Revenge and vengeance are complex topics that arise at times in the Bible. There are various perspectives presented, including teachings on restraint and leaving judgment to God. Here is an overview of some notable Bible verses about revenge and vengeance:
Old Testament Verses on Vengeance
In the Old Testament, there are passages depicting God enacting vengeance, as well as verses warning against personal vengeance:
- “Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.” (Deuteronomy 32:35)
- “Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11)
- “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:18)
In Deuteronomy, God declares vengeance as His domain, not for human hands. Ezekiel emphasizes God’s desire is for the wicked to repent, not to face vengeance. Leviticus calls on the Israelites to forego personal vengeance and grudges in their community.
New Testament Teachings on Revenge and Justice
Jesus and other New Testament authors also instruct on perspectives regarding vengeance and justice:
- “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” (Romans 12:19)
- “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:38-39)
- “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” (Romans 12:17-19)
Jesus calls his followers to non-violence and non-retaliation, even in the face of persecution. The apostle Paul also directs Christians to leave judgment to God rather than seek personal vengeance.
Asking God to Avenge
While personal revenge is condemned, asking God to enact justice is seen in the imprecatory psalms. These psalms ask God to judge enemies and enact vengeance:
- “Pour out your anger on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the kingdoms that do not call on your name.” (Psalm 79:6)
- “Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; Lord, tear out the fangs of those lions!” (Psalm 58:6)
- “Rise up, O God, and defend your cause; remember how fools mock you all day long. Do not ignore the clamor of your adversaries, the uproar of your enemies, which rises continually.” (Psalm 74:22-23)
These psalms depict crying out to God in times of persecution. While vengeful in tone, they leave judgment in God’s hands rather than seeking personal revenge.
Leaving Judgment to God
A common theme is leaving judgment and vengeance to God rather than seeking personal revenge. Verses communicating this include:
- “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” (Romans 12:19)
- “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” (Romans 12:17-19)
- “Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.” (Proverbs 20:22)
Rather than revenge, Jesus and the New Testament authors call for non-retaliation, peacemaking, and entrusting judgment to God.
Forgiveness and Repentance
There are also teachings on forgiveness that counter vengeance:
- “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
- “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)
- “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25)
Seeking or desiring vengeance is portrayed as antithetical to forgiveness. There are injunctions to forgive others as we have been forgiven by Christ.
In addition, there are calls for repentance from sinful vengeful anger:
- “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)
- “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20)
Scripture directs believers to avoid vengeance and instead pursue forgiveness and reconciliation when wronged. Vengeful responses are portrayed as fleshly rather than spiritual.
Love for Enemies
Love is presented as an alternative to vengeance. Verses include:
- “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:43-45)
- “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” (Romans 12:14)
- “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.” (1 Peter 3:9)
Rather than vengeance, Jesus and other New Testament authors instruct believers to repay harm with love and blessing toward enemies and persecutors.
Trusting God’s Righteous Judgment
Faith in God’s justice is presented as an alternative to seeking personal vengeance. Verses communicating this include:
- “Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper — it only leads to harm.” (Psalm 37:8)
- “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.” (Psalm 37:3-6)
Rather than vengeance, believers are called to trust God will ultimately make things right either through repentance and justice, or eschatological judgment.
Vengeance Only Belongs to God
One of the stronger themes is that vengeance is reserved for God alone to repay. Verses include:
- “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.” (Deuteronomy 32:35)
- “Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.” (Proverbs 20:22)
- “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.” (Romans 12:19)
Scripture consistently portrays vengeance and judgment as God’s domain. Human vengeance is condemned as sinful usurping of God’s authority.
Overcoming Evil with Good
The New Testament instructs believers to overcome evil with good rather than vengeance:
- “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
- “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.” (1 Peter 3:9)
Followers of Jesus are called to a reaction of grace and blessing when wronged. Non-retaliation strips away the facade of perpetrators’ moral high ground.
Vengeance Has No Place Among Christians
Scripture consistently condemns personal vengeance and calls believers to grace, forgiveness, trust in God’s justice, and overcoming evil with good. Vengeance has no place among Christians.
While difficult to follow at times, these teachings uphold the goodness of God in the face of evil. They display confidence in God’s sovereignty and care for justice. The Bible offers a moral high ground in reacting to wrongdoing with love.