Revenge is an instinctive reaction for many when they are wronged. The feeling of being mistreated can stir up a desire for retaliation, and it is in our fallen nature to seek justice by our own means. Whether it is a betrayal, injustice, or hurt caused by others, the temptation to take matters into our own hands and seek revenge can be overwhelming. However, the Bible offers clear guidance on how we should respond to personal offense, emphasizing forgiveness, trust in God’s justice, and the importance of leaving vengeance to Him.
Throughout Scripture, we are reminded that God is the ultimate judge, and He alone has the authority to enact retribution. We are called not to retaliate but to live in a way that reflects Christ’s love and forgiveness, even when faced with hostility. Revenge does not bring true healing or justice, but trusting God and choosing peace does. The Bible encourages us to overcome evil with good and to entrust any injustices we experience to the one who sees all and will repay accordingly.
In this article, we will explore 20 Bible verses that address the topic of revenge. These verses will help us understand what God says about the desire for retaliation and how we, as His followers, should respond to wrongs. Let’s dive into these Scriptures and allow God’s wisdom to guide our hearts and actions.
1. Romans 12:19 (KJV)
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
This verse reminds us that vengeance belongs to God alone. Instead of taking matters into our own hands, we are to trust that God will handle the situation in His time and in His way. When we feel anger or resentment bubbling up, we should leave the matter in God’s capable hands.
2. Matthew 5:39 (KJV)
“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.”
Jesus calls us to a radical form of love and forgiveness. Rather than responding with anger or revenge when we are wronged, He encourages us to offer grace and forgiveness. This does not mean allowing ourselves to be abused, but it means not seeking revenge or harboring bitterness.
3. Leviticus 19:18 (KJV)
“Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.”
God commands His people not to seek vengeance or hold grudges. Instead, we are called to love others as we love ourselves. This command underscores the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, even when others wrong us.
4. Proverbs 24:29 (KJV)
“Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.”
This verse warns against seeking revenge by returning evil for evil. Instead, we are reminded that we should not mirror the actions of others but choose a higher path—one that is grounded in forgiveness and grace.
5. Romans 12:21 (KJV)
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
The Apostle Paul teaches that rather than being overcome by evil or retaliating in kind, we should overcome evil by doing good. This principle reflects the heart of the Gospel—responding to hatred and injustice with love and kindness.
6. 1 Peter 3:9 (KJV)
“Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”
Peter teaches that Christians should not repay evil with evil or insults with insults. Instead, we are to respond with blessings, remembering that we are called to live in a way that reflects Christ’s character.
7. Hebrews 10:30 (KJV)
“For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.”
God is the ultimate judge, and He promises that vengeance belongs to Him. We are to trust in His justice and timing, knowing that He will handle all wrongs with perfect fairness.
8. Proverbs 20:22 (KJV)
“Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.”
Rather than taking revenge into our own hands, this verse encourages us to wait on the Lord. His timing is perfect, and He will provide deliverance and justice when the time is right.
9. Matthew 7:12 (KJV)
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”
The Golden Rule teaches us to treat others as we would want to be treated. Instead of seeking revenge, we are called to respond to others with kindness, mercy, and love, just as we hope to receive from them.
10. Ephesians 4:31-32 (KJV)
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Paul encourages believers to put away all bitterness and anger, choosing instead to be kind and forgiving. We are to forgive others as God has forgiven us, reflecting His grace in our relationships.
11. Psalm 37:1-2 (KJV)
“Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.”
When we are wronged or see injustice, it’s easy to become frustrated or angry. However, this verse reminds us not to fret over evil people or their actions, for God will judge them in His time.
12. 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8 (KJV)
“Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Paul assures the Thessalonians that God will repay those who cause suffering, and He will do so in His time. This passage reminds us that God’s justice is perfect and will be executed at the right moment.
13. Proverbs 17:13 (KJV)
“Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.”
This verse warns that returning evil for good brings lasting consequences. God desires that we respond to others with goodness, even when we have been wronged, so that His peace may dwell in our hearts and homes.
14. Romans 2:6 (KJV)
“Who will render to every man according to his deeds.”
This verse emphasizes that God will judge every person according to their actions. While we are not to seek revenge, we can trust that God’s justice will prevail, and He will render to each person what they deserve.
15. Matthew 18:21-22 (KJV)
“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”
In this passage, Jesus teaches us about the importance of forgiveness. Instead of seeking revenge when others hurt us, we are called to forgive repeatedly, just as God forgives us.
16. Romans 13:4 (KJV)
“For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”
This verse reminds us that the authorities established by God have the responsibility to carry out justice. While we are not to take revenge ourselves, we can trust that God has set systems in place for maintaining order and punishing evil.
17. Psalm 94:1-2 (KJV)
“O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself. Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.”
This psalm is a prayer asking God to bring justice and avenge the wrongs done to His people. It emphasizes that vengeance belongs to God alone and that He will execute it in His own time.
18. Luke 6:27-28 (KJV)
“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.”
Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of living, one that includes loving our enemies and praying for those who hurt us. Rather than seeking revenge, we are to bless and forgive those who wrong us.
19. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 (KJV)
“See that none render evil
for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.”
Paul encourages believers to avoid returning evil for evil, emphasizing that we should pursue good and peace in all relationships, both within the church and with others.
20. Colossians 3:13 (KJV)
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
As Christians, we are called to forgive one another, just as Christ has forgiven us. This forgiveness is the antidote to revenge and bitterness, and it is the key to living in peace with others.
Conclusion
The Bible teaches us that revenge is not our responsibility. Instead, we are called to trust in God’s perfect justice and to respond to wrongs with forgiveness, love, and grace. God promises that vengeance belongs to Him and that He will repay those who do evil. As we follow Christ’s example, we are to forgive as He has forgiven us, and trust that He will handle all injustices in His time. By choosing to forgive and leave vengeance to God, we reflect His character and bring peace to our own hearts and relationships. Let us seek to live according to these powerful teachings, overcoming evil with good, and trusting in God’s justice and mercy.
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