ἀνταπόδοσις (antapodosis)
antapodosis
reward
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun antapodosis refers to a precise repayment or recompense. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Colossians 3:24, where Paul describes the inheritance believers receive from the Lord. The word carries the sense of getting back exactly what is due, reflecting a system of justice that matches action with outcome.
Its structure highlights this balance. The prefix anti means "in return" or "corresponding to," while apodosis comes from a root meaning "to give back." Together they form a term for reciprocal giving. In the Septuagint, it often translates Hebrew words like gemul, which denote retribution or reward based on deeds.
This specificity matters in its context. Paul uses it to encourage faithful service, not because humans earn salvation, but because God honors loyalty. The word points to a divine economy where effort is recognized and rewarded by the One who judges rightly.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word antapodosis describes a precise repayment, exactly what is due. In Colossians 3:24, Paul uses it to remind us that our service to the Lord Christ is not lost. God keeps careful account of our loyalty and faithfulness.
This promise brings comfort. It means your hard work in love has weight in God’s eyes. He does not overlook the quiet acts of kindness or the endurance shown in difficult seasons. Instead, He honors them with an inheritance that lasts forever.
Let this truth steady your heart today. You are serving a Lord who sees and rewards. Your efforts matter to Him, and He will give back what is righteously yours in His perfect timing.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- reward1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνταπόδοσιν1×
Key Verses
-
Colossians 3:24
knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
This verse defines the word by linking faithful service directly to receiving an inheritance from the Lord.