Lexical Summary antapodoma: Recompense, reward, repayment Original Word: ἀνταπόδομα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance recompense. From antapodidomi; a requital (properly, the thing) -- recompense. see GREEK antapodidomi HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 468 antapódoma (a neuter noun derived from 467 /antapodídōmi) – recompense ("a pay-back"); a just retribution. See 467 /antapodidōmi ("to give matching payback"). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom antapodidómi Definition requital NASB Translation repayment (1), retribution (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 468: ἀνταπόδομαἀνταπόδομα, ἀνταποδοματος, τό (see ἀνταποδίδωμι), the thing paid back, requital; a. in a good sense: Luke 14:12. b. in a bad sense: Romans 11:9. (In the Sept. equivalent to גְּמוּל, Judges 9:16 (Alex.), etc.; the Greeks say ἀνταπόδοσις (cf. Winer's Grammar, 25).) ἀνταπόδομα conveys the idea of a return that corresponds in kind to a prior action—whether gracious repayment, righteous reward, or just retribution. It presupposes moral accountability and an ordered universe in which God ultimately ensures that every deed meets its fitting response. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Luke 14:12. Jesus warns the banquet host against inviting guests who can furnish an immediate “repayment.” By using ἀνταπόδομα He contrasts temporal, human reciprocity with the gracious, eschatological reward promised in verse 14: “For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous”. The term therefore exposes the self-interest that can lurk beneath apparently generous acts, urging kingdom-minded hospitality that rests on God’s future recompense rather than on social exchange. 2. Romans 11:9. Paul cites Psalm 69:22 to describe Israel’s judicial hardening: “May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution to them”. Here ἀνταπόδομα denotes negative recompense—divine judgment that turns previous privilege (“their table”) into an occasion of downfall. The citation underscores both God’s faithfulness to prophetic Scripture and His righteous governance of history: unbelief invites an answering judgment. Old Testament and Intertestamental Background The Septuagint uses cognate forms to speak of both benevolent reward (Isaiah 35:4; Ruth 2:12) and punitive payback (Deuteronomy 32:35; Psalm 54:5). In Wisdom literature the theme is sharpened: “the Lord will repay sinners” (Sirach 16:12). This background shapes the New Testament sense, showing that divine recompense can bless or curse, always according to covenant standards. Theological Significance 1. Divine Justice. ἀνταπόδομα affirms that God’s character guarantees moral order. Grace does not void justice; it establishes it (Romans 3:26). The concept therefore harmonizes mercy and judgment within a single divine economy. 2. Eschatological Reward. Jesus ties true recompense to “the resurrection of the righteous” (Luke 14:14). The believer’s present obedience—especially acts that cannot be humanly compensated—rests on confidence in God’s future vindication (Hebrews 10:35). 3. Warning to the Hardened. Romans 11:9 illustrates that privileges misused can become instruments of judgment. The same table that should have fostered fellowship with God becomes a “snare” when faithless. The term thus functions as both promise and peril. Practical Ministry Applications • Hospitality. Christian fellowship should mirror God’s generosity, extending to the poor, disabled, and marginalized without expectation of social or financial return. Churches therefore cultivate ministries where anonymity of recipients and delayed reward underscore dependence upon God’s ἀνταπόδομα. • Preaching on Judgment. Balanced proclamation will include the certainty of divine recompense—positive and negative. Romans 11:9 encourages sober reflection on the consequences of persistent unbelief. • Encouragement in Service. Laborers who see little earthly fruit are reminded that “your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). The doctrine of recompense sustains perseverance and guards against cynicism. Contemporary Relevance Modern culture often operates on immediate reciprocity: “I will if you will.” The biblical vision embodied in ἀνταπόδομα liberates believers from transactional living. By anchoring motives in God’s ultimate recompense, Christians can serve with open hands, confident that every hidden act of faithfulness will receive its perfect counterpart in the age to come. Englishman's Concordance Luke 14:12 N-ANSGRK: καὶ γένηται ἀνταπόδομά σοι NAS: invite you in return and [that] will be your repayment. KJV: again, and a recompence be made thee. INT: and be made a recompense to you Romans 11:9 N-ANS |
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