Render in return (467) (antapodidomi from antà = in turn + apodÃdomi = render <> from apo = from + didomi = give) means to give back in return for something received. The idea is to practice reciprocity with respect to an obligation. It means to pay back something owed. Paul is saying we as Christians owe to God joyful thanksgiving and praise for what He has done. In a positive sense it means to repay, to recompense or to reward. In a negative sense it means to requite or exact retribution. Requite implies a paying back according to one’s preference and often not equivalently. Hiebert explains... The effort to thank God "in return for" His gracious work translates the aorist active infinitive antapodounai (antapodidomi) "to repay, recompense, requite," and that as a definite act. The simple verb, meaning "to give," is compounded with two prepositions: anti, marking the idea of a return or exchange for something received, and apo, referring to something that is due "from" us as a debt; the thought is that of a full and complete return for the boon that has been received. No thanksgiving in their power is equivalent to the debt of gratitude they owe God because of the joy He has given them. This third outburst of thanksgiving for the readers (see notes 1Thessalonians 1:2; 2:13) is called forth by the news of their steadfastness under persecution. Their thanksgiving is Godward. That the Thessalonians stood steadfast is due not to the missionaries, or even to the converts, hut to God Himself who has upheld them under the storm of persecution. Paul viewed all spiritual blessings :is coming ultimately from God. What by human standards would have been regarded as a triumph for the missionaries, Paul humbly acknowledges to be the work of God. Let Christian workers beware of taking credit for results only God can produce. (Hiebert, D. Edmond: 1 & 2 Thessalonians: BMH Book. 1996) Antapodidomi is used 53 times in the Septuagint (LXX) (Gen. 44:4; 50:15; Lev. 18:25; Deut. 32:6, 35, 41, 43; Jdg 1:7; 16:28; 1 Sam. 24:17; 25:21; 2 Sam. 3:39; 19:36; 22:21; 1 Ki. 2:44; 2 Ki. 9:26; 2 Chr. 32:25; Job 21:19, 31; Ps. 7:4; 18:20, 24; 31:23; 35:12; 38:20; 41:10; 103:10; 116:12; 119:17; 137:8; 138:8; 142:7; Prov. 19:17; 25:22; Isa. 35:4; 59:18; 63:7; 66:4, 6; Jer. 16:18; 18:20; 50:29; 51:6, 24, 56; Hos. 4:9; 12:2, 14; 14:2; Joel 2:25; 3:4, 7; Ob 1:15; Zech. 9:12). Here are some representative uses... Genesis 50:15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "What if Joseph should bear a grudge against us and pay us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!" Deuteronomy 32:35 'Vengeance is Mine, and retribution (Lxx = antapodidomi = "I will repay"), In due time their foot will slip; For the day of their calamity is near, And the impending things are hastening upon them.' 2Samuel 22:21 "The LORD has rewarded (Lxx = antapodidomi) me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed (Lxx = antapodidomi) me. Psalm 31:23 O love the LORD, all you His godly ones! The LORD preserves the faithful, And fully recompenses the proud doer. Psalm 103:10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. Psalm 116:12 What shall I render to the LORD For all His benefits toward me? Proverbs 25:22 For you will heap burning coals on his head, And the LORD will reward you. Joel 2:25 "Then I will make up to (Lxx = antapodidomi) you for the years That the swarming locust has eaten, The creeping locust, the stripping locust, and the gnawing locust, My great army which I sent among you. Obadiah 1:15 "For the day of the LORD draws near on all the nations. As you have done, it will be done to you. Your dealings will return (Lxx = antapodidomi - literally the Greek reads "your reward will be recompensed") on your own head. Antapodidomi is used 7 times... Luke 14:14 and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous. Romans 11:35 (note) Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? Romans 12:19 (note) Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. 1Thessalonians 3:9 (note) For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, 2 Thessalonians 1:6 For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you Hebrews 10:30 (note) For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge His people." FOR ALL THE JOY WITH WHICH WE REJOICE BEFORE OUR GOD ON YOUR ACCOUNT: epi pase te chara e chairomen (1PPAI) di' humas emprosthen tou theou hemon: (1Thes 3:7,8; 2:19) (Deuteronomy 12:2,18; 16:11; 2Samuel 6:21; Psalms 68:3; 96:12,13; 98:8,9) For all the joy with which we rejoice - God's joy sometimes comes to us because of other Christians and their faithfulness to Christ. Literally Paul says Upon all the joy wherewith we are rejoicing "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://www.preceptaustin.org/1thessalonians_39-10.htm#render