Lexical Summary apaiteó: To demand back, to require, to ask for Original Word: ἀπαιτέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ask again, require. From apo and aiteo; to demand back -- ask again, require. see GREEK apo see GREEK aiteo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and aiteó Definition to ask back NASB Translation demand...back (1), required (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 523: ἀπαιτέωἀπαιτέω, ἀπαίτω; to ask back, demand back, exact something due (Sir. 20:15-14σήμερον δανειει καί αὔριον ἀπαιτήσει): Luke 6:30; τήν ψυχήν σου ἀπαιτοῦσιν (Tr WH αἰτοῦσιν) thy soul, intrusted to thee by God for a time, is demanded back, Luke 12:20 (Wis. 15:8 τό τῆς ψυχῆς ἀπαιτηθείς χρέος). (In Greek writings from Herodotus down.) Topical Lexicon Word Family and Conceptual Background The verb represented by Strong’s Greek 523 conveys the idea of calling something in, seeking it back, or exacting what is due. In Scripture the action reaches beyond financial matters, touching the deepest issues of life, justice, and divine prerogative. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Luke 6:30 — “Give to everyone who asks you, and from him who takes your goods, do not demand them back.” Though the verb appears only twice, each context uses it to confront common human assumptions: personal rights over possessions and personal control over life itself. Divine Ownership of Life In Luke 12:13-21 Jesus’ parable of the rich fool climaxes with God requiring (ἀπαιτοῦσιν) the man’s life. The scene underscores two eternal certainties: The verb therefore carries an eschatological gravity—each soul will be “required” by its Creator, rendering stewardship, not ownership, the true human posture. Radical Generosity and Non-Retaliation Luke 6:27-36 unfolds Jesus’ teaching on love for enemies. The demand-verb appears negatively: disciples are told not to insist on the return of seized goods. Instead of asserting legal entitlement, they mirror the Father’s kindness “to the ungrateful and wicked” (Luke 6:35). The instruction complements related commands: The verb thus frames a counter-cultural ethic. What society labels “rights,” kingdom disciples surrender for the sake of witness (1 Corinthians 9:12-15). Stewardship and Accountability Both uses of 523 converge on stewardship: possessions (Luke 6) and life (Luke 12). The gospel lens shifts the believer’s mindset: Failing to recognize this will invite the same rebuke leveled at the rich fool—“You fool!” Historical Context First-century Jewish law allowed the creditor to demand repayment, and Roman civil practice could be even harsher. Jesus’ instruction in Luke 6 therefore subverts everyday economic expectations, calling believers to emulate divine mercy rather than contemporary litigiousness. Likewise, Greco-Roman philosophers debated the insecurity of life, yet none spoke with Christ’s authority: God requires the soul, not fate or fortune. Intertextual Resonances with the Old Testament • Deuteronomy 15:1-11 models generosity to the poor, anticipating Jesus’ ethic. Related New Testament Passages Although the specific verb appears only in Luke, its themes echo widely: Ministry Applications 1. Pastoral counseling: Urge believers to hold possessions loosely, fostering contentment and liberality. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 523, though rare, presses two piercing questions: What do I cling to that is not mine to retain? Am I ready for the God who will one day require my life? Embracing Christ’s lordship turns both questions into avenues of freedom, generosity, and eternal security. Forms and Transliterations απαιτει απαίτει ἀπαίτει απαιτηθήση απαιτήσει απαιτήσεις απαίτησιν απαιτούντες απαιτούντων απαιτούσιν απαιτών apaitei apaíteiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 6:30 V-PMA-2SGRK: σὰ μὴ ἀπαίτει NAS: what is yours, do not demand it back. KJV: ask [them] not again. INT: yours not ask [it] back Luke 12:20 V-PIA-3P Strong's Greek 523 |
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