שִׁלֵּם

שִׁלֵּם

requital

Definition

The noun שִׁלֵּם (shillêm) refers to a full or complete requital, recompense, or repayment. It denotes the act of paying back in full what is due, whether for good or for evil. In its sole biblical occurrence in Deuteronomy 32:35, it carries the sense of a divinely executed vengeance or retribution against God's enemies. The word implies a measured and fitting response, a settlement that brings a matter to closure.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Deuteronomy 32:35, within the Song of Moses. It is used in a judicial context of divine vengeance: 'Vengeance is mine, and recompense (שִׁלֵּם).' Here, it is paired with 'vengeance' (נָקָם, naqam), emphasizing God's sovereign right and responsibility to fully repay the wicked for their deeds against His people.

Etymology

שִׁלֵּם is a noun derived from the root שׁלם (sh-l-m, H7999), which conveys the core idea of wholeness, completeness, and peace. This root gives us words like שָׁלוֹם (shalom, 'peace') and the verb שִׁלֵּם (shillem, 'to repay, make complete'). שִׁלֵּם specifically denotes the state or act of that completion, especially in the context of a debt or obligation being fully settled.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it underscores God's character as the just judge. It affirms that ultimate justice belongs to God alone (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19). The concept of complete requital highlights the seriousness of sin and rebellion against God, assuring believers that wrongs will not go unaddressed. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by connecting divine justice to the root idea of 'completeness'—God's judgment brings a situation to its necessary and righteous conclusion. In ancient Near Eastern culture, including Israel, the concept of just recompense was foundational to societal and covenantal order. The idea of a measured, complete repayment for actions—governed by the principle of lex talionis ('an eye for an eye')—was meant to limit vengeance and ensure proportionality. God's claim to שִׁלֵּм places this principle under His ultimate authority, moving it from personal vendetta to divine jurisdiction. נָקָם (naqam, H5359) — vengeance, often with a more emotional or punitive connotation; גְּמוּל (gemul, H1576) — dealing, recompense, often for both good and bad deeds; תְּשׁוּלָם (teshulam, H8666) — a related noun form meaning requital or repayment.

Word Details