This noun denotes recompense, repayment, or retribution—giving back in return for something received. Paul uses it in Colossians 3:24 to promise believers 'the recompense of the inheritance' as reward. Classical usage covered repayment of debts, retribution for wrongs, and responsive actions. The compound (ἀντ-απόδοσις) emphasizes the reciprocal nature—payment in return. Spanish and French both use forms of 'recompense,' while German employs 'Vergeltung' (retribution, repayment). This is not merely wages but reward proportioned to service.