Revenge is a powerful emotion that often leads people to act out of anger or hurt.
The Bible, however, offers a different perspective on how to deal with feelings of retribution.
In its pages, there are numerous quotes and teachings that encourage forgiveness, understanding, and turning away from the cycle of retaliation.
This article will explore some of those key Bible quotes, shedding light on how the scriptures guide us toward choosing mercy over revenge.
By reflecting on these teachings, you can gain a deeper understanding of why the Bible promotes peace and reconciliation instead of seeking to get even.
Bible Quotes About Revenge
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.
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.
Matthew 5:38-39
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 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.
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.”
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.
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.
Mark 11:25
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
Matthew 26:52-54
52 “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”
Romans 13:4
For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
Proverbs 20:22
Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.
James 1:19-20
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
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. ”
Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.
Ephesians 4:31-32
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
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.”
Colossians 3:25
Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Matthew 6:14-15
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
James 2:12-13
12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
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
For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.”
– Hebrews 10:30
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
– 2 Corinthians 13:11
O LORD, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth!
– Psalm 94:1
Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
– 1 Peter 3:9
Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.
– Proverbs 20:22
See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
– 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Then Peter came up and said to him, Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times. Jesus said to him, I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.
– Matthew 18:21-22
Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done.”
– Proverbs 24:29
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
– Romans 12:18
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
– Proverbs 10:12
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 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 conclusion, revenge may feel like a natural response when someone wrongs us, but the Bible provides a higher path.
It encourages us to rise above our instincts for retribution and instead embrace forgiveness and compassion.
Through various scriptures, we learn that letting go of anger and choosing reconciliation not only brings peace to others but also to our own hearts.
By reflecting on these biblical teachings, we can find the strength to resist the urge for revenge and work toward healing and harmony.
Ultimately, the Bible’s message is clear: love and forgiveness are far more powerful than vengeance.