What Does the Bible Say About Cursing or Wishing Harm on Others — Meaning Explained
Jesus commanded believers to bless those who curse them and pray for their persecutors — replacing cursing with blessing.
Jesus commanded believers to bless those who curse them and pray for their persecutors — replacing cursing with blessing.
"But 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." — Matthew 5:44 (KJV)
What "What Does the Bible Say About Cursing or Wishing Harm on Others?" Actually Means
The Bible contains imprecatory psalms where David called for God's judgment on enemies (Psalm 109, 137), reflecting the Old Testament's emphasis on divine justice. However, Jesus dramatically shifted the ethic: 'Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you' (Matthew 5:44). Romans 12:14 reinforces: 'Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.' James 3:9-10 warns against using the tongue to both bless God and curse people made in His image. The New Testament consistently teaches that vengeance belongs to God (Romans 12:19), and believers should respond to evil with good. This doesn't mean tolerating injustice — but the response should be prayer, blessing, and trust in God's ultimate justice.
Anchor Verses (KJV)
Matthew 5:44
"But 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."
Romans 12:14
"Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not."
James 3:10
"Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Daily Living
What does the Bible say about judging others?
Daily Living
What Does the Bible Say About Swearing and Cursing?
Daily Living
Volunteering and Serving Others
Scriptures about the call to serve others and the blessing of generosity.
Luke 6:31 — Meaning & Devotional
Christian Living
1 Corinthians 10:31 Commentary
In-depth study • Living for God's Glory
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.