ἀμοιβή (amoibē)
amoibē
repayment
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun amoibē refers to repayment or recompense, rooted in the verb ameibo which means to exchange or change. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in 1 Timothy 5:4, where Paul discusses family responsibilities regarding widows.
Here, the word describes the reciprocal good deeds or fitting requital that children owe their parents. Rather than a general debt, it points to a specific exchange of care and support within the household. The term captures the idea of returning what is due in a relationship, highlighting mutual obligations rather than one-sided charity.
Its singular occurrence underscores how rare this specific concept of reciprocal repayment is in Paul’s letters. While other words cover broader ideas of reward or justice, amoibē focuses on the concrete return of service within kinship ties. This usage provides a clear picture of early Christian expectations for family duty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word amoibē points to a natural cycle of care within families. In 1 Timothy 5:4, Paul uses it to describe how children should repay their parents for the love and support they received in childhood. This is not about keeping score or paying back money like a bank loan. Instead, it reflects a deep sense of gratitude and duty that flows from one generation to the next.
For your faith life, this reminds us that relationships are built on mutual care. When you look after aging parents or honor those who raised you, you are participating in something God finds acceptable. It is a tangible way to show piety and love in everyday actions. This simple act of returning kindness strengthens family bonds and honors God’s design for community.
Even when caregiving feels heavy, remember that this repayment is a privilege, not just a burden. It connects you to the long line of believers who have walked this path before. By offering your time and attention, you reflect the love Christ has shown to you. May your home be a place where such mutual care flourishes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- recompense1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀμοιβὰς1×