Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5492 restitution

The return of something lost or stolen so that the original situation is restored. This central theme of the OT law is supremely fulfilled through Jesus Christ making restitution for Adam's sin, thus restoring fellowship with God and hope of eternal life.

Reasons for restitution

For crimes committed

Exodus 22:2-3 See also Exodus 22:7,16-17; Leviticus 6:1-6; Leviticus 24:17-21; Numbers 5:6-7; Ezekiel 33:14-15

For accidental loss

Exodus 22:5-6 See also Exodus 21:33-34; Exodus 22:10-15

For unintentional sin

Leviticus 5:14-16

As part of confession

Numbers 5:5-7

In cases of misplaced accusation

Psalm 69:4

The basis of decisions regarding restitution

Arbitration

Exodus 22:8-9

The amount of restitution is to exceed the amount stolen

Exodus 22:1 See also Exodus 22:4; Leviticus 6:5; 2 Samuel 12:5-6; Proverbs 6:31

Land should belong to its rightful owners

2 Samuel 9:7

Examples of restitution

1 Samuel 6:17 The Philistines make restitution for desecrating the ark of God; 1 Kings 20:34 Ben-Hadad makes restitution for the cities his father had taken from Israel; 2 Kings 8:1-6 The king makes restitution to the Shunammite by returning her house and land; Nehemiah 5:10-12 Nehemiah orders restitution to be made to the poor; Luke 19:8-9 Zacchaeus makes restitution to those he had cheated.

The act of restitution is to be motivated by love

Romans 13:8-10 See also Matthew 5:23-24,44; Colossians 3:13-14

God promises physical restitution

Isaiah 57:18; Isaiah 61:3-4; Jeremiah 30:17-18

Jesus Christ makes restitution for sin

He restores fellowship with God

Romans 5:19 See also 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 9:28

He restores the hope of eternal life

1 Corinthians 15:21-22 See also 1 Corinthians 15:45-49

Restitution is made to Jesus Christ

Philippians 2:8-9 Here God's exaltation of Jesus Christ is seen as restitution to his position of glory. See also Isaiah 53:10-12

Restitution is made to those who make sacrifices for the gospel

Matthew 19:21 pp Mark 10:21 pp Luke 18:22 See also Matthew 19:29 pp Mark 10:29-30 pp Luke 18:29-30; Mark 8:35 pp Matthew 16:25 pp Luke 9:24; John 12:24-25; Philippians 3:8-10

See also

2321  Christ as redeemer
2336  Christ, exaltation
5493  retribution
6029  sin, forgiveness
6676  justification
6716  reconciliation
6730  reinstatement
6732  repentance
7370  guilt offering
8154  righteousness
9165  restoration