The term "commensurate" refers to something that is equal in measure or extent, proportionate, or corresponding in size or degree. While the specific word "commensurate" does not appear in the Bible, the concept of proportionality and fairness is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures. This entry explores the biblical principles that align with the idea of commensurateness, particularly in the context of justice, reward, and responsibility.

Justice and Fairness

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness, which inherently involves a commensurate response to actions. In the Old Testament, the principle of "an eye for an eye" (Exodus 21:24) illustrates the idea of proportional justice. This law was intended to ensure that the punishment was commensurate with the offense, neither excessively harsh nor unduly lenient.

Proverbs 11:1 states, "Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is His delight." This verse underscores the importance of fairness and proportionality in dealings, reflecting God's desire for equity and justice in human interactions.

Reward and Responsibility

The New Testament also reflects the principle of commensurateness in the context of reward and responsibility. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus teaches that individuals are rewarded in proportion to their faithfulness and diligence. The servants who wisely invested their talents were commended and given greater responsibilities, while the servant who buried his talent faced consequences. This parable illustrates the principle that rewards and responsibilities are commensurate with one's actions and stewardship.

Similarly, in Luke 12:48 , Jesus states, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded." This passage highlights the commensurate expectation of responsibility based on the gifts and opportunities one has received.

Divine Justice and Mercy

While God's justice is perfectly commensurate, His mercy often exceeds human understanding of proportionality. Romans 6:23 declares, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Here, the deserved consequence of sin is contrasted with the unmerited gift of salvation, demonstrating that God's grace surpasses the commensurate penalty for sin.

In the context of divine justice, the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ is the ultimate expression of commensurate justice and mercy. Isaiah 53:5 prophesies, "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." Christ's atonement is both a fulfillment of justice and an act of profound mercy, offering redemption that is commensurate with the demands of divine righteousness.

Conclusion

The biblical concept of commensurateness is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing justice, fairness, and proportionality in human conduct and divine dealings. While God's justice is perfectly balanced, His mercy often transcends human notions of proportionality, offering grace and redemption through Jesus Christ.1. (v. t.) To reduce to a common measure.

2. (v. t.) To proportionate; to adjust.

3. (a.) Having a common measure; commensurable; reducible to a common measure; as, commensurate quantities.

4. (a.) Equal in measure or extent; proportionate.

7737a. shavah -- to agree with, be like, resemble
... root Definition to agree with, be like, resemble NASB Word Usage alike (1),
commensurate (1), compare (1), compares (1), composed (2), equal (1), interest ( ...
/hebrew/7737a.htm - 5k

Whether a Man Can Merit Eternal Life, Without Grace
... Arb.9). I:answer: actions which lead to an end must be commensurate with the end.
But no action transcends the limits of the principle by which a thing acts. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/nature and grace/article five whether a man.htm

Whether an Angel Can be Moved Locally?
... For a body is in a place in so far as it is contained under the place,
and is commensurate with the place. Hence it is necessary ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether an angel can be 2.htm

Whether the Right of Nations is the Same as the Natural Right?
... I answer that, As stated above [2838](A[2]), the natural right or just is that which
by its very nature is adjusted to or commensurate with another person. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the right of nations.htm

He Does Wrong in Assuming, to Account for the Existence of the ...
... "As the energies are bounded by the works, and the works commensurate with the energies,
it necessarily follows that these energies which accompany these ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 20 he does wrong.htm

Responsibilities of the Christian Home.
... other. "To whom much is given, of them much will be required." Our
responsibilities are thus commensurate with our abilities. If ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter vii responsibilities of the.htm

Whether one Can Merit Eternal Life Without Grace
... No action of anything whatsoever is divinely ordained to that which exceeds what
is commensurate with the power which is its principle of action. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/nature and grace/article two whether one can.htm

Whether God is Everywhere?
... What therefore is whole in any place by totality of quantity, cannot be outside
of that place, because the quantity of anything placed is commensurate to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether god is everywhere.htm

Whether Covetousness is a Sin?
... Now in all things that are for an end, the good consists in a certain measure: since
whatever is directed to an end must needs be commensurate with the end, as ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether covetousness is a sin.htm

Whether Prayer Should Last a Long Time?
... of our progress in that desire, and to arouse ourselves more eagerly to an increase
thereof." Now the quantity of a thing should be commensurate with its end ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether prayer should last a.htm

Whether Pusillanimity is a Sin?
... Now everything has a natural inclination to accomplish an action that is commensurate
with its power: as is evident in all natural things, whether animate or ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether pusillanimity is a sin.htm

Commensurate (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (a.) Having a common measure; commensurable; reducible to a common measure;
as, commensurate quantities. ...Commensurate (1 Occurrence). ...
/c/commensurate.htm - 7k

Equal (70 Occurrences)
... 10. (vt) To be or become equal to; to have the same quantity, the same value, the
same degree or rank, or the like, with; to be commensurate with. 11. ...
/e/equal.htm - 30k

Proportionate (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Adjusted to something else; commensurate;
balanced; proportional. 2. (v.) To make proportional ...
/p/proportionate.htm - 7k

Commends (4 Occurrences)

/c/commends.htm - 7k

Answerable (7 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) Correspondent; conformable; hence, comparable. 4. (a.) Proportionate;
commensurate; suitable; as, an achievement answerable to the preparation for it. ...
/a/answerable.htm - 10k

Sheba (36 Occurrences)
... she had brought to him; 1 Kings 10:13 margin has" besides that which he gave her
according to the hand of king Solomon," ie besides gifts commensurate with his ...
/s/sheba.htm - 32k

Queen (59 Occurrences)
... she had brought to him; 1 Kings 10:13 margin has" besides that which he gave her
according to the hand of king Solomon," ie besides gifts commensurate with his ...
/q/queen.htm - 44k

Pauline
... But the grace given is in no way commensurate with past efforts, nor does it grow
out of them. It is a simple gift of God (Romans 6:23). III. ...
/p/pauline.htm - 38k

Satan (50 Occurrences)
... Satan is God's great enemy in the cosmic sphere, but he is God's creation, exists
by divine will, and his power is relatively no more commensurate with God's ...
/s/satan.htm - 53k

Commentaries

/c/commentaries.htm - 57k

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