What does the Bible say about retaliation?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible forbids personal vengeance and calls God’s people to pursue justice, mercy, and love even toward enemies. The laws of Exodus 21:23-25 and Deuteronomy 19:19-21 established measured public justice, restraining revenge rather than licensing private retaliation. Leviticus 19:18 commands love for one’s neighbor and forbids bearing a grudge, while Proverbs 20:22 and 24:29 urge believers to wait for the Lord instead of repaying wrong. Jesus deepens this calling in Matthew 5:38-44, teaching His disciples to resist evil without vindictiveness, to turn the other cheek, and to love and pray for enemies. God will judge evil rightly; Christians may seek lawful justice while entrusting final vengeance to Him.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- General scriptures concerning Exodus 21:23-25; Leviticus 19:18; Leviticus 24:17-22; Deuteronomy 19:19-21; Psalms 10:2; Proverbs 20:22; Proverbs 24:29; Proverbs 26:27; Isaiah 33:1; Matthew 5:38-44; Matthew 7:1; Matthew 7:2
- See AVENGER
- See HATRED
- See MALICE
- See REVENGE
- INSTANCES OF
- The Israelites on the Amalekites Deuteronomy 25:17-19; 1 Samuel 15:1-9
- Gideon on the princes of Succoth Judges 8:7; Judges 8:13-16
- The kings of Midian Judges 8:18-21
- Penuel Judges 8:8; Judges 8:17
- Joab on Abner 2 Samuel 3:27; 2 Samuel 3:30
- David on Michal 2 Samuel 6:21-23
- David on Joab 1 Kings 2:5; 1 Kings 2:6
- David on Shimei 1 Kings 2:8; 1 Kings 2:9
- Jews on the Chaldeans Esther 9
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