שִׁלֵּם (shil.lem)
shil.lem
recompense
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun shillem signifies a return or repayment, specifically in the sense of recompense or requital. It describes the consequence that follows an action, reflecting a principle of direct correspondence between deed and result. In the biblical context, this term often carries moral weight, indicating that actions bring their own inevitable outcomes.
This word appears only once in Scripture, in Deuteronomy 32:35. There, it is part of a poetic declaration regarding divine justice, stating that "recompense" belongs to God alone. This singular usage underscores the idea that ultimate judgment and the balancing of accounts are reserved for the Creator, rather than human vengeance.
The term highlights a theological boundary: while humans may seek fairness, the full measure of requital is a divine prerogative. It serves as a reminder that justice is not merely a social contract but a cosmic reality managed by God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word shillem appears only once in Scripture, found in Deuteronomy 32:35 within Moses’ final song. Here it translates to recompense or repayment, describing the inevitable return of consequences for human actions. This rare term carries significant moral weight, emphasizing that every deed has a corresponding result.
For your faith, this word offers profound comfort during times of injustice. It reminds us that we do not need to carry the burden of exacting justice ourselves. Instead, we can trust that God sees all things and will handle matters of right and wrong with perfect fairness. This divine prerogative frees us from the heavy load of personal vengeance.
When life feels unfair, remember that ultimate judgment belongs to the Creator. You are invited to rest in the assurance that God’s justice is both certain and complete. This hope allows you to live with peace, knowing that the scales will be balanced in His time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ retribution1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/שִׁלֵּ֔ם1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 32:35
Vengeance is mine, and recompense, at the time when their foot slides, for the day of their calamity is at hand. Their doom rushes at them.”
This verse establishes the theological boundary that recompense is a divine prerogative reserved for God, not humans.