Original Word: גְּמוּלָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: gmuwlah
Pronunciation: geh-moo-LAH
Phonetic Spelling: (ghem-oo-law')
KJV: deed, recompense, such a reward
NASB: deeds, recompense, reward
Word Origin: [feminine of H1576 (גְּמוּל - recompense)]

1. meaning the same

deed, recompense, such a reward

Feminine of gmuwl; meaning the same -- deed, recompense, such a reward.

see HEBREW gmuwl

Word Origin
fem. of gemul
Definition
a dealing, recompense
NASB Translation
deeds (1), recompense (1), reward (1).

גְּמוּלָה noun feminine^{2Sam 19:37} dealing, recompence — ׳ג 2 Samuel 19:37 compare גָּמַל; plural גְּמוּלוֺת dealings Isaiah 59:18; Jeremiah 51:56 אֵל גְּמֻלוֺת God of recompence.

Overview

גְּמוּלָה encapsulates the idea of recompense—returning to someone what is due, whether favor or retribution. In each of its three Old Testament appearances the term points to measured, appropriate repayment, reinforcing the biblical pattern that actions invite corresponding consequences under God’s sovereign rule.

Scriptural Occurrences

• 2 Samuel 19:36 portrays gracious reward: “Your servant will cross over the Jordan with the king for a short distance; why should the king repay me with such a reward?”. Barzillai, already favored, declines further royal compensation, illustrating generosity that asks nothing in return.
• Isaiah 59:18 speaks of holy retaliation: “So He will repay according to their deeds: fury to His foes, recompense to His enemies; He will repay the islands their due.”.
• Jeremiah 51:56 declares ultimate vindication: “For a destroyer is coming against Babylon… for the LORD is a God of recompense; He will repay in full.”.

The Principle of Righteous Recompense

From Genesis onward Scripture affirms that God “will not acquit the guilty” yet “shows loving devotion to thousands” (Exodus 34:7). גְּמוּלָה crystallizes that tension: the same term covers benevolent reward and punitive justice. The concept safeguards moral order, assuring that faithfulness is noticed (Hebrews 6:10) and wickedness is not ignored (Romans 2:6).

Royal and Covenant Contexts

In 2 Samuel the earthly king mirrors the heavenly King, ready to repay loyal service. Under the covenant, Israel’s monarchs were charged to express divine justice in real time (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). Barzillai’s episode therefore models covenant reciprocity—kindness met with kindness—whilst highlighting that true servants prefer the Giver over the gift.

Prophetic Enforcement of Justice

Isaiah and Jeremiah invoke גְּמוּלָה when Israel faces oppressors. The prophets assure victims that God personally undertakes their case; ruthless nations will receive “according to their deeds.” Such proclamations comfort the faithful remnant, encourage repentance, and deter further evil. Babylon’s fall (Jeremiah 51) becomes a historical pledge that every empire will meet its own harvest (Galatians 6:7).

Foreshadowing Ultimate Reckoning

The Old Testament glimpses a final, comprehensive גְּמוּלָה. Revelation 22:12 echoes the motif: “Look, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me to repay each one according to what he has done.” The cross does not erase recompense; it transfers it. Christ absorbs the believer’s deserved penalty (Isaiah 53:5) and secures gracious reward for Spirit-enabled obedience (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Ministry Implications

1. Motivation for holiness: Knowing that God “will repay” steadies the heart against bitterness and fuels perseverance (Romans 12:19).
2. Integrity in leadership: Like David, spiritual shepherds are called to recognize and honor faithful service, reflecting the character of God.
3. Hope for the oppressed: גְּמוּלָה guarantees that injustice is temporary; believers may rest their case with the Judge of all the earth.
4. Evangelistic urgency: Pending recompense underscores the necessity of proclaiming reconciliation through Christ before righteous repayment falls (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).

Conclusion

גְּמוּלָה is a thread weaving through narrative, prophecy, and eschatology, testifying that God governs history with meticulous equity. By rewarding loyalty and confronting evil, He vindicates His holiness, comforts His people, and summons all to walk in reverent obedience.

גְּמֻל֛וֹת גְּמֻלוֹת֙ גמלות הַגְּמוּלָ֖ה הגמולה gə·mu·lō·wṯ gemulOt gəmulōwṯ hag·gə·mū·lāh haggemuLah haggəmūlāhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts