The Bible addresses the concept of vengeance extensively, teaching believers to leave retribution in God’s hands. Scripture emphasises forgiveness, patience, and trust in God’s justice, while warning against personal retaliation. Here are 16 core verses that reveal God’s perspective on vengeance.
1. Romans 12:19
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
This verse reminds believers to leave vengeance to God, trusting that He will take care of any wrongs.
2. Deuteronomy 32:35
“To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.”
God declares that vengeance belongs to Him, and He will judge in His own time.
3. Proverbs 20:22
“Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.”
This verse encourages patience and trust in God, reminding believers not to seek revenge.
4. Matthew 5:44
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
Jesus calls for a radical approach to enemies—loving, blessing, and praying for them instead of seeking vengeance.
5. Leviticus 19:18
“Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.”
God commands His people to resist vengeance and instead show love toward others.
6. 1 Peter 3:9
“Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”
This verse urges believers not to retaliate but to bless, promising that God’s blessing will follow.
7. Psalm 94:1
“O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.”
The psalmist calls upon God, acknowledging that vengeance is His alone and asking for His justice.
8. Hebrews 10:30
“For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.”
This verse reiterates that God will judge and repay, highlighting the importance of leaving justice in His hands.
9. Proverbs 24:17-18
“Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.”
God cautions against taking pleasure in others’ misfortune, reminding believers to keep a pure heart.
10. Romans 12:17
“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.”
Believers are called to live honorably and avoid repaying evil with evil, reflecting a spirit of peace and integrity.
11. Luke 6:27-28
“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.”
Jesus instructs His followers to respond to hatred with love and blessings, leaving vengeance out of the equation.
12. Nahum 1:2
“God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth; the Lord revengeth, and is furious; the Lord will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.”
This verse emphasizes God’s role as the righteous judge, showing that He will handle His enemies in His own way.
13. James 1:20
“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”
Human anger and vengeance do not produce God’s righteousness, reminding believers to trust in God’s perfect justice.
14. Lamentations 3:25-26
“The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.”
Instead of pursuing vengeance, this verse encourages patience and trust in God’s timing.
15. Isaiah 35:4
“Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.”
This verse assures believers that God will bring justice and salvation, encouraging them to remain strong and faithful.
16. Matthew 5:39
“But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
Jesus teaches against retaliation, calling His followers to respond to offense with peace and humility.
Parting Thought
The Bible’s teaching on vengeance is clear: it belongs to God alone. Believers are called to forgive, love, and trust that God will handle justice according to His perfect timing and wisdom. These verses show that, rather than seeking revenge, a life of faith involves patience, kindness, and reliance on God’s righteous judgment. By relinquishing personal vengeance, believers find peace and reflect God’s character in a world that often encourages retaliation.
