What does the Bible say about our enemies?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that God’s people are to trust him amid opposition, love their enemies, and leave vengeance in his righteous hands. Jesus commands believers to do good, bless, pray for, and show mercy to those who hate or mistreat them in Luke 6:27-36, reflecting the Father’s gracious character. Romans 12:14, 20 calls Christians to bless persecutors and overcome evil with practical kindness rather than retaliation. Yet this love does not deny God’s justice: Matthew 22:44 declares Christ’s final victory over all his foes. Psalms 23, 91, and 138 assure believers that the Lord protects, sustains, and preserves them in trouble, even when enemies surround them.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Matthew 22:44
'The Lord said to my Lord, Sit on my right hand, Until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet?'
- Luke 6:27-36
[27] "But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. [29] To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer also the other; and from him who takes away your cloak, don't withhold your coat also. [30] Give to everyone who asks you, and don't ask him who takes away your goods to give them back again. [31] "As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them. [32] If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. [33] If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. [34] If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much. [35] But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil. [36] Therefore be merciful, Even as your Father is also merciful.
- Romans 12:20
Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head."
- Psalms 23:1-6
[1] > Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. [3] He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. [4] Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over. [6] Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell in Yahweh's house forever.
- 2 Peter 2:1
But there also arose false prophets among the people, as among you also there will be false teachers, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master who bought them, bringing on themselves swift destruction.
- John 14:1
"Don't let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me.
- Matthew 5:11
"Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
- Psalms 91:1-16
[1] He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [2] I will say of Yahweh, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in whom I trust." [3] For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, And from the deadly pestilence. [4] He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart. [5] You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day; [6] Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that wastes at noonday. [7] A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it will not come near you. [8] You will only look with your eyes, And see the recompense of the wicked. [9] Because you have made Yahweh your refuge, And the Most High your dwelling place, [10] No evil shall happen to you, Neither shall any plague come near your dwelling. [11] For he will give his angels charge over you, To guard you in all your ways. [12] They will bear you up in their hands, So that you won't dash your foot against a stone. [13] You will tread on the lion and cobra. You will trample the young lion and the serpent underfoot. [14] "Because he has set his love on me, therefore I will deliver him. I will set him on high, because he has known my name. [15] He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him, and honor him. [16] I will satisfy him with long life, And show him my salvation."
- Romans 12:14
Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don't curse.
- Psalms 138:7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you will revive me. You will stretch forth your hand against the wrath of my enemies. Your right hand will save me.
Related topics
Go deeper
Ask Explain Bible AI about our enemies and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.
Ask what the Bible says about our enemies