What Does the Bible Say About Revenge — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Romans 12:19, sits inside Romans 12. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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