Types of restitution in the Bible

         Restitution is a powerful and often overlooked principle in the Bible. It goes beyond repentance—restitution is the act of making amends for a wrong that has been committed, particularly when it affects another person. God's law demonstrates His justice and mercy by including restitution as a way to restore what has been broken or taken, and it reflects His desire for restored relationships and righteousness.

        This teaching will explain the different types of restitution in the Bible, backed by scriptural references and examples. Understanding biblical restitution helps believers apply this principle in their walk with God and in their relationships with others.

1. Restitution for Theft or Loss

         One of the clearest types of restitution in the Bible deals with theft. God commanded that if someone stole something, they were not only to return it but to repay more than what they took.

    Exodus 22:1 (KJV) – “If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.”

         The Bible outlines specific recompense depending on the value or nature of the stolen goods. This principle underlines the seriousness of the offense and the need for accountability.

Example:

         Zacchaeus, a tax collector, provides a New Testament example of this principle in action.

    Luke 19:8 (KJV) – “And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.”

         Zacchaeus’s willingness to restore what he had unjustly taken showed the fruit of true repentance and a heart transformed by Christ.

2. Restitution for Injury or Harm

        When harm is done to another person—physically or materially—the Bible teaches that restitution must be made to compensate the victim.

    Exodus 21:18–19 (KJV) – “And if men strive together, and one smite another... he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed.”

        This form of restitution required that if a person injured another, they were responsible not only for the immediate harm but also for lost time and healing costs. This ensured that justice was served and relationships could be restored.

3. Restitution for Damage to Property

         God's law also addressed accidental or deliberate destruction of another person’s property. Whether it was a field, a crop, or livestock, restitution had to be made.

    Exodus 22:5–6 (KJV) – “If a man shall cause a field or vineyard to be eaten, and shall put in his beast, and shall feed in another man's field; of the best of his own field... shall he make restitution.”

         In other words, even if the damage was unintentional, a person was still obligated to restore what was lost—often with interest or a better replacement.

4. Restitution for Deception and False Dealing

         Another form of restitution involved lies, fraud, or misrepresentation. When someone deceived another in a business deal or withheld lost property, they were required to make full restitution plus a penalty.

    Leviticus 6:2–5 (KJV) – “If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the Lord, and lie unto his neighbor... then it shall be, because he hath sinned... he shall restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto...”

         The addition of a fifth part (20%) served as both compensation and a deterrent to dishonesty. This kind of restitution recognized the broader moral implications of deceit, not just the financial loss.

5. Restitution to God (Spiritual Restitution)

         Not all restitution involves material goods. The Bible also discusses spiritual restitution—making things right with God after sin or disobedience.

         Under the Old Covenant, this often required offerings or sacrifices. Today, it involves confession, repentance, and a heart turned back to God.

    Psalm 51:16–17 (KJV) – “For thou desirest not sacrifice... The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”

         Though Jesus has fulfilled the law of sacrifices, the principle of spiritual restitution—bringing our heart back to God—remains essential.

Example:

         David’s repentance after his sin with Bathsheba wasn’t just private sorrow; it involved a public acknowledgment and a sincere turning back to God.

6. Restitution Through Intercession and Advocacy

         There are instances in Scripture where someone else steps in to make restitution on behalf of another. This is a form of representative restitution, showing God's heart of mercy and redemption.

   Philemon 1:18–19 (KJV) – “If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it...”

         Here, Paul offers to make restitution on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway servant, showing grace and reconciliation within the early church.

         This type of restitution prefigures Christ’s own atoning work, where He paid the debt we could not pay.

7. Restitution of Land and Inheritance

         In ancient Israel, land and family inheritance were sacred. If land was sold or lost due to debt, it could be redeemed (restored) through restitution by a relative.

    Leviticus 25:25 (KJV) – “If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away some of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold.”

         This was a form of social and economic restitution, preserving family lines and ensuring that poverty did not permanently destroy a household’s legacy.

8. Restitution Through Forgiveness and Reconciliation

         Though not always involving material compensation, restitution through forgiveness is a biblical concept. It includes reconciling with others, healing broken relationships, and righting past wrongs.

    Matthew 5:23–24 (KJV) – “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift... first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”

         This teaches us that spiritual worship cannot be separated from relational restitution.

Reflections on Restitution

1. Restitution reflects justice – It aligns with God’s holy nature and sense of fairness.

2. Restitution reflects repentance – True repentance often includes action, not just apology.

3. Restitution opens the door to healing – Both for the one who was wronged and the one who committed the wrong.

4. Restitution points to Christ – Jesus made the ultimate restitution, paying the price for our sins to reconcile us with God.

         Restitution is not just an Old Testament legal concept—it is a living principle of justice, love, and righteousness. God desires that His people not only confess their sins but also make efforts to restore what has been broken. Whether it’s restoring property, relationships, or spiritual fellowship with God, restitution is a tangible sign of transformation.

         As believers, we must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading in this area. There may be people we need to make things right with. There may be areas where we need to give back, apologize, or make amends. In doing so, we fulfill God’s command to love our neighbor and walk in integrity.