Revenge

Revenge is addressed in both Testaments. This page lists verses on vengeance belonging to God, not repaying evil for evil, Jesus' teaching, overcoming evil with good, and examples.

Vengeance belongs to God

• Romans 12:19
  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
  Show context · Read Romans 12 →
• Deuteronomy 32:35
  To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.
  Show context · Read Deuteronomy 32 →
• Hebrews 10:30
  For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
  Show context · Read Hebrews 10 →

Not repaying evil for evil

• Romans 12:17
  Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
  Show context · Read Romans 12 →
• 1 Thessalonians 5:15
  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
  Show context · Read 1 Thessalonians 5 →
• 1 Peter 3:9
  Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
  Show context · Read 1 Peter 3 →
• Proverbs 20:22
  Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.
  Show context · Read Proverbs 20 →
• Proverbs 24:29
  Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
  Show context · Read Proverbs 24 →
• Leviticus 19:18
  Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.
  Show context · Read Leviticus 19 →

Jesus' teaching

• Matthew 5:38-39
  ³⁸Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: ³⁹But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
  Show context · Read Matthew 5 →
• Matthew 5:43-44
  ⁴³Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. ⁴⁴But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  Show context · Read Matthew 5 →
• Luke 6:27-28
  ²⁷But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, ²⁸Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
  Show context · Read Luke 6 →

Overcoming evil with good

• Romans 12:20-21
  ²⁰Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. ²¹Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
  Show context · Read Romans 12 →
• Proverbs 25:21-22
  ²¹If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: ²²For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.
  Show context · Read Proverbs 25 →

Examples

• 1 Samuel 24:12
  The Lord judge between me and thee, and the Lord avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.
  Show context · Read 1 Samuel 24 →
• Luke 23:34
  Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
  Show context · Read Luke 23 →
• 1 Peter 2:23
  Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
  Show context · Read 1 Peter 2 →

See also

• Forgiveness
• Anger
• Love
• Justice

Notes

1. Verses are quoted in the translation chosen in the Translation menu at the top of the page. See Translations for sources and copyright notices.
2. Each reference links to the full chapter so the verse can be read in context.