ἀνταπόδομα (antapodoma)
antapodoma
repayment
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun antapodoma refers to repayment or requital, capturing the idea of something given back in response to an action. Its structure combines prefixes meaning "against" and "back" with a root for "giving," creating a term that emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the exchange. It is not merely a return gift but carries the weight of justice, where the outcome matches the input.
Scripture uses this word in two distinct directions. In Luke 14:12, Jesus advises hosting those who cannot repay, promising that the host will receive antapodoma at the resurrection. Here, the term points to a favorable reward from God for selfless kindness. Conversely, Romans 11:9 quotes Psalm 69, describing antapodoma as a trap set by enemies, illustrating its use in an unfavorable context of judgment.
This dual usage highlights the word’s theological neutrality regarding moral value; it simply denotes the consequence that follows an action. Translators often render it as "repayment" or "reward," but the Greek emphasizes the certainty of the return. Whether resulting in blessing or judgment, the term underscores a consistent biblical principle: actions have corresponding outcomes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word antapodoma speaks of a precise return for what is given or done. It suggests that actions carry weight and lead to specific outcomes. In Luke 14:12, Jesus uses this concept to encourage generosity toward those who cannot repay you. He promises that God will provide the repayment at the resurrection, ensuring that selfless love is never lost.
Conversely, Romans 11:9 applies this same term to judgment, showing that harmful actions also bring consequences. This duality reminds us that our choices matter deeply. Whether we seek reward through kindness or face correction through wrongdoing, the principle remains steady. God sees every act and ensures justice is served in His perfect timing.
Understanding this helps us live with purpose. We can trust that our good deeds are recorded and valued by God. It invites us to act with integrity, knowing that He handles the balance. This assurance allows us to focus on loving others faithfully, leaving the results in His hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- recompense1×
- a retribution1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνταπόδομά1×
- ἀνταπόδομα1×
Key Verses
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Luke 14:12
He also said to the one who had invited him, “When you make a dinner or a supper, don’t call your friends, nor your brothers, nor your kinsmen, nor rich neighbors, or perhaps they might also return the favor, and pay you back.
This verse highlights antapodoma as a divine reward for selfless hospitality extended to those who cannot reciprocate.
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Romans 11:9
David says, “Let their table be made a snare, a trap, a stumbling block, and a retribution to them.
Here the term describes retribution, illustrating how harmful actions can lead to negative consequences or judgment.