Definition and General Overview:

Compensation, in a biblical context, refers to the act of making amends or providing restitution for a loss, injury, or suffering. It encompasses both material and spiritual dimensions, reflecting God's justice and mercy. The concept is deeply rooted in the principles of fairness and equity as outlined in the Scriptures.

Old Testament Context:

In the Old Testament, compensation is often associated with the Law of Moses, which provided detailed instructions on restitution. For instance, Exodus 22:1-4 outlines the requirements for compensating someone for theft: "If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he must repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep." This passage highlights the principle of restitution, where the offender must compensate the victim beyond the original loss, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense and the need for justice.

Leviticus 6:1-5 further elaborates on compensation for deceit and wrongdoing, requiring the offender to restore what was taken and add a fifth of its value. This underscores the importance of making amends and restoring relationships within the community.

New Testament Context:

In the New Testament, the concept of compensation takes on a more spiritual dimension. Jesus' teachings often focus on the internal attitudes and the heart's condition rather than mere external compliance. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the issue of retaliation and compensation, urging His followers to go beyond the letter of the law. Matthew 5:38-42 states, "You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also."

This teaching emphasizes the principle of grace and forgiveness over strict retribution, encouraging believers to reflect God's mercy and love in their interactions with others.

Spiritual Compensation:

The Bible also speaks of spiritual compensation, where God promises to restore and bless those who suffer for righteousness' sake. In the Beatitudes, Jesus declares, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). This assurance of divine compensation provides comfort and hope to believers facing trials and persecution.

Furthermore, the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:18, "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us." This perspective encourages Christians to endure hardships with the expectation of eternal rewards and divine compensation.

Divine Justice and Compensation:

The theme of divine justice is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, where God is portrayed as the ultimate judge who will right all wrongs. In Revelation 22:12, Jesus declares, "Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done." This promise of divine compensation assures believers that God will ultimately vindicate and reward those who remain faithful to Him.

Practical Implications:

For Christians, the biblical principle of compensation calls for a life marked by integrity, fairness, and a willingness to make amends. It challenges believers to reflect God's justice and mercy in their dealings with others, ensuring that they act justly and love mercy (Micah 6:8). Additionally, it encourages a spirit of forgiveness and grace, recognizing that ultimate compensation comes from God, who sees and rewards the heart's intentions.Acts 2:38-39
Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Topicalbible.org

Acts 22:16
And now why tarry you? arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Topicalbible.org

1 Peter 3:21
The like figure whereunto even baptism does also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Topicalbible.org

Romans 8:11
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwells in you.
Topicalbible.org

1. (n.) The act or principle of compensating.

2. (n.) That which constitutes, or is regarded as, an equivalent; that which makes good the lack or variation of something else; that which compensates for loss or privation; amends; remuneration; recompense.

3. (n.) The extinction of debts of which two persons are reciprocally debtors by the credits of which they are reciprocally creditors; the payment of a debt by a credit of equal amount; a set-off.

4. (n.) A recompense or reward for some loss or service.

5. (n.) An equivalent stipulated for in contracts for the sale of real estate, in which it is customary to provide that errors in description, etc., shall not avoid, but shall be the subject of compensation.

489. antimisthia -- a reward
... 489 (from 473 , "matching, corresponding" and 3408 , "reward") -- properly,
reward; compensation (which can be pleasant or painful). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/489.htm - 6k

3599. odous -- a tooth
... 3599 ("tooth, teeth") is also used metaphorically: a) of the particular level of
compensation or recompense needed in a situation (Mt 5:38); and, b) for how ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3599.htm - 7k

7939. sakar -- hire, wages
... Word Origin from sakar Definition hire, wages NASB Word Usage compensation (1),
fare (1), hire (1), reward (6), rewarded (1), service (1), wage (2), wages (15 ...
/hebrew/7939.htm - 6k

8545. temurah -- exchange, recompense
... exchanging, recompense, restitution. From muwr; barter, compensation --
(ex-)change(-ing), recompense, restitution. see HEBREW muwr. 8544, 8545. ...
/hebrew/8545.htm - 6k

6118. eqeb -- consequence, as a consequence of, because
... From aqab in the sense of aqeb; a heel, ie (figuratively) the last of anything
(used adverbially, for ever); also result, ie Compensation; and so (adverb with ...
/hebrew/6118.htm - 6k

Whether Satisfaction must be Made by Means of Penal Works?
... For satisfaction should make compensation for the offense committed against
God. Now, seemingly, no compensation is given to God ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether satisfaction must be made.htm

Whether Restitution of what Has Been Taken Away is Necessary for ...
... Wherefore when that which has been taken cannot be restored in equivalent, compensation
should be made as far as possible: for instance if one man has deprived ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether restitution of what has.htm

Whether the Definition of Satisfaction Given in the Text is ...
... punishment, is a medicine healing past sins and preserving from future sins: so
that when one man makes satisfaction to another, he offers compensation for the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the definition of satisfaction.htm

Whether it is Lawful to Ask for any Other Kind of Consideration ...
... law. Therefore it is not unlawful, in lending money to anyone, to demand some
sort of compensation as condition of the loan. Objection ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful to 16.htm

Whether Man Can Make Satisfaction to God?
... satisfaction to God. Objection 2: Further, a slave cannot make compensation
for a debt, since all that he has is his master's. But we ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether man can make satisfaction.htm

The Marcionites Charged God with Having Instigated the Hebrews to ...
... What shall be your verdict, you discoverer [2950] of the most good God? That the
Hebrews must admit the fraud, or the Egyptians the compensation? ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xx the marcionites charged god.htm

Whether He that Has Taken a Thing is Always Bound to Restitution?
... though he gain nothing thereby, is bound to compensate the injured person, so too
he that is guilty of theft or robbery, is bound to make compensation for the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether he that has taken.htm

In the Second Place, Repentance and Grace are Obscured. ...
... For eternal death is not atoned for by this compensation of works because
it is idle, and does not in the present life taste of death. ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 17 in the second.htm

Of Agreement as to Tithe, Composition, Notice, &C.
... or composition between an incumbent and his parishioners, for the acceptance of
land in lieu of tithes, or for a certain pecuniary compensation, will not bind ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/2 of agreement as to.htm

Of the Verdict of the Apostles, Assembled in Council, Upon the ...
... The matter has been settled by compensation: we have gained much, in order
that we may render somewhat. But the compensation is ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on modesty/chapter xii of the verdict of.htm

Compensation (3 Occurrences)
... for the sale of real estate, in which it is customary to provide that errors in
description, etc., shall not avoid, but shall be the subject of compensation. ...
/c/compensation.htm - 8k

Board (47 Occurrences)
... 13. (n.) To enter, as a railway car. 14. (n.) To furnish with regular meals, or
with meals and lodgings, for compensation; to supply with daily meals. 15. ...
/b/board.htm - 23k

Satisfaction (15 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Settlement of a claim, due, or demand; payment; indemnification; adequate
compensation. 3. (n.) That which satisfies or gratifies; atonement. Int. ...
/s/satisfaction.htm - 11k

Hire (48 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The price, reward, or compensation paid, or contracted to be paid, for the
temporary use of a thing or a place, for personal service, or for labor ...
/h/hire.htm - 27k

Guilt (180 Occurrences)
... Latin reatus culpae, depending upon a man's knowledge and purpose) and the obligation
to make good through punishment or compensation (Latin reatus poenae ...
/g/guilt.htm - 46k

Wages (52 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) A compensation given to a hired person for services;
price paid for labor; recompense; hire. See Wage, n., 2. Int. ...
/w/wages.htm - 28k

Recompense (79 Occurrences)
... remunerate; to compensate. 2. (vt) To return an equivalent for; to give
compensation for; to atone for; to pay for. 3. (vt) To give ...
/r/recompense.htm - 30k

Composition (2 Occurrences)
... 11. (n.) The adjustment of a debt, or avoidance of an obligation, by some form of
compensation agreed on between the parties; also, the sum or amount of ...
/c/composition.htm - 9k

Solomon (277 Occurrences)
... in German, and Selim in Arabic; but it has been suggested that the name should be
pronounced shillumah, from the word denoting "compensation," Bath-sheba's ...
/s/solomon.htm - 101k

Code (6 Occurrences)
... If a robber is not caught, the persons or corporations responsible for the safety
of the land had to make compensation (section symbol, section symbol 22). ...
/c/code.htm - 40k

What is the meaning of recompense? | GotQuestions.org

Is it a sin to share, download, or pirate copyrighted material (music, movies, software) on the internet? | GotQuestions.org

What is biblical homemaking? | GotQuestions.org

Compensation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus