Introduction – Why the Bible Warns Against Revenge
Imagine you trusted someone deeply, but they hurt you very badly. It’s natural to feel angry and want to get even. Revenge might seem like the right answer in that moment. But the Bible teaches us a better way one full of love, forgiveness, and trusting God’s justice.
I have also struggled with wanting to repay wrongs with the same pain. Yet, God’s Word reminds me that taking revenge is not ours to do. Instead, we are called to forgive, to show kindness even when it’s hard, and to leave judgment in God’s hands.
These 25 Bible verses about revenge help us understand why God warns against revenge. They guide us to walk in peace, letting go of anger, and trusting that God will make all things right in His perfect time.
25 Bible Verses About Revenge and Forgiveness
Old Testament Bible Verses About Revenge
1. Leviticus 19:18 – Love Your Neighbor Instead of Retaliating
“Love your neighbor as yourself. Do not seek revenge or hold a grudge against others.”
God teaches us to replace anger with love. When we choose to love instead of payback, we reflect His heart and bring peace around us.
2. Proverbs 20:22 – Wait for the Lord’s Justice
“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay them back for what they did to me.’ Wait for the Lord, and He will save you.”
When we feel hurt, it’s tempting to act quickly. But God wants us to trust Him to handle justice in His perfect time.
3. Deuteronomy 32:35 – Vengeance Belongs to God
“Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; their foot shall slip in due time, for the day of their disaster is near.”
God promises to take care of wrongs. We don’t have to carry bitterness He will judge righteously.
4. Proverbs 24:29 – Don’t Repay Evil with Evil
“Do not say, ‘I will do to them as they have done to me.’”
Breaking the cycle of revenge stops pain from spreading. Forgiveness brings healing and freedom.
5. Genesis 50:20 – God Turns Evil into Good
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done—to save many lives.”
Even when people hurt us, God can use those situations for His good purpose.
6. Micah 6:8 – Live Justly and Humbly
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”
God calls us to live with fairness, kindness, and humility, rising above revenge.
New Testament Bible Verses About Revenge
7. Romans 12:19 – Vengeance Belongs to the Lord
“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.”
We are called to trust God’s justice, not seek our own revenge.
8. Romans 12:17-18 – Live Peaceably with Everyone
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Living in peace reflects God’s kingdom and breaks the chain of revenge.
9. Matthew 5:38-39 – Turn the Other Cheek
“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 also.”
Jesus teaches humility and strength through forgiveness, not retaliation.
10. Matthew 5:44 – Love and Pray for Your Enemies
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Loving and praying for those who hurt us shows the power of God’s love breaking revenge.
11. Luke 6:27-28 – Bless Those Who Curse You
“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.”
Radical kindness and prayer can change hearts and bring peace.
12. 1 Peter 3:9 – Overcome Evil with Blessing
“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.”
Choosing to bless instead of curse shows spiritual maturity.
13. Colossians 3:13 – Forgive as Christ Forgave You
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Forgiveness frees us and reflects Christ’s grace.
14. Ephesians 4:31-32 – Remove Bitterness, Choose Kindness
“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.”
Letting go of anger brings healing and transforms relationships.
15. James 1:19-20 – Be Slow to Anger
“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.”
Patience and self-control help us follow God’s will, not our emotions.
16. Hebrews 10:30 – God Will Judge His People
“For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’”
We must trust God’s righteous judgment, not seek revenge ourselves.
17. Colossians 3:13 – Choose Forgiveness
“As God forgave you, so also forgive others.”
Forgiveness frees our hearts from bitterness and helps us live in peace.
18. Matthew 5:44 – Pray for Your Enemies
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Praying softens hearts and breaks the cycle of hatred.
19. Proverbs 25:21-22 – Respond with Kindness
“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.”
Kindness toward enemies brings God’s blessing and changes hearts.
20. Romans 12:17-18 – Seek Peace
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil… live at peace with everyone.”
Seeking peace is God’s way to heal broken relationships.
21. Deuteronomy 32:35 – Trust God’s Justice
“Vengeance is mine; I will repay.”
Leave justice to God, who sees all and acts fairly.
22. Matthew 26:52 – Jesus Stops Violence
“Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”
Jesus teaches us to reject violence and revenge.
23. Romans 12:20 – Overcome Evil with Good
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.”
Responding with good overcomes evil.
24. Luke 6:27-28 – Love Enemies
“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
God calls us to love unconditionally, even those who hurt us.
25. Isaiah 41:10 – God Supports You
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
When hurt, trust God’s strength and care instead of seeking revenge.
How to Overcome the Desire for Revenge (Biblical Guidance)
The urge for revenge can sometimes be so strong that we have trouble controlling it. But the Bible gives us practical ways to calm our anger and live with a new heart. These five steps will help you let go of your desire for revenge and embrace love and peace.
Choose Forgiveness (Colossians 3:13)
Forgiveness means letting go of your pain and anger. When we forgive others, we set our hearts free. The Bible tells us that just as God forgave us, we should also forgive others. This brings comfort and peace not only to them but to ourselves as well.
Pray for Your Enemies (Matthew 5:44)
When someone hurts us, it can seem difficult to pray for them. But Jesus taught us to pray for our enemies. Through prayer, we console our hearts and ask for light for them as well. This reduces our anger and we move towards peace.
Respond with Kindness (Proverbs 25:21-22)
Sometimes the best response is to respond to someone’s evil with kindness. The Bible says that if your enemies are hungry, give them bread, if they are thirsty, give them water. With such love, we can transform enmity into love and give peace to our hearts.
Seek Peace (Romans 12:17-18)
We should make every effort from our side to live in peace with everyone. When we don’t retaliate for evil, we improve our relationships and give peace to our hearts. The Bible tells us to live as peacefully as we can with everyone, because that is God’s will.
Trust God’s Justice (Deuteronomy 32:35)
When we feel we have been wronged, taking revenge in our own hands can increase anger. The Bible reminds us that vengeance is God’s. We must put our trust in God who is watching everything and will dispense justice at the right time. With this belief we can release our anger and find peace.
What do Bible verses about revenge say in relation to violence or killing?
In the Bible we always hear about peace and daylight, especially when it comes to taking revenge or violence. God tells us not to choose the path of violence and killing, because true justice and correction are in His hands.
Jesus taught us through His life that we should love our enemies and pray for them, rather than harm them. When we try to respond to violence with violence, it only increases suffering and destruction.
The Bible encourages us to replace our anger with peace, kindness, and prayer. When we pray for our enemies and think good about them, we become close to God’s heart. In this way, we overcome the thoughts of violence and revenge and find true peace.
FAQs: About Bible Verses About Revenge
What does the Bible say about revenge?
The Bible teaches us not to take revenge but to trust God’s justice. Instead, we are called to forgive, love, and pray for those who hurt us.
What is Romans 12 verse 19?
What is Romans 12 verse 19?
Romans 12:19 says, “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.”
Which psalm is for revenge?
Psalm 94 speaks about God’s justice and calls on Him to act against the wicked, reminding us that vengeance belongs to the Lord.
What is God’s promise to revenge?
God promises to repay wrongs justly in His perfect time, assuring us that we don’t need to seek revenge ourselves.
Conclusion – Letting Go and Trusting God’s Justice
When we understand Bible verses about revenge, we learn one important thing it is better to forgive and trust God’s justice than to take revenge. This path brings peace and comfort when we let go of our anger and leave justice in God’s hands.
Forgiveness can be difficult, but when we pray and wish well for our enemies, we free our hearts. God helps us and corrects everything at the right time.
I request you to use these Bible verses about revenge in your life forgive, pray, and have full faith in God’s justice.
Which verse touched your heart the most? Do share in the comments below, so that others too get inspired.