Understanding ἀποτίνω (apotinō) Strong’s G661: The Divine Promise of Complete Repayment and Restoration

Pronunciation Guide: ah-po-TEE-no

Basic Definition

Strong’s G661: ἀποτίνω (apotinō) conveys the action of paying back or making complete restitution for something owed. This compound verb emphasizes both the completeness of repayment (ἀπο-) and the act of valuing and paying (-τίνω). In Koine Greek, it specifically denotes making compensation or paying a debt in full, often with the connotation of legal or moral obligation.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Compound word: ἀπό (from/away) + τίνω (to pay/value)
• Primary usage: Legal and commercial contexts
• Language origin: Classical Greek
• Usage type: Rare in NT (hapax legomenon)

ἀποτίνω Morphology:

• ἀποτίνω (present active indicative) – I pay back
• ἀποτίσω (future active indicative) – I will pay back
• ἀποτίσειν (present active infinitive) – to pay back
• ἀποτείσω (Attic future) – I will make restitution

Origin & History

The verb ἀποτίνω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, particularly in legal and commercial documents. In Plato’s Laws (933e), it appears in discussions of justice and compensation. The word was commonly used in Greek papyri for financial transactions and legal settlements, emphasizing the full satisfaction of debts.

In the Septuagint, ἀποτίνω appears in Exodus 21:34 and 22:3, establishing principles of restitution in Mosaic Law. This usage reinforced the concept of just compensation and moral responsibility within the covenant community.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Making full restitution for a debt or obligation
• Paying back what is owed with interest
• Compensating for damages or loss

ἀποτίνω Translation Options:

• “Pay back” – Emphasizes the return of what is owed
• “Make restitution” – Highlights the legal/moral aspect
• “Repay in full” – Stresses the completeness of repayment
• “Compensate” – Focuses on making amends for loss

Biblical Usage

The only occurrence of ἀποτίνω in the New Testament is in Philemon 1:19, where Paul makes a solemn promise to repay any debt Onesimus might owe to Philemon. This usage is particularly significant as it appears in a context of reconciliation and restoration within the body of believers.

In the Septuagint, the word appears in several key passages dealing with restitution:

• “I, Paul, will repay [ἀποτίνω] it” Philemon 1:19
• “He shall surely make restitution [ἀποτίνω]” Exodus 21:34
• “He shall surely make restitution [ἀποτίνω]” Exodus 22:3

Cultural Insights

In ancient Mediterranean culture, the concept of debt repayment was deeply intertwined with honor and shame. The use of ἀποτίνω often carried implications beyond mere financial transaction—it represented the restoration of social harmony and personal dignity. This cultural understanding illuminates Paul’s careful handling of the Onesimus situation, where financial restitution served as a bridge to deeper reconciliation.

The word also reflects the Jewish legal principle of “measure for measure” (middah k’neged middah), where restitution was seen not just as compensation but as a means of restoring divine order and justice.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀποτίνω in Philemon 1:19 beautifully illustrates the Messianic principle of substitutionary atonement. Just as Paul offered to pay Onesimus’s debt, Yeshua (Jesus) paid our debt of sin. This parallel becomes even more powerful when we consider that Paul’s promise of repayment was made in the context of seeking reconciliation between slave and master.

The word’s connection to Old Testament restitution laws points to God’s character as both just and merciful. He requires proper restitution but provides ways for relationships to be restored and justice to be satisfied.

Personal Application

When we understand ἀποτίνω, we gain a deeper appreciation for both justice and grace in our relationships. This word challenges us to take responsibility for our obligations while remembering that our greatest debt has been paid by the Messiah. In practical terms, it encourages us to approach both financial and relational debts with integrity, seeking full restoration rather than partial solutions.

Related Words

• ἀποδίδωμι (apodidōmi) – to give back, return, render – Similar in meaning but more general in application See G591
• τίνω (tinō) – to pay, suffer punishment – The root verb focusing on payment See G5099
• ὀφείλω (opheilō) – to owe, be indebted – Describes the state of owing rather than the act of repaying See G3784

Did you Know?

• The prefix ἀπο- in ἀποτίνω intensifies the action, emphasizing completeness of repayment—no partial payments accepted!
• In ancient Greek commercial documents, ἀποτίνω often appeared with specific penalties for default, showing its use in legally binding agreements.
• The word’s rarity in the New Testament (appearing only once) makes its use in Philemon particularly significant, highlighting the importance Paul placed on both legal and spiritual restoration.

Remember This

ἀποτίνω reminds us that true restoration requires complete repayment, pointing to the Messiah’s perfect work of redemption where He paid our debt in full.