Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the concept of rewards is intricately linked to the principles of divine justice, faithfulness, and the moral and spiritual conduct of individuals. The Bible presents rewards as both temporal and eternal, bestowed by God in response to human actions, faith, and obedience.
Old Testament PerspectiveThe Old Testament frequently addresses the theme of rewards, often in the context of God's covenant with Israel. Rewards are depicted as blessings for obedience and faithfulness to God's commandments. In
Deuteronomy 28, a clear correlation is established between obedience to God's laws and the receipt of blessings: "And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you will obey the voice of the LORD your God" (
Deuteronomy 28:2). Conversely, disobedience results in curses, illustrating the conditional nature of rewards under the Mosaic Covenant.
The wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Proverbs, emphasizes the principle of reaping what one sows.
Proverbs 11:18 states, "The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward" . This reflects the belief that righteous living leads to divine favor and tangible benefits.
New Testament PerspectiveIn the New Testament, the concept of rewards is expanded and given a more eternal dimension. Jesus Christ frequently spoke of rewards in the context of the Kingdom of Heaven. In the Sermon on the Mount, He taught about the blessings for those who endure persecution for righteousness' sake: "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven" (
Matthew 5:12). This highlights the shift from earthly to heavenly rewards, emphasizing eternal life and spiritual blessings over temporal gains.
The Apostle Paul also addresses the theme of rewards, particularly in relation to Christian service and perseverance. In
1 Corinthians 3:8, he writes, "The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor" . Paul underscores that while salvation is a gift of grace, rewards are given based on faithful service and stewardship.
Eschatological RewardsThe New Testament further elaborates on rewards in the eschatological context, where believers are promised crowns and positions of honor in the life to come.
James 1:12 states, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him" . Similarly, in
Revelation 22:12, Jesus declares, "Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done" . These passages affirm the belief in future rewards for faithfulness and endurance.
Principles of RewardsThe biblical principle of rewards is rooted in God's justice and faithfulness.
Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes that God "rewards those who earnestly seek Him" , highlighting the importance of faith and diligence in the believer's life. Rewards are not earned through human merit but are graciously given by God in response to faith and obedience.
Moreover, the Bible teaches that the motivation for seeking rewards should not be selfish gain but rather the desire to honor God and fulfill His purposes. Jesus warned against performing righteous acts for the sake of human recognition, stating, "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven" (
Matthew 6:1).
In summary, the biblical concept of rewards encompasses both present and future blessings, contingent upon one's faithfulness, obedience, and service to God. These rewards serve as an encouragement for believers to live righteously and to persevere in their faith, with the ultimate reward being eternal life in the presence of God.
Greek
968. bema -- a step, raised place, by impl. a tribunal... someone walked up to receive ; (figuratively) the administration of justice --
literally, given from "a tribunal-chair" (throne) where
rewards and punishments
...3414. mna -- a mina (Gr. monetary unit)
... The Lord requires 100% faithfulness from each person -- andrewards this
equally, regardless of . See also Lk 17:6; 2 Pet 1:1....
3406. misthapodotes -- one who pays wages
... Cognate: 3406 (from 3408, "reward" and 591 , "give ") -- properly, "paying what
is due; a " (); a (AT Robertson), givingrewards in keeping with ....
469. antapodosis -- recompense
... Cognate: 469 (a feminine noun) -- the brand of recompense (reward) that richlyrewards
services rendered, emphasizing that they (correspond, are proportional...
Strong's Hebrew
8021. shalmon -- a reward, bribe... 8020, 8021. shalmon. 8022 . a reward, bribe. Transliteration: shalmon
Phonetic Spelling: (shal-mone') Short Definition:
rewards.
...5023. nebizbah(1102a) -- a reward
... reward. Word Origin (Aramaic) of uncertain derivation Definition a reward
NASB Word Usage reward (1),rewards (1). reward. (Aramaic...
Library
Whether theRewards of the Beatitudes are Suitably Enumerated?
... OF THE BEATITUDES (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether therewards of the beatitudes
are suitably enumerated? Objection 1: It would seem that...
TheRewards of the Trading Servants
... VOLUME II: ST. LUKE Chaps. XIII to XXIV THEREWARDS OF THE TRADING SERVANTS.... And,
inasmuch as the diligence has been different, therewards are different....
Whether theRewards Assigned to the Beatitudes Refer to this Life?
... OF THE BEATITUDES (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether therewards assigned to the beatitudes
refer to this life?... Therefore theserewards refer to the life to come....
TheRewards of Faith and Hospitality. Rahab.
... Chapter XII."Therewards of faith and hospitality. Rahab. On account of
her faith and hospitality, Rahab the harlot was saved....
TheRewards of Faith and Hospitality. Rahab.
... The First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians. Chapter XII."TheRewards
of Faith and Hospitality. Rahab. On account of her faith...
The Passion forRewards Rebuked. (Luke, xvii. , 7. )
... CHAPTER XVII. CHRIST'S LAST PASSOVER JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM. Section 241.
The Passion forRewards rebuked. (Luke, xvii., 7.). Akin...
FutureRewards and Punishments.
... Homily II. Chapter XIII."FutureRewards and Punishments. "For there is every
necessity, that he who says that God is by His nature...
TheRewards of Listening to the Advice of the Wise
... THE SAYINGS OF THE WISE THEREWARDS OF LISTENING TO THE ADVICE OF THE WISE.
My son, if you heed my words, And store my commands in...
TheRewards of Modesty and Unselfishness
... THE NEW TESTAMENT THEREWARDS OF MODESTY AND UNSELFISHNESS. Once Jesus
went into the house of a leading Pharisee to dine. When he...
TheRewards for Following Jesus' Teachings
... THE NEW TESTAMENT THEREWARDS FOR FOLLOWING JESUS' TEACHINGS. James and John,
the sons of Zebedee, once came to Jesus and said, "Master...
Thesaurus
Rewards (26 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Rewards (26 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 3:8 Now
the planter and the waterer are working for the same end
...Profits (19 Occurrences)
... Psalms 62:10 Have no faith in therewards of evil-doing, or in profits wrongly made:
if your wealth is increased, do not put your hopes on it. (BBE)....
Decisions (133 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Exodus 23:8 Take norewards in a cause: forrewards make blind those who
have eyes to see, and make the decisions of the upright false. (BBE)....
Rewardedst (1 Occurrence)
... Ezekiel 16:33 They giverewards to all harlots; but thou gavest thyrewards to all
thy lovers, and rewardedst them, that they might come unto thee on every...
Upright (392 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Exodus 23:8 Take norewards in a cause: forrewards make blind those who
have eyes to see, and make the decisions of the upright false. (BBE)....
Imputation
... God is said "to impute righteousness" to a person, the meaning is that He judicially
accounts such a one to be righteous and entitled to all therewards of a...
Gavest (36 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 16:33 They giverewards to all harlots; but thou gavest thyrewards to all
thy lovers, and rewardedst them, that they might come unto thee on every...
Beatitudes
... It was not poverty, hunger, sorrow or suffering in themselves to which He promised
greatrewards, but those experiences as coming to spiritual men and thus...
Position (189 Occurrences)
... is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, strong in power and greatly to
be feared, who has no respect for any man's position and takes norewards: (BBE...
Rewarding (10 Occurrences)
Resources
What is the purpose of there being rewards in heaven? | GotQuestions.orgDoes God reward us for being obedient to His Word? | GotQuestions.orgAre there different levels of Heaven? Are there three heavens? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
