שָׁלֵם

From the study of Proverbs 20:22

Range of meaning

The root š-l-m means being whole, complete, intact (hence shalom, "wholeness, well-being"). In the intensive form used here (shillem) it means to make whole or complete: to pay a debt, make restitution for damage, fulfil a vow, or reward and repay, for good or for ill. The basic idea is restoring balance: what was taken or broken is made good.

Against the English

BSB's "avenge" brings out the hostile intent but loses the bookkeeping image. KJV/YLT "recompense" and ESV/NASB/WEB "repay / pay back" keep it. The Hebrew speaker isn't ranting. He is calmly announcing that he will even the score, which makes the temptation sound like fairness.

Used elsewhere in the period

Used for legal restitution in the Torah: shallem yeshallem, "he must surely make it good" (Exodus 21:34–36; 22:1–15). Used for unpaid debts in Psalm 37:21 ("the wicked borrows and does not repay"). Proverbs usually makes YHWH the subject of this verb: "he will repay him" (19:17); "the LORD will reward you" (25:22, after the command to feed your enemy). The Song of Moses has YHWH say, "Vengeance is mine, and recompense [shillem, the same root]" (Deuteronomy 32:35). By contrast, Psalm 41:10 has a sufferer pray, "raise me up, that I may repay them" (wa-ʾashallemah, the same verb form). So the wish was a familiar one in Israel's prayers too.

From the study of Proverbs 19:17

Range of meaning

Root sense: to be whole or complete (related to šālôm). In the intensive form used here it means to make whole: pay a debt, make restitution, fulfill a vow, requite.

Against the English

"Repay" (BSB, ESV, NLT) and "pay him again" (KJV) keep the debt image. "Reward" (WEB, NIV) turns a settled debt into a prize and loses the bookkeeping picture the verse builds.

Used elsewhere in the period

Exodus 22:1–15 (šallēm yəšallēm, "he shall surely make restitution"). 2 Kings 4:7 ("sell the oil and pay your debt"). Psalm 37:21 (the wicked borrows and does not yəšallēm). Psalm 50:14 and 116:14 (paying vows).

From the study of Isaiah 44:28

Range of meaning

From the root š-l-m, 'be whole, complete, sound', which also gives 'shalom'. In the causative form it means to finish or complete (a building, 1 Kings 9:25), to carry out a vow or a plan, to pay in full or make restitution, and to make peace.

Against the English

'Perform' (KJV), 'fulfill' (BSB, ESV) and 'accomplish' (NIV) are all accurate. What English loses is the idea of bringing something to a whole, finished state, and the possible sound link to Jerusalem.

Used elsewhere in the period

The verb is used for completing the temple (1 Kings 9:25) and for fulfilling vows (Psalm 50:14; Psalm 66:13).