גְּמוּל (ge.mul)
ge.mul
recompense
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun gemul refers to a person’s conduct or the resulting reward and punishment that follows such action. It appears fifteen times in the Old Testament, with a notable concentration in Isaiah, Psalms, and Proverbs. The word captures the idea of reciprocal treatment, whether that involves kindness extended to someone or the consequences they face for their behavior.
Its root relates to the concept of “dealing” or “handling,” often specified as the “hand” of an individual acting toward another. This concrete imagery grounds the abstract notion of justice in physical action. For instance, Proverbs 24:12 notes that God measures out gemul according to one’s deeds, while Isaiah 40:2 speaks of Jerusalem receiving gemul for her sins, indicating a settled accounting.
Translators typically render gemul as “recompense,” “reward,” or “dealing.” The term carries theological weight by affirming that human actions are not isolated events but part of a moral order where treatment is returned in kind. It underscores a worldview where divine justice and human responsibility intersect through measurable outcomes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gemul reminds us that our actions carry weight and meaning. It is not just about punishment, but about a balanced response to how we treat others. When you show kindness or act with integrity, you are participating in a moral order where goodness is recognized and returned.
This concept offers comfort because it affirms that no deed goes unnoticed. Whether it is a quiet act of pity toward someone in need or a difficult moment of justice, God sees the 'work of your hands.' It encourages us to live with intention, knowing that our daily choices contribute to a larger story of fairness and care.
Even when life feels chaotic, this word points to a reliable foundation. You can trust that your efforts are not wasted and that true justice will prevail. This perspective helps us face challenges with hope, resting in the knowledge that God measures out what is right and good.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- recompense6×
- recompense/ your1×
- recompense/ their1×
- dealing/ your1×
- benefits/ his1×
- and/ recompense/ his1×
- and/ [the] dealing of1×
- according to/ [the] dealing of1×
- according to/ [the] benefit1×
- [the] recompense of1×
- [the] dealing of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גְּמ֖וּל2×
- כִּ/גְמ֥וּל1×
- כִ/גְמֻ֤ל1×
- וּ֝/גְמֻל֗/וֹ1×
- וּ/גְמ֥וּל1×
- גְּמוּלָֽי/ו\׃1×
- גְּמוּלָ֣/ם1×
- גְּמֻלְ/ךָ֖1×
- גְּמ֥וּל1×
- גְּמ֣וּל1×
- גְּמ֛וּל1×
- גְּמ֕וּל1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 103:2
Praise Yahweh, my soul, and don’t forget all his benefits,
This verse uses gemul to describe remembering God's personal benefits, shifting the focus from human judgment to divine kindness.
-
Proverbs 19:17
He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; he will reward him.
Here the word connects mercy toward the poor with a direct reward from God, showing that compassion is treated as a loan to the Lord.
-
Isaiah 35:4
Tell those who have a fearful heart, “Be strong! Don’t be afraid! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, God’s retribution. He will come and save you.
The term appears alongside the promise of salvation, assuring fearful hearts that God's retribution includes rescue for His people.
-
Lamentations 3:64
You will pay them back, Yahweh, according to the work of their hands.
In a context of deep sorrow, this verse acknowledges God's role in repaying enemies, reflecting the reality of justice even in suffering.