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    Theology & Doctrine

    What Does the Bible Say About the Wrath of God?

    What Does the Bible Say About the Wrath of God? God's wrath is His holy, righteous response to sin — it is not capricious anger but the settled opposition of a perfectly just God against all evil.

    Key verse: Romans 1:18 (KJV)

    God's wrath is His holy, righteous response to sin — it is not capricious anger but the settled opposition of a perfectly just God against all evil.

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    God's wrath is His holy, righteous response to sin — it is not capricious anger but the settled opposition of a perfectly just God against all evil.

    "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness." — Romans 1:18 (KJV)

    The Biblical Answer

    Many are uncomfortable with the idea of God's wrath, but Scripture speaks of it extensively. Romans 1:18 declares, 'the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.' Nahum 1:2 says, 'God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries.' God's wrath is not the same as human anger — it is not petty, vindictive, or irrational. It is the necessary response of a holy God to sin. A God who did not hate evil would not be good. The Old Testament displays God's wrath against sin: the Flood, Sodom, the plagues on Egypt, and judgment on wayward Israel. Yet God's wrath is always tempered by mercy: 'in wrath remember mercy' (Habakkuk 3:2). The ultimate expression of both wrath and love is the cross — where God's righteous anger against sin was poured out on Christ so that sinners could be forgiven. Romans 5:9 assures believers they are 'saved from wrath through him.'

    Topic Overview

    What Does the Bible Say About Anger?

    What Scripture teaches about righteous anger, sinful rage, and managing emotions.

    Key Scripture References

    "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness."
    "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him."
    "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

    Frequently asked questions

    Frequently asked questions

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    Deep Dive Commentary

    For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:

    Related Reading

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    Read it in context

    The answer above sits inside Romans. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.

    Read Romans on day 334 of the chronological Bible reading plan

    Keep the verses to hand

    Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About the Wrath of God?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Many are uncomfortable with the idea of God's wrath, but Scripture speaks of it extensively. Romans 1:18 declares, 'the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.' Nahum 1:2 says, 'God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries.' God's wrath is not the same as human anger — it is not petty, vindictive, or irrational. It is the necessary response of a holy God to sin. A God who did not hate evil would not be good. The Old Testament displays God's wrath against sin: the Flood, Sodom, the plagues on Egypt, and judgment on wayward Israel. Yet God's wrath is always tempered by mercy: 'in wrath remember mercy' (Habakkuk 3:2). The ultimate expression of both wrath and love is the cross — where God's righteous anger against sin was poured out on Christ so that sinners could be forgiven. Romans 5:9 assures believers they are 'saved from wrath through him.'

    The Bible reveals God as perfectly just and calls His people to pursue justice for the oppressed, the poor, and the vulnerable as an expression of His character.

    Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.