μισθαποδότης (misthapodotēs)
misthapodotēs
rewarder
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun misthapodotēs translates simply as "rewarder" or "one who pays wages." It is a compound word built from two parts: misthos, meaning wage or reward, and apodidōmi, which means to pay back or render. This construction creates a vivid image of a debtor settling an account, ensuring that what is owed is fully returned.
In the New Testament, this term appears only once, in Hebrews 11:6. The author uses it to describe God’s character, stating that He rewards those who seek Him. By choosing this specific word for wages rather than a general term for gift or grace, the text emphasizes the faithful nature of God’s response. It suggests a reliable transaction where seeking God leads to a guaranteed return.
The rarity of the word highlights its theological weight in this single context. It assures readers that their spiritual efforts are not in vain but are met with a certain and just recompense from a God who keeps His promises.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you look at your spiritual journey, it is easy to wonder if your quiet prayers or small acts of kindness are truly seen. This single word, appearing only once in the New Testament, offers a gentle but firm assurance. It describes God not as a distant observer, but as one who keeps careful account and pays what is owed.
The image here is of a faithful debtor settling a debt. When you seek Him, you are engaging in a relationship where He is committed to responding. This does not mean you earn His love through performance, but it does mean that your sincere desire for Him matters deeply to Him. Your efforts are never lost or ignored.
This truth invites you to keep seeking, even when the path feels uncertain. You can trust that the One who created you is also the One who faithfully responds to those who look to Him. There is a steady reliability in His character that supports your faith through every season of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a rewarder1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μισθαποδότης1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 11:6
Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.
This verse uses the word to ground the necessity of faith in God's reliable character as one who actively responds to those who seek Him.