ἀπονέμω (aponemō)
aponemō
to render as due
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb aponemō means to assign or apportion something as it is due. It combines the idea of separation with distribution, suggesting that what is given belongs rightfully to the recipient. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in 1 Peter 3:7.
There, Peter instructs husbands to live with their wives in an understanding way and to show honor. The specific command is to give them their "due" (tēn timēn), using aponemō to describe rendering what is owed. This usage highlights a sense of justice and respect, treating the wife not as a subordinate but as a co-heir of grace who deserves proper consideration.
The word’s root structure emphasizes giving something its rightful place or portion. Translators typically render it as "give" or "render," focusing on the action of providing what is legally or morally appropriate. This singular occurrence underscores the importance of fair treatment within marriage, framing honor not as optional kindness but as a required assignment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aponemō carries the specific sense of assigning or apportioning something exactly as it is due. In the New Testament, this verb appears only once, in 1 Peter 3:7. Here, Peter instructs husbands to live with their wives in an understanding way and to give them their due honor. This is not merely a suggestion for kindness but a clear command to render what is rightfully owed.
This instruction frames marital respect as a matter of justice. Husbands are called to recognize their wives as joint heirs of the grace of life, deserving of proper consideration and dignity. By giving this due honor, couples create an environment where spiritual connection thrives. The text notes that such mutual respect ensures that prayers are not hindered, linking relational integrity directly with spiritual vitality.
For your own life, this word reminds us that true love involves fair treatment. It is about seeing the other person’s worth and acting on it. When we give others their due, we reflect God’s justice and grace in our daily interactions. This simple act of honoring others strengthens both the relationship and the prayer life of those involved.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- rendering1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀπονέμοντες1×