles likely charged the Corinthians, Paul's selfless example served as an implicit critique of their mercenary approach, highlighting their true character by contrast.
His "humbling himself" by working with his own hands to support his ministry (cf. [[Acts 18:3]], [[1 Corinthians 4:12]]) was a radical act of self-denial, intended to exalt the Corinthians by making the gospel freely accessible to them.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several terms and concepts illuminate the meaning and significance of ἀδάπανος (adápanos, `{{G77}}`):
* **δαπάνη (dapánē, `{{G1160}}`):** The direct root word, meaning "cost" or "expense." Understanding this word clarifies what ἀδάπανος negates.
* **μισθός (misthos, `{{G3408}}`):** "Wages," "reward," or "payment for service." Paul's decision to be ἀδάπανος was a deliberate renunciation of his right to μισθός from the Corinthians, though he received it from other churches (cf. [[2 Corinthians 11:8]]).
* **χάρις (charis, `{{G5485}}`):** "Grace," "favor," or "gift." While ἀδάπανος specifically relates to financial cost, the underlying principle of gratuitousness resonates deeply with the concept of χάρις, as God's salvation is a gift given freely, "without expense" to the recipient, though at infinite cost to the Giver.
* **δωρεά (dōrea, `{{G1431}}`):** "Gift," emphasizing something given freely and without expectation of return. Paul's ministry was, in a sense, a δωρεά to the Corinthians.
* **ἐργάζομαι (ergazomai, `{{G2038}}`):** "To work," often referring to manual labor. Paul's self-support through manual labor (e.g., tentmaking) was the practical means by which he maintained his ἀδάπανος status in Corinth.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀδάπανος (adápanos, `{{G77}}`) extends beyond Paul's personal apostolic strategy to broader principles of Christian ministry and the nature of the gospel itself.
1. **Apostolic Integrity and Selfless Ministry:** Paul's example of being "without expense" stands as a powerful demonstration of genuine, selfless service. It underscores that the proclamation of the gospel should be motivated by love for Christ and souls, not by financial gain. This practice served to protect the integrity of his message and his person, disarming critics who might accuse him of avarice.
2. **Removing Barriers to the Gospel:** By making himself financially independent of the Corinthians, Paul eliminated a potential stumbling block. This principle suggests that ministers should, at times, be willing to sacrifice personal rights or comforts if doing so removes an impediment to people hearing and receiving the gospel.
3. **Imitation of Christ:** In a profound sense, Christ's ministry was the ultimate "without expense" offering. He ministered, healed, and taught freely, ultimately giving His life as a ransom "without expense" to humanity, though at infinite cost to Himself and the Father. Paul's self-sacrifice, though on a different scale, reflects something of the Lord's own gratuitous giving.
4. **The Nature of Salvation:** The gospel itself is the ultimate "without expense" gift. Salvation, justification, and eternal life are offered freely by God's grace through faith in Christ, requiring no payment or merit from humanity. While not explicitly using ἀδάπανος for salvation, the concept is inherently linked: the greatest treasure is given "without expense" to the recipient.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀδάπανος (adápanos, `{{G77}}`), meaning "without expense" or "costless," is a rare but highly significant term in the New Testament, appearing exclusively in [[2 Corinthians 11:7]]. It describes the Apostle Paul's deliberate and unique practice of preaching the gospel to the Corinthian church without requiring financial support from them. This strategic decision was rooted in his desire to remove any potential barrier to the gospel's reception, to safeguard the purity of his apostolic motives, and to contrast himself with mercenary false apostles. Theologically, ἀδάπανος serves as a powerful testament to selfless ministry, prioritizing the unhindered proclamation of God's truth over personal gain. It subtly echoes the gratuitous nature of God's grace and the ultimate "costless" gift of salvation offered through Christ, reminding believers that the most precious things are often given freely.
TRV