### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gᵉmûwlâh**, represented by `{{H1578}}`, is the feminine form of `{{H1576}}` and is defined as a **deed**, **recompense**, or **such a reward**. Appearing only **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, its usage is highly specific, consistently referring to a merited return for an action, whether from God or a human king.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1578}}` is used in contexts of both divine judgment and personal reward. It is a cornerstone in the declaration that the Lord is the "God of recompences" who will "surely requite" Babylon for its actions [[Jeremiah 51:56]]. Similarly, it describes God's just repayment to His adversaries, which is given "According to their deeds" [[Isaiah 59:18]]. On a more personal level, the term is used to question a king's generosity, asking why he would offer "such a reward" for service [[2 Samuel 19:36]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of recompense:
* `{{H1576}}` **gᵉmûwl**: This is the masculine counterpart, meaning "treatment, i.e. an act (of good or ill); by implication, service or requital... recompense, reward." It appears alongside `{{H1578}}` in the same verse to emphasize God's repayment to his enemies [[Isaiah 59:18]].
* `{{H1580}}` **gâmal**: As the primitive root, this verb means "to treat a person (well or ill), i.e. benefit or requite." It is used in the passage where a servant questions why a king would **recompense** him with a reward [[2 Samuel 19:36]].
* `{{H7999}}` **shâlam**: This verb, meaning to "recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward," describes the act of carrying out the recompense. It is used to state that God will **repay** His enemies [[Isaiah 59:18]] and will "surely **requite**" Babylon [[Jeremiah 51:56]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1578}}` is tied to the principle of divine justice.
* **God of Recompences:** The term is used to define a key aspect of God's character. He is the "LORD God of recompences," which signifies that His nature includes executing perfect and just requital [[Jeremiah 51:56]].
* **Consequential Judgment:** The repayment described by `{{H1578}}` is not arbitrary. It is delivered "According to their deeds" [[Isaiah 59:18]], establishing a direct link between the actions of God's enemies and the consequences they receive.
* **Merited Reward:** Beyond divine judgment, the word illustrates the principle of a merited return. In [[2 Samuel 19:36]], it refers to a reward from a king, highlighting that recompense can be a response to loyalty and service, not just a punishment for evil.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1578}}` is a precise term for a merited **deed** or **recompense**. Though it appears infrequently, it powerfully communicates the biblical principle of requital. It defines God's role as a just judge who repays nations and individuals according to their actions, while also functioning on a human scale to signify a fitting reward. The word encapsulates the unwavering connection between an act and its consequence.
TRV