Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and General Understanding:The term "compensate" generally refers to the act of making amends or providing something of value in return for a service, loss, or suffering. In a biblical context, compensation often involves principles of justice, restitution, and divine reward.
Biblical References and Themes:1.
Divine Justice and Restitution: The concept of compensation is closely tied to the biblical principle of justice. In the Old Testament, the Law of Moses includes specific instructions for restitution. For example,
Exodus 22:1 states, "If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he must repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep." This reflects the idea that compensation should be proportional to the loss incurred.
2.
God as the Ultimate Compensator: Scripture often portrays God as the one who compensates His people for their losses and sufferings. In
Joel 2:25 , God promises, "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm—My great army that I sent among you." This passage highlights God's ability to restore and compensate beyond human capability.
3.
Compensation in the New Testament: The New Testament continues the theme of divine compensation, particularly in the teachings of Jesus. In
Matthew 19:29 , Jesus assures His followers, "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for My sake will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life." Here, compensation is not only material but also spiritual and eternal.
4.
Human Responsibility in Compensation: The Bible also emphasizes the responsibility of individuals to compensate others fairly. In the parable of the workers in the vineyard (
Matthew 20:1-16), Jesus illustrates the principle of fair compensation, where each worker receives what was agreed upon, regardless of the hours worked. This parable underscores the importance of integrity and fairness in human dealings.
5.
Compensation and Forgiveness: While compensation is a form of justice, the Bible also teaches about forgiveness and grace, which sometimes transcend the need for compensation. In the account of the prodigal son (
Luke 15:11-32), the father forgives and restores his son without demanding compensation for the squandered inheritance, illustrating God's grace and mercy.
Theological Implications:The concept of compensation in the Bible is deeply intertwined with God's character as just and merciful. It reflects the balance between justice and grace, where God ensures that wrongs are righted while also offering forgiveness and restoration. Believers are called to emulate these attributes in their interactions, ensuring fairness and seeking reconciliation.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To make equal return to; to remunerate; to pay; to recompense; to give an equivalent to; to requite suitably; as, to compensate a laborer for his work, or a merchant for his losses.
2. (v. t.) To be equivalent in value or effect to; to counterbalance; to make up for; to make amends for.
3. (v. i.) To make amends; to supply an equivalent; -- followed by for; as, nothing can compensate for the loss of reputation.
Strong's Hebrew
1580. gamal -- to deal fully or adequately with, deal out to, wean...... root Definition to deal fully or adequately with, deal out to, wean, ripen NASB
Word Usage bore ripe (1), brought (1),
compensate (1), deal bountifully (2
...Library
Whether He that Has Taken a Thing is Always Bound to Restitution?
... For just as a man who strikes another, though he gain nothing thereby, is bound
tocompensate the injured person, so too he that is guilty of theft or robbery...
Whether Restitution must Always be Made to the Person from whom a...
... man is bound, out of his own property, to succor his parents, or those from whom
he has received greater benefits; but he ought not tocompensate a benefactor...
In the Second Place, Repentance and Grace are Obscured. ...
... Therefore, because of God's will, our bodies ought to be sacrifices, declare our
obedience [and patience], and not tocompensate for eternal death, for which...
Letter i. Behavior and Manners.
... in my school friend: lovely domestic behavior. Nothing couldcompensate
for this deficiency. What was needed in this young girl...
Extracts for Study, with Lesson Talk
... the appearance of artless, unpremeditated effusion, called forth by the occasion,
and so adapting itself to its exigencies, which maycompensate the manifold...
The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... God gave a testimony from heaven of his integrity, and didcompensate his loss
by giving him twice as much as ever he had before (Job 13:10)....
The Ninth Season
... What can be compared with the value of your spiritual interests? Or what
can at allcompensate for the smallest injury of them?...
Excess in Dress, as Well as in Personal Culture, to be Shunned...
... the splendour and dignity of dress lure away (from that rest and that harbour),
and disquiet seriousness by seductions of appetite, whichcompensate for the...
A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... Lord, behold, he whom Thou lovest is sick." Jesus hears it, and sends back the answer
which had much comfort in it, but could hardlycompensate for His own...
Of the Observance of Days Connected with Idolatry.
... Eleazar [258] in Hades, [259] (attaining refreshment in Abraham's bosom) and the
rich man, (on the other hand, set in the torment of fire)compensate, by an...
Thesaurus
Compensate (4 Occurrences)... 1. (vt) To make equal return to; to remunerate; to pay; to recompense; to give an
equivalent to; to requite suitably; as, to
compensate a laborer for his work
...Pay (212 Occurrences)
... satisfy (another person) for service rendered, property delivered, etc.; to discharge
one's obligation to; to make due return to; tocompensate; to remunerate...
Rizpah (4 Occurrences)
... because he slew the Gibeonites." David inquired of the Gibeonites what satisfaction
they demanded, and was answered that nothing wouldcompensate for the wrong...
Redeem (56 Occurrences)
... 7. (vt) To pay the penalty of; to make amends for; to serve as an equivalent or
offset for; to atone for; tocompensate; as, to redeem an error....
Recompense (79 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To render an equivalent to, for service,
loss, etc.; to requite; to remunerate; tocompensate....
Reward (213 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To give in return, whether good or evil; -- commonly
in a good sense; to requite; to recompense; to repay; tocompensate....
Dispense (1 Occurrence)
... 4. (vt) To exempt; to excuse; to absolve; -- with from. 5. (vi) Tocompensate;
to make up; to make amends. 6. (vi) To give dispensation....
Compensated (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) ofCompensate. Multi-Version Concordance
Compensated (1 Occurrence). Esther 7:4 For we are...
Compels (5 Occurrences)
Countervail (1 Occurrence)
... to act against with equal force, power, or effect; to thwart or overcome by such
action; to furnish an equivalent to or for; to counterbalance; tocompensate....
Resources
How can I spiritually survive a severe physical trauma? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does God allow evil? | GotQuestions.orgWhy won't God heal amputees? | GotQuestions.orgCompensate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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