In a world where the urge for retribution often tempts the human heart, the Bible provides clear guidance on the subject of revenge. Throughout its pages, Scripture counsels believers to resist the impulse to take matters into their own hands, instead entrusting justice and vengeance to God. Here are 30 Bible verses that speak to the theme of revenge and the divine call to leave judgment to the Lord.
1. Romans 12:19
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
2. Leviticus 19:18
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”
3. Matthew 5:38-39
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
4. Proverbs 20:22
“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.”
5. Deuteronomy 32:35
“It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.”
6. Proverbs 24:29
“Do not say, ‘I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.'”
7. 1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
8. Hebrews 10:30
“For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.'”
9. 1 Thessalonians 5:15
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
10. Proverbs 25:21-22
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.”
11. Luke 6:27-28
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
12. Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”
13. Romans 12:17
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.”
14. Proverbs 17:13
“If anyone returns evil for good, evil will not depart from their house.”
15. 1 Samuel 24:12
“May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.”
16. Proverbs 16:32
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”
17. Ecclesiastes 7:9
“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”
18. Romans 12:20
“On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.'”
19. 2 Thessalonians 1:6
“God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you”
20. Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
21. Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
22. James 1:19-20
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
23. 1 Peter 2:23
“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”
24. Matthew 7:1-2
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
25. James 4:12
“There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?”
26. 1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
27. Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
28. Romans 14:19
“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.”
29. Psalm 37:8
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.”
30. 2 Kings 6:22
“But he answered, ‘You shall not kill them. Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword and bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.'”
These verses collectively underscore a profound biblical principle: the act of vengeance is reserved for God alone. Believers are called to live in forgiveness, patience, and love, even towards their enemies, trusting in God’s perfect justice and timing. This path not only aligns with divine will but also opens the heart to peace and healing, transcending the destructive cycle of revenge.