It is honorable to work hard and make money. And yes, we should pay taxes (Matthew 22:20-22). There is something dignifying about developing a skill and working and receiving a profit from that, whether we work for another person or become an entrepreneur.
The Bible talks a lot about payment and wages, both in the practical and spiritual sense. We also believe that we cannot earn our salvation through works or our effort, so it isn’t easy to begin to discuss ideas of wages and payment within Christianity. Despite the tension, however, the Scripture does mention this extensively.
The Bible uses the Greek term misthios several times in the New Testament to describe payment and wages in different contexts. What does this word mean, and how does the Bible use it?
What Does the Greek Term Misthios Mean?
The Greek word misthios generally means “wages” or “payment.” It is a term that encompasses the concept of remuneration or compensation for work or services provided.
In ancient Greek society, misthios denoted the monetary reward or salary received by individuals for their labor or professional services. It applied to various occupations, including craftsmen, artisans, merchants, laborers, and employees. It represented the agreed-upon compensation for the tasks or responsibilities undertaken, serving as a form of exchange for the value created or contributed.
Misthios implies an agreed-upon contract or arrangement between the employer and the employee. It signifies recognizing and fulfilling a mutual obligation, where the employer compensates the worker for their time, effort, skills, or expertise. The amount of misthios is typically determined by factors such as the nature of the work, prevailing wages in the market, and the skills or qualifications required.
In addition to its application in everyday work settings, misthios could extend to other remuneration or payment forms. For instance, it could refer to the fees paid to actors, musicians, or performers for their artistic contributions. It could also pertain to the compensation provided to soldiers or mercenaries for their military services.
The concept of misthios is not limited to ancient Greece but resonates across different cultures and historical periods. It reflects the fundamental principle of fair compensation for work and services rendered. This notion remains relevant in contemporary society, where individuals expect to receive payment or wages for their employment or professional activities.
Furthermore, the term misthios carries implications of reciprocity and fairness. It implies that individuals should receive just compensation commensurate with their contributions, skills, and efforts. From an ethical standpoint, it underlines the importance of recognizing and valuing the labor and expertise of others.
How was Misthios Culturally Understood in Days of the Bible?
In both Greek and Roman cultures, misthios held a significant role. It was the payment or wage given for labor or services rendered.
While there were similarities in how Greeks and Romans used the term, there were also distinct cultural nuances in how they perceived and practiced the concept.
Ancient Greek society emphasized the importance of fair and just misthios in labor relations. The philosopher Aristotle, for instance, discussed the idea of “just price” and the equitable exchange of goods and services. The misthios was expected to be proportionate to the nature and quality of the work performed. It reflected the social contract between employer and employee, reinforcing the notion of mutual obligation and fairness in the economic sphere.
Roman culture adopted many aspects of Greek culture, including paying wages for labor. However, they added Roman legal and administrative structures to it. For Romans, misthios encompassed not only payment for labor but also included allowances and benefits given to soldiers, civil servants, and workers employed by the state. The Roman legal system, particularly during the time of the emperor Augustus, played a role in regulating wages and ensuring fair treatment for workers.
Misthios also reflected the hierarchical nature of ancient societies. The payment amount could vary depending on social status, occupation, and prevailing economic conditions. Skilled artisans or professionals often commanded higher wages than unskilled laborers, and individuals in power or authority might receive additional benefits or privileges.
How is Misthios Used in the Bible?
In the New Testament, the Greek word misthios is used in various scriptures to convey the concept of wages or payment.
In the parable of the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:8), Jesus speaks of the landowner who pays the workers their misthios, denoting the agreed-upon wages for their labor.
John the Baptist instructs tax collectors and soldiers in Luke 3:14, saying, “Do not collect any more than you are required to.” The phrase “more than you are required to” is translated from the word misthios, indicating the appropriate payment or wages.
In Jesus’ instructions to the 72 disciples He sends out (Luke 10:7), He tells them to remain in one house and to eat and drink what is offered to them, “for the worker deserves his wages.” Here, “the worker deserves his wages” is translated from misthios, emphasizing the right of workers to receive due compensation.
In discussing the labor of Paul and Apollos, Paul states, “The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor” (1 Corinthians 3:8). The word “rewarded” is derived from misthios, indicating that their compensation is linked to their labor and efforts.
Paul quotes a Deuteronomy passage, and with the phrase “the worker deserves his wages” in 1 Timothy 5:18. Here, Paul uses misthios to affirm that those working deserve fair payment.
James 5:4 issues a rebuke to the wealthy who have withheld the wages of laborers, saying, “Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you.” The term “wages” is translated from misthios, highlighting the unpaid compensation owed to the workers.
These scriptures demonstrate the New Testament using misthios to convey the idea of rightful payment or wages. First, they underscore the practical nature of how workers in the world deserve just payment, a Greek and Roman idea but also consistent with the Old Testament Law of exchange. It is even oppressive not to pay workers what they are owed.
Second, the people who serve God in the Gospel will also get rewards, just payment for their sacrifice and commitment. This refers to worldly payment and the broader idea of spiritual reward, both here and in heaven. Faith and salvation are gifts, but God is a rewarder of those that seek him (Hebrews 11:6). He seeks to reward faith and is consistent in doing so.
What About the Wages of Sin?
In the phrase “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), a different Greek word, opsonion, is used rather than misthios.
In Romans 6:23, the apostle Paul writes, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Here, Paul contrasts the consequences of sin with the gracious gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. In this context, the word “wages” refers to the just payment or outcome of sin, which is death or separation from God.
The Greek words misthios and opsonion have distinct meanings and usage in the New Testament. We’ve already discussed misthios, wages, and just payment cultural and spiritual meanings.
Opsonion, on the other hand, has a more specific meaning related to food or provisions. It refers to a soldier’s ration or allowance for food.
While both words involve compensation or payment, misthios has a broader sense and can apply to various forms of payment, wages, or remuneration. It is not limited to a specific context or domain. In contrast, opsonion is more specific and pertains to food provisions or rations. However, it takes on a metaphorical meaning in Romans 6:23. The choice of which term to use depends on the specific context and the particular aspect of compensation or payment being emphasized.
A more interesting translation of Romans 6:23 is “the food rations of sin is death.” Rations carry less dignity, which doesn’t imply the dignity of availability of profit due to skill or commitment. Rations mean that you get what you get, which makes sense to use this word in context since no matter how hard we try, apart from Christ and due to our sin, we get death. That’s our ration for sin.
What are Important Lessons from Misthios in the Bible for Christians Today?
The concept of misthios carries important lessons for Christians today, offering guidance on various aspects of faith and Christian living.
1. Recognition of Work’s Value. Misthios highlights the value and dignity of work. It reminds us that our labor, whether in their vocation, ministry, or service to others, has worth and significance, encouraging us to work with diligence, integrity, and a sense of purpose, knowing that we offer our best to God and make a meaningful contribution to society.
2. Fairness and Justice. The principle of misthios emphasizes fairness and justice in relationships and transactions. We are called to treat others justly, especially in employment, compensation, and financial dealings, challenging us to advocate for fair wages and equal treatment, reflecting the Kingdom of God.
3. Stewardship and Accountability. Misthios reminds us of our responsibility as stewards of the resources and opportunities entrusted to us. It encourages believers to use their talents, time, and resources wisely and for God’s glory with faithful stewardship, knowing we will be held accountable.
4. Gratitude and Contentment. Recognizing that everything we receive, including our material blessings, is ultimately a provision from God, we are encouraged to be grateful and content with what we have, counteracting materialism and the pursuit of excessive wealth.
5. Eternal Perspective. While misthios pertains to temporal compensation, it also serves as a reminder of the eternal perspective Christians should maintain. We are called to focus not solely on earthly rewards but on storing treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20). We must prioritize spiritual growth, invest in relationships, and seek opportunities to serve others, knowing that their ultimate reward comes from God and is eternal.
As Christians, the idea of misthios has two important meanings. We must dignify people by paying what they are worth, to not oppress them through withholding wages or other elements of taking advantage of people’s work. As people of business in the world, dignifying others in this way reveals the heart of our Father. Because secondly, and more importantly, God is a rewarder of people. We can’t earn our salvation, but within salvation, the Father gives generously and rewards our obedience to the Spirit, as evidenced by several teachings by Jesus and the apostles. Let us live with the eternal in mind and first know that we have a God who will reward us justly and be generous and kind in business and our community.
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