### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun שִׁלֻּמָה (shillumâh) `{{H8011}}` is a feminine form derived from the root שלם (shalem) `{{H7999}}`, which signifies "to be complete," "to be whole," or "to be at peace." This foundational meaning extends to concepts of payment or recompense, as a payment completes a transaction or settles an account.
שִׁלֻּמָה specifically denotes "recompense," "requital," or "retribution." While the masculine form שִׁלּוּם (shillum) `{{H8002}}` can refer to a more general payment, שִׁלֻּמָה often carries a stronger connotation of a deserved return, particularly in the context of divine justice. Its semantic range includes:
1. **Retribution/Punishment:** The just consequence or penalty for wrongdoing.
2. **Recompense/Requital:** A return for actions, whether good or bad, though its biblical occurrences lean heavily towards the former.
3. **Divine Vengeance:** The execution of God's righteous judgment as a response to unrighteousness or oppression.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term שִׁלֻּמָה (shillumâh) appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in contexts that underscore divine justice and the consequences of human actions.
* **[[Deuteronomy 32:35]]**: "Vengeance is mine, and recompense; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste." Here, שִׁלֻּמָה is used in parallel with "vengeance" (נקם, neqam) `{{H5358}}`, emphasizing God's exclusive right and capacity to execute retribution upon those who have provoked Him. It highlights the certainty and timeliness of divine judgment.
* **[[Psalm 91:8]]**: "Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the recompense of the wicked." This verse speaks of the righteous observing the just consequences that befall the wicked. The שִׁלֻּמָה in this context signifies the visible manifestation of divine justice, confirming the psalmist's trust in God's righteous governance over the world.
* **[[Proverbs 19:17]]**: "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again." This is a notable instance where שִׁלֻּמָה refers to a positive recompense. It signifies the divine reward or repayment from the Lord for acts of charity and compassion towards the poor, illustrating that generosity is seen as a loan to God which He will surely repay. This demonstrates the word's capacity for both positive and negative returns.
* **[[Isaiah 34:8]]**: "For it is the day of the LORD's vengeance, and the year of recompenses for the controversy of Zion." In this prophetic oracle concerning the judgment of nations, שִׁלֻּמָה is again linked with "vengeance," describing the "year of recompenses" that God will bring for the sake of Zion. It underscores God's commitment to vindicating His people and bringing justice upon their oppressors.
* **[[Jeremiah 51:56]]**: "Because the spoiler is come upon her, even upon Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the LORD God of recompences shall surely requite." Here, God is powerfully declared as "the God of recompenses" (אֵל גְּמֻלוֹת יהוה), and שִׁלֻּמָה is used to describe the requital coming upon Babylon for its destruction of Jerusalem. This passage vividly portrays God's character as the one who justly repays, particularly in the context of His judgment against the oppressor.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of שִׁלֻּמָה (shillumâh) `{{H8011}}` is closely intertwined with several key biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **Root שלם (shalem) `{{H7999}}`**: The foundational root meaning "to be complete" or "to be whole." This root informs the idea of "settling accounts" or bringing things to a just completion. It is also the root for שָׁלוֹם (shalom) `{{H7965}}` (peace, wholeness) and שֶׁלֶם (shelem) `{{H8002}}` (peace offering).
* **שִׁלּוּם (shillum) `{{H8002}}`**: The masculine form from which שִׁלֻּמָה is derived. While שִׁלּוּם can be a more general term for payment, שִׁלֻּמָה often carries the specific connotation of a just return or retribution.
* **גְּמוּל (gemul) `{{H1576}}`**: This noun also means "recompense," "reward," or "retribution." It frequently appears in contexts of divine justice, indicating the just return for actions, whether good or evil. It is often used interchangeably with שִׁלֻּמָה in discussions of God's judgment, as seen in [[Jeremiah 51:56]].
* **נקם (naqam) `{{H5358}}`**: Meaning "vengeance" or "retribution." שִׁלֻּמָה is frequently paired with נקם (naqam) in passages describing divine judgment, such as [[Deuteronomy 32:35]] and [[Isaiah 34:8]], emphasizing the punitive aspect of God's righteous justice.
* **שָׂכָר (sakar) `{{H7939}}`**: Meaning "wages," "hire," or "reward." This term generally refers to positive compensation for work or service, contrasting with the often punitive connotation of שִׁלֻּמָה, though [[Proverbs 19:17]] shows שִׁלֻּמָה can also denote positive reward.
* **Justice (צֶדֶק, tzedeq) `{{H6664}}`**: The concept of שִׁלֻּמָה is deeply embedded in the biblical understanding of divine justice. God's שִׁלֻּמָה is not arbitrary but is a righteous and equitable response to human actions, upholding His moral order.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of שִׁלֻּמָה (shillumâh) `{{H8011}}` is profound, revealing key aspects of God's character and His interaction with humanity.
* **God as the Just Judge:** The consistent use of שִׁלֻּמָה in contexts of divine retribution underscores God's role as the ultimate arbiter of justice. He is not indifferent to sin or injustice; rather, He actively ensures that actions have consequences. This reinforces the biblical truth that God is righteous and holy, and His moral order will ultimately be upheld.
* **Sovereignty in Judgment:** Passages like [[Deuteronomy 32:35]] ("Vengeance is mine, and recompense") strongly assert God's exclusive right to execute שִׁלֻּמָה. This prevents human beings from taking vengeance into their own hands and emphasizes that true justice belongs to God alone. It also implies that God's timing and method of recompense are perfect.
* **Consequences of Sin:** שִׁלֻּמָה primarily serves as a warning about the inevitable consequences of unrighteousness and rebellion against God. It highlights the principle of sowing and reaping, where evil deeds will ultimately incur divine requital. This serves as a deterrent and a call to repentance.
* **Assurance for the Righteous:** While often associated with negative retribution, שִׁלֻּמָה also provides comfort and assurance to the righteous. [[Psalm 91:8]] shows the righteous witnessing the recompense of the wicked, affirming God's faithfulness to His covenant people and His commitment to righting wrongs. Furthermore, [[Proverbs 19:17]] demonstrates that שִׁלֻּמָה can also signify positive divine reward for acts of righteousness and compassion, particularly towards the vulnerable. This illustrates God's perfect justice, which repays both good and evil.
* **The Eschatological Dimension:** The concept of שִׁלֻּמָה often carries an eschatological dimension, pointing to a future day when God's full and final recompense will be administered. This provides hope for ultimate justice in a world often marked by injustice.
### Summary
The Hebrew word שִׁלֻּמָה (shillumâh) `{{H8011}}`, derived from the root שלם (shalem) `{{H7999}}`, fundamentally denotes "recompense" or "retribution." While its base meaning can encompass any form of repayment, its biblical usage predominantly highlights divine justice, particularly the consequences for unrighteous actions. Occurring in key passages like [[Deuteronomy 32:35]], [[Psalm 91:8]], [[Isaiah 34:8]], and [[Jeremiah 51:56]], שִׁלֻּמָה is frequently paired with "vengeance" (נקם, naqam) `{{H5358}}` and parallels "recompense" (גְּמוּל, gemul) `{{H1576}}`, emphasizing God's sovereign right and capacity to administer just consequences.
Theologically, שִׁלֻּמָה profoundly reveals God as the righteous Judge who will inevitably bring about a just return for all deeds. It serves as a stark warning about the consequences of sin, while simultaneously offering assurance to the righteous that God will indeed uphold His moral order and repay both good and evil according to His perfect justice, as seen in [[Proverbs 19:17]]. This word underscores the biblical principle that actions have divine consequences, affirming God's holiness and His ultimate control over all things.
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