Jump to: ATS • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Restitution is a biblical principle that involves the act of making amends for a wrong or injury, particularly in the context of returning or compensating for something taken or lost. This concept is deeply rooted in the justice and righteousness of God, as reflected in the laws given to the Israelites and the teachings of Jesus Christ.Old Testament Foundations The principle of restitution is prominently featured in the Mosaic Law. In the Old Testament, restitution was required in various situations, particularly in cases of theft, loss, or damage to property. Exodus 22:1-4 outlines specific guidelines: "If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters or sells it, he must repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep. If a thief is caught breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him. But if it happens after sunrise, there is bloodguilt for him. A thief must make full restitution; if he owns nothing, he must be sold to pay for his theft. If what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—he must pay back double." These laws emphasize the importance of restoring what was lost and going beyond mere replacement to include additional compensation, reflecting the seriousness of the offense and the need for justice. Restitution and Repentance Restitution is closely linked to the concept of repentance. Genuine repentance involves not only a change of heart and mind but also a tangible effort to rectify wrongs. Numbers 5:6-7 states, "Tell the Israelites that when a man or woman acts unfaithfully against the LORD by committing any sin against another, that person is guilty and must confess the sin he has committed. He must make full restitution for his wrong, add a fifth of the value to it, and give it all to the one he has wronged." This passage highlights the necessity of confession and the act of making restitution as integral parts of the repentance process, underscoring the relational aspect of sin and the need to restore harmony. New Testament Insights In the New Testament, the principle of restitution is illustrated in the account of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who encountered Jesus. In Luke 19:8 , Zacchaeus declares, "Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold." Jesus commends Zacchaeus for his actions, indicating that his willingness to make restitution is evidence of his genuine repentance and transformation. The teachings of Jesus further emphasize the spirit of restitution in the context of reconciliation and forgiveness. In Matthew 5:23-24 , Jesus instructs, "Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." This passage underscores the importance of addressing wrongs and seeking reconciliation as a prerequisite to worship. Theological Significance Restitution reflects the character of God, who is just and righteous. It serves as a practical expression of love and justice, aiming to restore relationships and communities. The biblical mandate for restitution demonstrates God's concern for both the victim and the offender, promoting healing and restoration. In the broader theological context, restitution can be seen as a reflection of the redemptive work of Christ. Just as restitution seeks to restore what was lost, Christ's sacrifice on the cross restores humanity's broken relationship with God. Through His atoning work, believers are called to live out the principles of justice, mercy, and reconciliation in their own lives, including the practice of restitution where applicable. ATS Bible Dictionary RestitutionJob 20:10,18. The repairing of wrongs done, and the restoring of what one has wrongfully taken from another, are strictly enjoined in Scripture, and are a necessary evidence of true repentance, Exodus 22:1-15; Nehemiah 5:1-13; Luke 19:8. Restoration should be perfect and just; replacing, so far as possible, all that has been taken, with interest, Le 6:1-6; 24:21. In Acts 3:21, the time of the "restitution of all things," is the time when Christ shall appear in his glory, and establish his kingdom as foretold in the Scriptures. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of restoring anything to its rightful owner, or of making good, or of giving an equivalent for any loss, damage, or injury; indemnification.2. (v.) That which is offered or given in return for what has been lost, injured, or destroyed; compensation. 3. (n.) The act of returning to, or recovering, a former state; as, the restitution of an elastic body. 4. (n.) The movement of rotation which usually occurs in childbirth after the head has been delivered, and which causes the latter to point towards the side to which it was directed at the beginning of labor. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia RESTITUTION; RESTORATIONres-ti-tu'-shun. Greek 605. apokatastasis -- restoration ... of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: apokatastasis Phonetic Spelling: (ap-ok-at-as'-tas-is) Short Definition: restitution, reestablishment, restoration ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/605.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 7725. shub -- to turn back, return... indeed (1), indeed bring (1), indeed bring me back (1), indeed return (2), indeed turn away (1), keeps (2), make them return (1), make restitution (1), paid (2 ... /hebrew/7725.htm - 9k 7999a. shalem -- to be complete or sound 8545. temurah -- exchange, recompense 7999. shalam -- to be complete or sound Library The "Times of Restitution" Can be Ushered in Only by the Second ... Of Restitution (Eight Articles) Whether Restitution is Binding on those who have not Taken? Whether a Man is Bound to Immediate Restitution, or May He Put it ... Whether Restitution is an Act of Commutative Justice? Whether Restitution must Always be Made to the Person from whom a ... Whether Restitution of what Has Been Taken Away is Necessary for ... Repentance and Restitution. Whether He that Has Taken a Thing is Always Bound to Restitution? Heathens and Heretics Alike in their Vilification of the Flesh and ... Thesaurus Restitution (21 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) The act of returning to, or recovering, a former state; as, the restitution of an elastic body. ... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. RESTITUTION; RESTORATION. ... /r/restitution.htm - 13k Year (4027 Occurrences) Jubilee (25 Occurrences) Slavery (31 Occurrences) Slave (148 Occurrences) Owner (56 Occurrences) Neighbor's (31 Occurrences) Theft (5 Occurrences) Dies (71 Occurrences) Kinsman (29 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about restitution? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible say anything about crop circles? | GotQuestions.org What is a trespass offering / guilt offering? | GotQuestions.org Restitution: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Restitution (21 Occurrences)Acts 3:21 Exodus 21:34 Exodus 22:1 Exodus 22:3 Exodus 22:5 Exodus 22:6 Exodus 22:11 Exodus 22:12 Exodus 22:13 Exodus 22:14 Exodus 22:15 Leviticus 5:16 Leviticus 6:5 Leviticus 22:14 Leviticus 24:18 Leviticus 24:21 Numbers 5:7 Numbers 5:8 2 Samuel 12:6 Job 20:18 Isaiah 53:10 Subtopics Restitution: To be Made for Dishonesty Restitution: To be Made for Injury to Life, Limb, or Property Restitution: To be Made for Theft Related Terms Resting-places (27 Occurrences) Guilt-offering (34 Occurrences) Trespass-offering (34 Occurrences) Blood-guiltiness (4 Occurrences) |
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