Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of being "repaid" in the Bible often relates to the principles of justice, recompense, and divine reward or punishment. The term is used in various contexts, including the repayment of debts, the recompense for actions, and the divine justice meted out by God.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the idea of repayment is frequently associated with God's justice and the moral order He established. For instance, in the book of Deuteronomy, the law provides guidelines for fair repayment and restitution.
Deuteronomy 24:15 states, "You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin." This verse underscores the importance of timely and fair repayment, reflecting God's concern for justice and the well-being of the vulnerable.
The principle of "an eye for an eye" found in
Exodus 21:24 also illustrates the concept of equitable repayment: "eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot." This law was intended to ensure that the punishment or repayment was proportionate to the offense, thus maintaining justice within the community.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the theme of repayment is often linked to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles regarding divine justice and the rewards or consequences of one's actions. Jesus teaches about the principle of repayment in the context of love and mercy. In
Luke 6:35 , He says, "But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked." Here, Jesus emphasizes the heavenly reward that comes from selfless love and generosity, contrasting it with earthly repayment.
The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of repayment in his epistles. In
Romans 12:19 , he writes, "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.'" This passage highlights the belief that ultimate justice and repayment belong to God, who will repay each person according to their deeds.
Divine RepaymentThe Bible consistently teaches that God is the ultimate arbiter of justice and that He will repay individuals according to their actions. This is seen in both the blessings for obedience and the consequences for disobedience. In
2 Thessalonians 1:6 , Paul reassures the persecuted believers, "After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you." This reflects the assurance that God will bring about justice in His perfect timing.
The Book of Revelation also speaks of divine repayment in the context of the final judgment.
Revelation 22:12 declares, "Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done." This verse encapsulates the biblical teaching that God will ultimately repay each person based on their deeds, whether good or evil.
Practical ImplicationsThe biblical concept of being repaid carries significant practical implications for believers. It encourages a life of integrity, fairness, and trust in God's justice. Believers are called to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (
Micah 6:8), trusting that He will repay each person according to His righteous standards. The assurance of divine repayment also provides comfort and hope, especially in situations of injustice or suffering, reminding believers that God sees and will act in His perfect time.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v.) imp. & p. p. of Repay.
2. (imp. & p. p.) of Repay.
Greek
467. antapodidomi -- to give back as an equivalent, recompense... Word Origin from anti and apodidomi Definition to give back as an equivalent,
recompense NASB Word Usage paid back (1), render (1),
repaid (1), repay (4
...Strong's Hebrew
7725. shub -- to turn back, return... 1), recompense* (1), recompensed (4), recovered (4), refreshes (1), refund (3),
refuse (4), refute (1), regain (1), remade* (1), render (8),
repaid (1), repay
...7999a. shalem -- to be complete or sound
... back (1), perform (2), performed (1), performing (1), performs (1), present (1),
recompense (3), recompenses (1), render (2), rendering (2),repaid (3), repay...
7760. sum -- to put, place, set
... placed (21), plant (1), prepare (1), preserve (1), put (123), puts (6), putting
(2), really set (1), recite* (1), regard* (1), render (1),repaid (1), required...
1580. gamal -- to deal fully or adequately with, deal out to, wean...
... 1), compensate (1), deal bountifully (2), dealt (2), dealt bountifully (2), did
(2), does (2), done (1), granted (2), recompense (1),repaid (1), repay (1...
Library
He Repels the Calumny Concerning the Acceptance of Persons.
... To thee," he says, "I haverepaid; on him I have bestowed; nor have I taken anything
away from thee to bestow it on him; nor have I either diminished or denied...
Whether a Man is Bound to Give Thanks to Every Benefactor?
... Now it happens at times that the benefactor is very well off, and it would be
of no advantage to him to berepaid for a favor he has bestowed....
I Will Call in My Affliction, on the Power that Subdues All
... 2. The Evil One hasrepaid me my brethren, debts that he borrowed not of me:"the
good God likewise hasrepaid me, mercies that I lent Him not."Come and...
Letter cxcii. (AD 418. )
... to enemies? To enemies, however, this debt is paid with caution, whereas
to friends it isrepaid with confidence. Nevertheless, it...
God's Purposes are Effects of Grace.
... delights a proud impiety, that even that which a man is forced to confess to be
given by the Lord should seem to be not bestowed on himself, butrepaid; so that...
Why God Makes of Some Sheep, Others Not.
... and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which
He has prepared for glory." [2832] Certainly wrath is notrepaid unless it...
The Accusation of Fate is Thrown Back Upon the Adversaries.
... deservings are preceded by God's grace, and that God's grace is not given to merits,
lest it should not be grace if it is not given freely but berepaid as due...
Psalm VII.
... He answers, "If there be iniquity in my hands." Now then it is clear that it is
said of all sin, "If I haverepaid them that recompense me evil" (ver.4). Which...
Psalm CXLIX.
... She isrepaid twofold: for so is it written of her, "repay her double
for what she hath done." [5992] How is sherepaid double?...
There are those who Think that the Christian Religion is what we...
... nor beheld within thyself, it be believed, that thy life be not left deserted without
any friendship, or affection bestowed upon thee be notrepaid by thee in...
Thesaurus
Repaid (16 Occurrences)... 2. (imp. & pp) of Repay. Multi-Version Concordance
Repaid (16 Occurrences).
... For you
will be
repaid in the resurrection of the righteous." (WEB NAS RSV NIV).
...Paid (86 Occurrences)
... Lord. (WEY). Romans 11:35 "Or who has first given to him, and it will be
repaid to him again?" (Root in WEB NAS RSV). Colossians 3...
Repay (79 Occurrences)
... the resources to repay you. For you will berepaid in the resurrection
of the righteous." (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Luke 19:8 Zacchaeus...
Repair (26 Occurrences)
Loan (9 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) That which one lends or borrows, esp. a sum of money lent at interest; as,
herepaid the loan. 4. (nt) To lend; -- sometimes with out. Int....
Guilt-offering (34 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 6:5 or all that concerning which he sweareth falsely, he hath evenrepaid
it in its principal, and its fifth he is adding to it; to him whose it 'is...
Reopened (1 Occurrence)
Repayment (6 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of repaying; reimbursement. 2. (n.)
The money or other thingrepaid. Multi-Version Concordance...
Resources (5 Occurrences)
... Luke 14:14 and you will be blessed, because they don't have the resources to repay
you. For you will berepaid in the resurrection of the righteous." (WEB)....
Distinctions (15 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Colossians 3:25 The man who perpetrates a wrong will find the wrongrepaid
to him; and with God there are no merely earthly distinctions. (WEY)....
Resources
What does the Bible mean by "an eye for an eye"? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is just? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about unforgiveness? | GotQuestions.orgRepaid: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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