What Does the Bible Say About Revenge?
What Does the Bible Say About Revenge? The Bible explicitly forbids personal revenge, declaring 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord' (Romans 12:19).
Key verse: Romans 12:19 (KJV)
The Bible explicitly forbids personal revenge, declaring 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord' (Romans 12:19).
The Bible explicitly forbids personal revenge, declaring 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord' (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." — Romans 12:19 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Scripture consistently reserves vengeance for God. Leviticus 19:18 commands, 'Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge.' Romans 12:17-21 provides the most comprehensive teaching: 'Recompense to no man evil for evil... avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.' Instead of revenge, believers are told to overcome evil with good. Jesus taught turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) and forgiveness without limit (Matthew 18:21-22). The reason we can release the need for revenge is that God is a perfectly just judge who will right every wrong (2 Thessalonians 1:6). Trusting God with vengeance frees us from the prison of bitterness and allows healing to begin.
Key Scripture References
"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."
"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
"But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
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What Does the Bible Say About Anger?
The Bible distinguishes between righteous anger and sinful anger, teaching believers to be 'slow to wrath' and to resolve anger quickly.
What Does the Bible Say About Justice?
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.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible doesn't condemn money itself but warns against the love of money and teaches generosity, contentment, and wise stewardship.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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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 planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Revenge?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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