Definition and Usage:
The term "recompense" in the Bible generally refers to the act of giving something to someone in return for a service or as compensation for loss or harm. It can also imply a reward or punishment given in response to one's actions. The concept of recompense is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of justice and divine retribution, where God is seen as the ultimate judge who rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked.

Old Testament Context:
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "recompense" is "shalam," which means to make amends, to restore, or to repay. This concept is frequently associated with God's justice and His covenantal promises. For instance, in Deuteronomy 32:35, God declares, "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay," indicating that He will recompense those who act wickedly.

The idea of recompense is also evident in the laws given to Israel, where restitution was required for various offenses. For example, Exodus 22:1 states, "If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep." This law underscores the principle of recompense as a means of restoring justice and order.

New Testament Context:
In the New Testament, the Greek word "antapodosis" is often used to convey the idea of recompense. The New Testament emphasizes the spiritual and eternal aspects of recompense, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In Matthew 16:27, Jesus states, "For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done." This highlights the eschatological dimension of recompense, where ultimate justice will be administered at the end of the age.

The Apostle Paul also speaks of recompense in terms of divine justice and reward. In Romans 12:19, he advises believers, "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.'" Here, Paul echoes the Old Testament understanding that God is the one who will ultimately recompense both the righteous and the wicked.

Theological Implications:
The concept of recompense is integral to the biblical narrative of justice and redemption. It reflects God's character as just and righteous, ensuring that good is rewarded and evil is punished. This principle is not only applicable in the temporal realm but also in the eternal perspective, where believers are assured of their reward in heaven.

Recompense also serves as a moral and ethical guide for believers, encouraging them to live righteously and trust in God's justice. It reassures the faithful that their labor is not in vain and that God will honor their faithfulness. Conversely, it warns the wicked of the inevitable consequences of their actions, urging repentance and a return to righteousness.

Practical Application:
For Christians, the doctrine of recompense encourages a life of integrity, service, and trust in God's justice. It calls believers to refrain from personal vengeance, knowing that God will right all wrongs. It also motivates them to persevere in good works, with the assurance that God sees and will reward their efforts.

In summary, recompense in the Bible is a multifaceted concept that encompasses God's justice, human responsibility, and the hope of eternal reward. It is a reminder of the moral order established by God and the ultimate accountability each person has before Him.7999a. shalem -- to be complete or sound
... back (1), paying (1), pays (1), pays back (1), perform (2), performed (1), performing
(1), performs (1), present (1), recompense (3), recompenses (1), render (2 ...
/hebrew/7999a.htm - 6k

Mercy and Pity in the Judgment of God.
... This is the order observed in the psalm, where it is said: "Bless the Lord, O my
soul, and forget not all His recompenses; who forgiveth all thine iniquities ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 59 mercy and pity in.htm

Christ's Connection with the Creator Shown from Several Incidents ...
... But all the predictions have been fulfilled [4289] concerning martyrdoms which were
to happen, and were to receive the recompenses of their reward from God. ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxi christs connection with the.htm

Heads of the Following Book.
... persecutions against us; that from this very thing, that these things come to pass,
is manifest the truth of the divine promise, in recompenses and rewards ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/heads of the following book.htm

As the vine is Supported by the Elm, So is the Rich Man Helped by ...
... The poor man makes intercession; a work in which he is rich, which he received from
the Lord, and with which he recompenses the master who helps him. ...
/.../pastor/the pastor books first second third/similitude second as the vine.htm

Sundry Passages of St. Paul which Attest Our Doctrine Rescued from ...
... outward man is worn away, he affirms to be only worthy of being despised by us,
as being light and temporary; preferring those eternal recompenses which are ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter xl sundry passages of st.htm

That Internal Prayer was the Practice of Ancient Hermits...
... How manual labour came to give place to studies; the which are defended. Sec. Sec.
14, 15. The late practice of internal prayer recompenses other defects. ...
/.../chapter vi that internal prayer.htm

Concerning what is not in Our Hands.
... Of things that are not in our hands some have their beginning or cause in those
that are in our power, that is to say, the recompenses of our actions both in ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xxviii concerning what is not.htm

The Word that Scatters Fear
... There are many recompenses for all sacrifices for God, some of them outward and
material, some of them inward and spiritual, but the reward which surpasses all ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the word that scatters fear.htm

Christ and Zacch??us the Salvation of the Body as Denied by ...
... The parable also of the (ten) servants, who received their several recompenses
according to the manner in which they had increased their lord's money by ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxxvii christ and zacchaeus the.htm

How Easy Our Saviour Has Made the Increase of Love.
... to a poor body for God's sake; it is a small matter, God knows, and in human judgment
hardly worthy of consideration: God, notwithstanding, recompenses it, and ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter ii how easy our.htm

Recompenses (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Recompenses (3 Occurrences). ... Yahweh preserves the faithful,
and fully recompenses him who behaves arrogantly. (WEB NAS). ...
/r/recompenses.htm - 7k

Recompensed (20 Occurrences)

/r/recompensed.htm - 12k

Requites (4 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Psalms 31:23 Oh love Yahweh, all you his saints! Yahweh preserves the
faithful, and fully recompenses him who behaves arrogantly. (See RSV). ...
/r/requites.htm - 7k

Recompensest (1 Occurrence)

/r/recompensest.htm - 6k

Preserves (16 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Psalms 31:23 Oh love Yahweh, all you his saints! Yahweh preserves the faithful,
and fully recompenses him who behaves arrogantly. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ...
/p/preserves.htm - 10k

Behaves (4 Occurrences)
... Psalms 31:23 Oh love Yahweh, all you his saints! Yahweh preserves the faithful,
and fully recompenses him who behaves arrogantly. (WEB). ...
/b/behaves.htm - 7k

Arrogantly (15 Occurrences)
... (See JPS NAS NIV). Psalms 31:23 Oh love Yahweh, all you his saints! Yahweh preserves
the faithful, and fully recompenses him who behaves arrogantly. (WEB). ...
/a/arrogantly.htm - 10k

Bows (28 Occurrences)
... for the destroyer is come on her, even on Babylon, and her mighty men are taken,
their bows are broken in pieces; for Yahweh is a God of recompenses, he will ...
/b/bows.htm - 15k

Requite (42 Occurrences)
... for the destroyer is come on her, even on Babylon, and her mighty men are taken,
their bows are broken in pieces; for Yahweh is a God of recompenses, he will ...
/r/requite.htm - 18k

Destroyer (23 Occurrences)
... for the destroyer is come on her, even on Babylon, and her mighty men are taken,
their bows are broken in pieces; for Yahweh is a God of recompenses, he will ...
/d/destroyer.htm - 16k

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