The term "requites" in the biblical context refers to the act of repaying or returning something, often in the sense of recompense or retribution. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of justice, where actions, whether good or evil, are met with appropriate responses from God or individuals.

Biblical Usage and Context

The idea of requiting is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the moral order established by God. It underscores the principle that actions have consequences, and individuals are accountable for their deeds. This is evident in both the Old and New Testaments, where God is portrayed as the ultimate judge who rewards righteousness and punishes wickedness.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, the concept of requiting is often associated with God's justice. For instance, in Deuteronomy 32:35 , God declares, "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay." This passage highlights God's sovereign role in administering justice, ensuring that evil does not go unpunished. Similarly, in 2 Samuel 3:39, David speaks of the Lord repaying the evildoer according to his wickedness, reflecting the belief that God will ultimately balance the scales of justice.

The Psalms frequently echo this theme, as seen in Psalm 18:20 : "The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands." Here, the psalmist acknowledges that God requites individuals based on their moral conduct, rewarding those who live righteously.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the principle of requiting is further developed, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, teaches about the importance of forgiveness and mercy, yet He also affirms that God will repay each person according to their deeds (Matthew 16:27): "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."

The apostle Paul reiterates this concept in Romans 12:19 , urging believers not to take revenge but to leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord." This instruction encourages Christians to trust in God's perfect justice rather than seeking personal retribution.

Theological Implications

The concept of requiting in the Bible underscores the divine attribute of justice. It reassures believers that God is aware of all actions and will ultimately bring about justice, rewarding the faithful and punishing the wicked. This assurance is a source of comfort and motivation for Christians to live righteously, knowing that their actions are seen and will be recompensed by God.

Moreover, the biblical teaching on requiting serves as a moral guide, encouraging individuals to act justly and mercifully, reflecting God's character in their interactions with others. It also highlights the importance of leaving judgment to God, trusting in His perfect wisdom and timing.

Practical Application

For believers, understanding the biblical concept of requiting encourages a life of integrity and faithfulness. It calls for a reliance on God's justice rather than personal vengeance, fostering a spirit of forgiveness and grace. By recognizing that God will ultimately requite all deeds, Christians are motivated to pursue righteousness and trust in God's sovereign plan for justice.

Psalm LIII. (LIV. ).
... upholds the soul of His Holy One when it is sought by the violent, and when He is
not set before the eyes, nor considered by the ungodly, He requites upon His ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/psalm liii liv.htm

"I Will Give You Rest. "
... you. Love will not be wasted, however much it may be lavished upon Jesus.
He deserves it all, and he requites it all. In loving ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/i will give you rest.htm

Three Homilies. On Our Lord.
... And He departed from Sheol and took up His abode in the Kingdom; that He might seek
out a path from Sheol which oppresses all, to the Kingdom which requites all ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/three homilies on our lord.htm

Letter cviii. To the Guardian of the Heirs of Julitta.
... However, whatever it is, I beg you to be mindful of your own generous
character, and to look to the Lord Who requites good deeds. ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter cviii to the guardian.htm

Letter ccx. (AD 423. )
... he does not return hatred for hatred, but the love which constrains him to find
fault endures unmoved, even when he who is found fault with requites it with ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter ccx a d 423.htm

Salvation: Grace: Faith
... 'Grace' is love that stoops and that requites, not according to desert, but bestows
upon those who deserve nothing of the kind; so when the Apostle declares ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/salvation grace faith.htm

The Gnostic Aims at the Nearest Likeness Possible to God and his ...
... And he who on fitting considerations readily receives and keeps the commandments,
is faithful (pistos); and he who by love requites benefits as far as he is ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter iii the gnostic aims at.htm

2 Timothy i. 13-18
... For this is the part of one who is just. If He is powerful, He requites after death,
and at the Resurrection: for this belongs to him who is powerful. ...
/.../homily iii 2 timothy i.htm

2 Cor. xiii. 1
... but continued to endure things which appeared to argue weakness, and in this way
displaying His Power, in that although He punishes not nor requites, He is not ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxix 2 cor xiii.htm

Acts of the Holy Apostle Thomas, when He came into India, and ...
... [2345] But look for His appearing, and have your hopes in Him, and believe in His
name: for He is the Judge of living and dead, and He requites to each one ...
/.../unknown/acts of the holy apostle thomas/acts of the holy apostle 2.htm

Requites (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Requites (4 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 7:10 and
repays those who hate him to their face, to destroy them ...
/r/requites.htm - 7k

Requited (12 Occurrences)

/r/requited.htm - 9k

Requiteth (1 Occurrence)

/r/requiteth.htm - 6k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus