Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of "deserves" in the Bible often relates to the idea of justice, reward, and punishment, reflecting God's righteous nature and His expectations for human behavior. The term is frequently associated with what individuals are deemed worthy of receiving based on their actions, whether it be blessings, rewards, or consequences.
Divine Justice and Human ActionsThe Bible consistently emphasizes that God is just and that He rewards or punishes individuals according to their deeds. In the Old Testament, this principle is evident in passages such as
Deuteronomy 24:16, which states, "Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin." This underscores the idea that each person is accountable for their own actions and deserves consequences accordingly.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reiterates this principle in
Romans 2:6, "God 'will repay each one according to his deeds.'" This passage highlights the belief that God's judgment is based on the actions of individuals, and they will receive what they deserve, whether good or bad.
Grace and MercyWhile the Bible affirms that individuals deserve consequences for their actions, it also introduces the concepts of grace and mercy, which transcend human deserving.
Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage emphasizes that salvation is not something humans can earn or deserve through their actions; rather, it is a gift from God.
The parable of the workers in the vineyard (
Matthew 20:1-16) further illustrates this concept. In this parable, workers hired at different times of the day receive the same wage, demonstrating that God's grace is not based on human merit but on His generosity.
Human Deserving and HumilityThe Bible also teaches that humans should approach the concept of deserving with humility. In
Luke 17:10, Jesus instructs, "So you also, when you have done everything commanded you, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'" This reflects the understanding that, despite fulfilling God's commands, humans should recognize their unworthiness and reliance on God's grace.
Consequences of SinThe Bible is clear that sin has consequences, and individuals deserve punishment for their transgressions.
Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This verse contrasts what humans deserve due to sin—death—with the gift of eternal life offered through Jesus Christ.
Reward for RighteousnessConversely, the Bible also speaks of rewards for righteousness. In
Matthew 5:12, Jesus encourages those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, saying, "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven." This promise of heavenly reward underscores the belief that God recognizes and rewards faithful service and righteousness.
ConclusionThe biblical concept of "deserves" is multifaceted, encompassing divine justice, human accountability, and the transformative power of grace. While individuals are accountable for their actions and deserve corresponding consequences, the Bible also reveals God's mercy and grace, offering salvation and blessings beyond human deserving.
Greek
566. apechei -- it is enough.... Cognate: 566 -- literally, "have from," referring to having "" -- ie all that something
deserves (what is due, Mk 14:41). See 568 (). Word Origin third pers.
...3741. hosios -- righteous, pious, holy
... law), ie () and hence (). [3741 in classical Greek likewise refers to what
deserves.]. Word Origin a prim. word Definition righteous...
3420. mneme -- memory, remembrance
... lasting memory"). This "memorial" (memory)deserves to be , ie remembered
to honor an important concept or teaching. Word Origin...
4573. sebazomai -- to fear, spec. to have reverential awe
... of. Cognate: 4573 -- to revere; be in awe by one's own definition of what
deserves reverence (used only in Ro 1:25). See 4576 ()....
1868. epainos -- praise
... fitting," which intensifies 136 , "praise") -- properly, () praise, ie acknowledgment
(appropriate commendation, recognition); acknowledgment for whatdeserves...
1777. enochos -- held in, bound by, liable to (a condition...
... Word Origin from enecho Definition held in, bound by, liable to (a condition, penalty
or imputation) NASB Word Usagedeserves (1), deserving (1), guilty (6...
4587. semnotes -- seriousness
... admiration). See 4586 (). This root (-) refers to whatdeserves; it has
a "sense of , that invites reverence" (R. Trench). 4587...
Strong's Hebrew
1576. gemul -- a dealing, recompense, benefit... benefit NASB Word Usage benefit (1), benefits (1), dealings (1), deeds (1), deserved*
(1), good deed (1), recompense (11), recompense* (1), what he
deserves* (1
...3027. yad -- hand
... 1), support (1), support* (1), swore* (12), sworn* (4), tenons (6), through (60),
times (2), undertake* (2), undertakings* (3), what hedeserves* (1), wrists (3...
1121. ben -- son
... and children's (1), children's (2), children's children (5), colt (1), colts (1),
common (2), descendants (14), descendants of the son (1),deserves (2), exiles...
Library
What SelfDeserves
... What SelfDeserves. A Sermon (No.3506). Published on Thursday, April 6th, 1916.
Delivered by. CH SPURGEON,. At [14]the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington....
Whether a Human ActionDeserves Praise or Blame, by Reason of Its...
... OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF HUMAN ACTIONS BY REASON OF THEIR GOODNESS AND MALICE (FOUR
ARTICLES) Whether a human actiondeserves praise or blame, by reason of its...
Whatever is Born through Concupiscence is not Undeservedly in...
... I. Chapter 26."Whatever is Born Through Concupiscence is Not Undeservedly in Subjection
to the Devil by Reason of Sin; The DevilDeserves Heavier Punishment...
Expiation
... trying now to expound the doctrine of Christ's being an offering for sin, we will
begin by laying down one great axiom; which is, that SINDESERVES AND DEMANDS...
The Wrath of God
... Man having sinned, is like a favourite turned out of the king's favour, anddeserves
the wrath and curse of God. Hedeserves God's curse. Galatians 3:10....
Our Deserts
... against this world, and against mankind; one hears it said that people are unjust,
unfair, cruel; that in this world no man can expect to get what hedeserves....
For Godly Sorrow Worketh Repentance to Salvation, not to be...
... Christians. Many a sinner sees its relation to God to be such that itdeserves
eternal death, but his heart does not go with his opinions....
Attributes of Love.
... It is good-will viewed in relation to one whodeserves punishment. Mercy,
considered as a feeling or phenomenon of the sensibility...
Love
... We can never love God so much as hedeserves. The angels in heaven cannot love God
so much as hedeserves. (4) Love to God must be active in its sphere....
Ninth Letter
... Let us renounce, let us generously renounce, for the love of Him, all that is not
Himself; Hedeserves infinitely more. Let us think of Him perpetually....
Thesaurus
Deserves (25 Occurrences)...Deserves (25 Occurrences). Matthew 10:10 no bag for your journey, nor change of
linen, nor shoes, nor stick; for the labourer
deserves his food. (WEY RSV).
...Deserve (40 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To earn by service; to be worthy of (something due, either good or evil);
to merit; to be entitled to; as, the laborerdeserves his wages; a work of...
Discovered (46 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Luke 23:22 A third time he appealed to them: "Why, what crime has the man
committed? I have discovered in him nothing thatdeserves death....
Secrets (26 Occurrences)
... to light the secrets of darkness and will openly disclose the motives that have
been in people's hearts; and then the praise which each mandeserves will come...
Deserved (11 Occurrences)
Arabia (9 Occurrences)
... southern angle where the mountains are highest there are two rainy seasons, one
in spring the other in autumn, so that this province welldeserves its Grecian...
Fall (522 Occurrences)
... earth. Moreover, the idea that sexual desire is something sinful anddeserves
punishment was entirely foreign to ancient Israel....
Vulgate
... Epistle cvi.2deserves citing in this connection: "Admoneo alia m esse editionem
quam Origenes et Caesariensis Eusebius omnesque Graeciae translatores (koinen...
Verdict (7 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Verdict (7 Occurrences). Matthew 26:66 What is
your verdict?" "Hedeserves to die," they replied. (WEY)....
Offence (27 Occurrences)
... by (their) words"). 2. New Testament Usage: The New Testament usage of these
wordsdeserves special attention. The word most frequently...
Resources
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