What does the Bible say about revenge?

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

• Romans 12:19

  Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord."

• Romans 12:17-21

  [17] Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. [18] If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. [19] Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord." [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." [21] Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

• 1 Peter 3:9

  not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing.

• Matthew 5:38-39

  [38] "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' [39] But I tell you, don't resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.

• Proverbs 24:29

  Don't say, "I will do to him as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work."

• Leviticus 19:18

  You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people; but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am Yahweh.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:15

  See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good, for one another, and for all.

• Romans 12:1-21

  [1] Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. [2] Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God. [3] For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith. [4] For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don't have the same function, [5] so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. [6] Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; [7] or service, let us give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching; [8] or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. [9] Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good. [10] In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another; [11] not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; [12] rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; [13] contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality. [14] Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don't curse. [15] Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. [16] Be of the same mind one toward another. Don't set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don't be wise in your own conceits. [17] Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. [18] If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. [19] Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord." [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." [21] Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

• Mark 11:25

  Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions.

• Proverbs 20:22

  Don't say, "I will pay back evil." Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you.

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