What Does the Bible Say About Revenge — Meaning Explained
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)
What "What Does the Bible Say About Revenge?" Actually Means
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.
Anchor Verses (KJV)
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 12:21
"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
Matthew 5:39
"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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