### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shillêm**, represented by `{{H8005}}`, is a specific term for **requital** or **recompense**. Derived from the root word שָׁלַם, its meaning is focused on a response or payment due. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, which gives its single usage significant weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8005}}` is used in a declaration of divine authority and justice. In its sole appearance, God states, "To me belongeth vengeance, and **recompence**" [[Deuteronomy 32:35]]. Here, the word is part of a divine claim, establishing that the act of meting out requital is a prerogative belonging to God alone. The context is a warning of future judgment, where the "day of their calamity is at hand."
### Related Words & Concepts
Two other words from its single scriptural context help to clarify its meaning:
* `{{H5359}}` **nâqâm** (revenge; vengeance): This word appears directly alongside **shillêm** in [[Deuteronomy 32:35]]. It signifies that God's recompense is tied to His role as the ultimate avenger of wrong, who alone has the right to enact **vengeance**.
* `{{H6264}}` **ʻâthîyd** (things that shall come): This word is used in the same verse to describe the imminent consequences awaiting the unrighteous. It underscores that the **recompense** of `{{H8005}}` is not a forgotten debt but a future certainty, as "the **things that shall come** upon them make haste" [[Deuteronomy 32:35]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8005}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful appearance.
* **Divine Sovereignty in Justice:** The use of **shillêm** in [[Deuteronomy 32:35]] establishes a core theological principle: recompense and vengeance belong to God. It frames justice not as a human endeavor but as a divine right and responsibility.
* **Assured Consequence:** Paired with words denoting future certainty, **shillêm** teaches that actions have guaranteed consequences from a divine perspective. The "requital" is an inevitable event tied to God's timing.
* **Balanced Judgment:** By appearing with **nâqâm** (vengeance), **shillêm** (recompense) helps form a complete picture of God's response to sin—it is both a just punishment and a righteous payment for deeds done.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8005}}` is a highly specific and impactful word. Though used only once, its appearance in [[Deuteronomy 32:35]] is foundational to understanding the biblical concept of divine justice. It defines **recompense** as an action belonging solely to God, underscoring His sovereign authority to repay and bring about a just and certain outcome in His own time.
TRV