The concept of revenge is a tempting response when faced with hurt or injustice, but the Bible offers a different perspective on how to handle conflicts and wrongdoings. Scripture teaches us about the importance of forgiveness, grace, and leaving vengeance in God’s hands.
As you explore Bible verses about revenge, you will find powerful reminders of the importance of loving our enemies, praying for those who hurt us, and choosing compassion over bitterness.
Reflecting on these passages can inspire a shift in mindset, allowing you to let go of anger and resentment. Ultimately, these scriptures serve as a reminder that forgiveness brings freedom and peace, guiding us toward more righteous and constructive responses in the face of wrongdoing.
Bible Verses About Revenge
Understanding Revenge in the Bible
“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
More Related Verses:
“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.” – Matthew 5:38-39
“The Lord is a God who avenges. O God who avenges, shine forth.” – Psalm 94:1
“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” – Proverbs 15:18
Also read: 31 Bible Verses About Breakups (with Related Verses)
Old Testament Perspectives on Revenge
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” – Leviticus 19:18
More Related Verses:
“For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” – Deuteronomy 4:24
“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.” – Proverbs 20:22
“It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans.” – Psalm 118:8
New Testament Teachings on Forgiveness over Revenge
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44
More Related Verses:
“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
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” – Matthew 5:23-24
“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” – Matthew 6:12
The Dangers of Holding onto Revenge
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” – Proverbs 10:12
More Related Verses:
“If you harbor bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness in your heart, it will choke you.” – Ephesians 4:31
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30
“You will be led into sin if you do not keep these commandments.” – Mark 10:19
Jesus’ Teachings on Non-Retaliation
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” – Luke 6:27
More Related Verses:
“If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” – Luke 6:29
“He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.” – Proverbs 14:29
“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.” – 1 Peter 2:23
The Concept of Divine Justice
“It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord.” – Romans 12:19
More Related Verses:
“For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.'” – Hebrews 10:30
“He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness.” – Psalm 96:13
“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14
Biblical Characters and Their Revenge Stories
“And she said, ‘If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, let your servant speak to you. Hear what your servant has to say.'” – 1 Samuel 25:24
More Related Verses:
“Then said Joab, ‘I have no part in you. Please see to it that you do not harm me!'” – 2 Samuel 20:19
“But Joab turned aside and took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.” – 2 Samuel 20:9
“David said to Abishai, ‘Do not destroy him, for who can raise his hand against the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless?'” – 1 Samuel 26:9
The Role of Anger in the Context of Revenge
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” – Ephesians 4:26
More Related Verses:
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.” – Psalm 37:8
“Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous.” – Proverbs 27:4
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamoring and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” – Ephesians 4:31
The Importance of Forgiveness
“If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14
More Related Verses:
“Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.” – Colossians 3:13
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14
Embracing Love instead of Revenge
“Love does not harm a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10
More Related Verses:
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.” – Romans 13:8
“This is my command: Love each other.” – John 15:17
The Power of Letting Go
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
More Related Verses:
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” – Hebrews 8:12
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
“Rejoice not when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles.” – Proverbs 24:17
Consequences of Seeking Revenge
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” – Galatians 6:7
More Related Verses:
“For the wicked will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.” – Psalm 37:9
“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong.” – Psalm 37:1
“The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.” – Proverbs 19:8
God’s Call to Love Our Enemies
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44
More Related Verses:
“He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” – Matthew 5:45
“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” – Luke 6:28
“To the one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also.” – Luke 6:29
The Transformation of Heart and Mind
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2
More Related Verses:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10
“For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” – Luke 6:45
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” – Ephesians 4:30
Trusting God’s Timing for Justice
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” – Ecclesiastes 3:11
More Related Verses:
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” – Psalm 27:14
“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” – Micah 7:7
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.” – Jeremiah 29:11
The Wisdom of Proverbs on Conflict
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
More Related Verses:
“Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.” – Proverbs 17:1
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” – Proverbs 20:3
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” – Proverbs 14:29
Revenge and Personal Relationships
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Leviticus 19:18
More Related Verses:
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” – Matthew 6:12
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3
Revenge vs. Vengeance: Understanding the Distinction
“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Leviticus 19:18
More Related Verses:
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness.” – Ephesians 6:12
“The battle is not yours, but God’s.” – 2 Chronicles 20:15
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.” – Matthew 5:38-39
Healing from Hurt without Revenge
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
More Related Verses:
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.” – Psalm 91:4
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
The Role of Prayer in Overcoming Desire for Revenge
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2
More Related Verses:
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” – Ephesians 6:18
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The Peace that Comes from Forgiveness
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7
More Related Verses:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” – Romans 16:20
Biblical Stories of Reconciliation
“And Joseph said to them, ‘Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?'” – Genesis 50:19
More Related Verses:
“But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.” – Genesis 33:4
“Paul and Barnabas had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.” – Acts 15:39
“He replied, ‘My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.’” – Luke 8:21
The Significance of Humility in Confronting Wrongdoing
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” – 1 Peter 5:6
More Related Verses:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” – Proverbs 11:2
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” – Matthew 5:5
The Fruit of the Spirit against Revenge
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22-23
More Related Verses:
“Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” – Galatians 5:16
“But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” – John 3:21
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Finding Freedom in Forgiveness
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36
More Related Verses:
“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” – Luke 11:4
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32
“The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Final Thoughts
Understanding revenge and its implications in our lives is crucial for spiritual growth. The Biblical directives encourage us to forsake revenge in favor of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Holding onto anger and a desire for revenge often leads to inner turmoil and continued emotional suffering. Instead, the Scriptures guide us toward a path of healing, urging us to love our enemies and practice forgiveness, showing the true power of God’s love.
Embracing forgiveness can transform our hearts and minds, enabling us to find peace and liberation from anger. Trusting in God’s justice allows us to let go of our need for retaliation, leading to healthier relationships and a more profound spiritual journey.