Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ConceptRecompensing, in biblical terms, refers to the act of repaying, rewarding, or compensating someone for their actions, whether good or evil. It is a concept deeply rooted in the justice and righteousness of God, who is portrayed as the ultimate judge and rewarder of human deeds.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, recompensing is often associated with God's justice. The Hebrew word often translated as "recompense" is "shalam," which means to make amends or to restore. This concept is evident in the laws given to Israel, where restitution was required for wrongs committed (
Exodus 22:1-14). The principle of recompense is also seen in the blessings and curses outlined in
Deuteronomy 28, where obedience to God's commandments results in blessings, while disobedience leads to curses.
The Psalms frequently speak of God as one who recompenses individuals according to their deeds.
Psalm 62:12 states, "And loving devotion belongs to You, O Lord. For You will repay each man according to his deeds." This reflects the belief that God observes human actions and responds with appropriate recompense.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the concept of recompensing is closely tied to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles regarding judgment and reward. Jesus speaks of recompense in the context of loving one's enemies, urging His followers to act with kindness without expecting anything in return, for their reward will be great in heaven (
Luke 6:35).
The Apostle Paul also addresses recompense in his letters. In
Romans 12:17-19 , he instructs believers, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'" Here, Paul emphasizes that recompense for wrongdoing is ultimately God's responsibility, and believers are called to live peaceably and leave judgment to Him.
The theme of recompense is further developed in the eschatological teachings of the New Testament. In
2 Corinthians 5:10 , Paul writes, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad." This underscores the belief that all individuals will be recompensed by Christ at the final judgment.
Theological ImplicationsRecompensing in the Bible underscores the justice and holiness of God. It affirms that God is aware of human actions and will ultimately bring about justice, rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked. This concept serves as both a warning and an encouragement to believers, urging them to live righteously and trust in God's perfect justice.
The idea of recompense also highlights the grace of God, as believers are reminded that their ultimate reward is not based on their own merit but on the grace and mercy extended through Jesus Christ. While human actions are significant, the New Testament emphasizes that salvation and eternal life are gifts from God, not earned by works (
Ephesians 2:8-9).
Practical ApplicationFor Christians, the biblical teaching on recompensing encourages a life of integrity, love, and forgiveness. Believers are called to trust in God's justice and refrain from seeking personal vengeance. Instead, they are to focus on doing good, knowing that God sees their actions and will reward them in His perfect timing. This trust in divine recompense fosters a spirit of peace and patience, allowing Christians to navigate life's challenges with faith and hope.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Recompense.
Library
On Helping the Poor.
... by God, because of his zealous and constant prayers for those that give to him;
not receiving idly, but to the uttermost of his powerrecompensing what is...
The Marcionite Interpretation of God and Mammon Refuted the...
... of that steward who, when removed from his office, [4776] relieves his lord's debtors
by lessening their debts with a view to theirrecompensing him with their...
This Perverse Doctrine Deprives Baptism of all Its Grace if...
... Why not remunerate with salvation what it burdens or else glorifies? Why keep back
from a work its due reward, by notrecompensing the flesh with salvation?...
Further Description of the Divine Justice; Since the Fall of Man...
... I must needs have my doubts whether he might not fail inrecompensing one or other
alternative, who was unequal in his resources to meet both....
Concerning the Reward of the Holy Citizens of the Celestial City...
... And, therefore, it was not only for the sake ofrecompensing the citizens of Rome
that her empire and glory had been so signally extended, but also that the...
Second Instruction.
... For this truly is wonderful, that he does not keep only that which has been
entrusted to him, but inrecompensing it increases it....
Almighty.
... God then rules all, and of His long-suffering endures even murderers and robbers
and fornicators, having appointed a set time forrecompensing every one, that...
Christian Meekness
... all. This meekness consists in three things: the bearing of injuries, the
forgiving of injuries, therecompensing good for evil....
Education, Training, Conduct, and Wisdom of the Great John...
... Theophilus from that period evinced much attachment towards him, and, with a view
ofrecompensing his services, strove to raise him to the bishopric of...
The Spirit of the Law
... of earthly good and ill often bewilders faith and emboldens scepticism, there still
is visible in human affairs a drift towardsrecompensing in the world the...
Thesaurus
Recompensing (5 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Recompensing (5 Occurrences). Romans 12:17
recompensing to no one evil for evil: providing things honest before all men: (DBY).
...Reconcilation
Proper (62 Occurrences)
... bringeth together," to Kabzeel, "God's bringing together" (Nehemiah 11:25 with Joshua
15:21 2 Samuel 23:20); Meshelemiah, "Yahweh isrecompensing," to Shelemiah...
Requiting (3 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 2 Chronicles 6:23 Then hear thou from heaven, and do, and judge thy servants,
by requiting the wicked, byrecompensing his way upon his own head; and by...
Recompenseth (2 Occurrences)
Providing (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Providing (9 Occurrences). Romans 12:17recompensing to
no one evil for evil: providing things honest before all men: (DBY YLT)....
Names (133 Occurrences)
... bringeth together," to Kabzeel, "God's bringing together" (Nehemiah 11:25 with Joshua
15:21 2 Samuel 23:20); Meshelemiah, "Yahweh isrecompensing," to Shelemiah...
Drive (132 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 20:11 and lo, they arerecompensing to us -- to come in to drive us
out of Thy possession, that Thou hast caused us to possess. (YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Resources
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