שִׁלֻּמָה (shil.lu.mah)
shil.lu.mah
recompense
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun shilumah denotes recompense or requital, appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible at Psalm 91:8. In this context, it describes the visible result of divine justice, where the observer sees the retribution laid against those who oppose God’s people. The word captures the concrete reality of payback, whether for good or ill, rather than an abstract concept of fairness.
Its root connects to the idea of completeness or payment in full. While often translated as "retribution" in English Bibles, this term carries a neutral weight regarding moral judgment; it simply signifies that actions bring their corresponding consequences. The psalmist uses it to reassure the faithful that justice is not hidden but will be plainly displayed.
Translators typically render shilumah as "retribution" or "reward" depending on the surrounding context. Here, it emphasizes the certainty of divine accounting. The word serves as a theological anchor in the psalm, affirming that God’s protection includes the assurance that wrongs will be addressed and order restored.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shilumah appears in Psalm 91 to describe a clear view of consequences. It is not about abstract fairness but the tangible result of actions. When you read this verse, it offers a sense of order in a chaotic world. You see that deeds have outcomes, and justice is visible.
This reassurance helps when you feel uncertain about right and wrong. The psalmist uses shilumah to show that God’s protection includes the assurance that things will be set right. It is a reminder that no action goes unnoticed. This perspective brings peace, knowing that the world operates under a moral framework established by God.
Ultimately, this word points to a reality where integrity matters. It encourages you to live with confidence, trusting that truth will prevail. The promise here is not just protection from harm but also the comfort of seeing justice done. This hope anchors your faith in a world that often feels unjust.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ [the] retribution of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/שִׁלֻּמַ֖ת1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 91:8
You will only look with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked.
This verse uses shilumah to depict the visible outcome of divine justice, showing that the consequences of wickedness are clear and observable to the faithful.