A reciprocating compressor includes a closed container having a suction tube and a discharge tube, and a reference frame elastically supported and mounted in the closed container. A driving motor is mounted at one end of the reference frame for generating a linear reciprocating driving force. A front frame is coupled to the other end of the reference frame which has a cylinder insertion hole therein. A cylinder is inserted into the cylinder insertion hole, and a piston is inserted in the cylinder. A connection magnet holder penetrates the reference frame, and an engaging portion engages the connection magnet holder and the piston. A discharge valve assembly is coupled to cover a compression space formed inside the cylinder and discharging gas, and a spring surrounds and is spaced from the piston for elastically supporting a motion of the piston. The operation mechanism is stable without any driving imbalance.