שִׁלֻּמָה

שִׁלֻּמָה

retribution

Definition

Shillumâh refers to a specific type of retribution or recompense, often implying a full and fitting repayment for an action. It carries the sense of a completed or final settlement, a payback that is deserved. In its sole biblical occurrence in Psalm 91:8, it describes the fate of the wicked that the righteous will witness—a divine and just punishment. The word emphasizes the completeness and certainty of the consequence, aligning with the broader biblical theme of divine justice.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Psalm 91:8. It appears in a wisdom/psalm context, describing the security of the one who trusts in God. The usage is specific: the righteous observer will see the 'shillumâh' (retribution) of the wicked. This singular use presents it as a definitive, observable act of God's justice against evil, seen from the safe position of the faithful.

Etymology

Shillumâh is the feminine form of the noun shillûm (H7966), which comes from the root verb shâlam (H7999), meaning 'to be complete, safe, or to make restitution.' The feminine form may intensify or specify the abstract concept. The root idea is of wholeness and completion, so shillumâh implies a recompense that completes a transaction of justice, leaving nothing unsettled.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it concretizes the concept of divine retribution. It assures believers that God's justice is not abstract but will be visibly and completely executed (Psalm 91:8). Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting the certainty and finality of God's judgment on evil, contrasting with the security promised to those who dwell in His presence. It connects to doctrines of God's justice, righteousness, and the ultimate resolution of moral accounts. In ancient Near Eastern culture, including Israel, the concept of just recompense was foundational to societal and cosmic order. The idea of a visible, deserved payback for wrongdoing would resonate deeply in a honor-shame and kinship-based context. It differs from some modern, more privatized views of justice by being a public demonstration, affirming God's rule and the moral structure of creation for all to see. shillûm (H7966) — The masculine form, more general for recompense or reward. gamûl (H1576) — Deed, recompense; often for the natural consequence of an action. pe‘ullâh (H6468) — Work, reward; emphasizes wages or product of labor.

Word Details