Today we will talk about Bible verses about revenge in the King James Version (KJV). The topic of revenge can be tricky, especially for us who are trying to follow Christ’s teachings. Often, we might feel anger or hurt, leading us to think about getting back at those who have wronged us. However, God’s Word offers a fresh perspective, reminding us that we are called to forgiveness rather than seeking vengeance. The Bible encourages us to trust in God’s justice and to handle conflicts with love and grace. Let’s take this journey together through scripture as we explore what God wants us to know about revenge.
Bible Verses About Revenge KJV
Understanding Revenge
Revenge, a natural response to unkindness, is something every one of us grapples with at times. As we dive into the Bible verses about revenge, we learn that, while it might feel right to seek repayment for wrongs done to us, the Lord teaches us to let go of that desire. He reminds us that vengeance is His, not ours. By letting go of our desire for revenge, we open our hearts to God’s peace and healing, allowing His grace to shine through us even in our darkest moments. Each verse helps us understand that our call is not to repay evil for evil, but to respond with love and forgiveness.
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.” – Romans 12:19
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32
Proverbs 20:22
“Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.” – Proverbs 20:22
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.” – Hebrews 10:30
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.” – 1 Peter 3:9
Forgiveness Over Revenge
As we explore forgiving others instead of seeking revenge, we realize that calling to forgive reflects God’s heart. Forgiveness can be challenging, especially when we feel deeply wounded. However, these Bible verses teach us that forgiveness is a powerful form of release. When we choose to forgive, we free ourselves from the chains of resentment and bitterness. God knows how hard it is to let go, which is why He encourages us through His Word. As we accept forgiveness from God, we too are called to extend grace to others, mirroring the loving forgiveness He has shown us.
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Colossians 3:13
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” – Colossians 3:13
Luke 6:37
“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
Mark 11:25
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” – Mark 11:25
Matthew 18:21-22
“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” – Matthew 18:21-22
The Cost of Revenge
We might think of revenge as a way to right wrongs, but the truth is that it often comes at a heavy price. The Bible verses about revenge help us understand that seeking vengeance can lead to further pain and conflict, disrupting our peace and joy. When we harbor feelings of anger and desire for revenge, we not only hurt those who wronged us but also ourselves. God reminds us that revenge doesn’t lead to healing; instead, it often magnifies the hurt and keeps us stuck in a cycle of bitterness. By letting go of this desire, we embrace the freedom in Christ that allows us to rise above pain.
Proverbs 14:30
“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30
Galatians 6:7
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” – Galatians 6:7
James 1:20
“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” – James 1:20
Proverbs 10:23
“It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.” – Proverbs 10:23
Proverbs 21:24
“Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.” – Proverbs 21:24
God’s Justice vs. Our Revenge
In our human nature, we often feel a keen desire for justice when we experience wrong. The Bible encourages us to trust in the Lord’s justice instead of acting on our own impulses for revenge. God’s perspective reminds us that He sees the whole picture and has the authority to judge righteously. When we hand over our feelings of anger and resentment to God, we allow Him to work His justice in His perfect timing. This act of faith reassures us that while justice may not look the way we envision, God is always working for our good and His glory.
Psalm 37:1-2
“Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.” – Psalm 37:1-2
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.” – Deuteronomy 32:35
Psalm 94:1
“O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.” – Psalm 94:1
2 Thessalonians 1:6
“Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:6
Jeremiah 51:6
“Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the Lord’s vengeance, and he will render unto her a recompence.” – Jeremiah 51:6
Love Thy Enemies
One of the most profound teachings in scripture is the command to love our enemies. This teaching forms a vital part of God’s instructions, particularly as we reflect on revenge and how we respond to those who hurt us. When we choose to love instead of seek revenge, we embody Christ’s teachings and showcase His love to the world. This challenging directive emphasizes that our hearts should mirror God’s, extending love and kindness even to those who have wronged us. In recognizing the human need for mercy, we open doors to reconciliation and healing.
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.” – Matthew 5:44
Luke 6:31
“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” – Luke 6:31
Romans 12:20
“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” – Romans 12:20
1 John 4:20
“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” – 1 John 4:20
Proverbs 25:21-22
“If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.” – Proverbs 25:21-22
God’s Call for Peace
As we reflect on revenge in the light of scripture, we find an overwhelming call toward peace. God desires us to be peacemakers in a world filled with strife and conflict. When we choose peace over vengeance, we align ourselves with God’s will and reflect His love to those around us. This approach does not mean ignoring wrongs done to us; instead, it signifies trusting God’s plan and allowing His peace to guide actions and relationships. Seeking peace creates an environment where healing can occur, drawing us closer to each other and God.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” – Romans 14:19
James 3:18
“And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” – James 3:18
2 Corinthians 13:11
“Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” – 2 Corinthians 13:11
Psalms 34:14
“Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” – Psalms 34:14
The Power of Kindness
When faced with the temptation of revenge, kindness emerges as a strong alternative. The Bible teaches us about the transformative power of kindness and how it can bring healing and change not just in our lives but in the lives of others. Each act of kindness serves as a testament to God’s love, allowing us to break cycles of hurt and resentment. When we choose to be kind, we reflect the character of Christ and can even disarm those who have wronged us. Kindness can create a ripple effect, showing the world the power of love and forgiveness.
Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Romans 12:21
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21
Ephesians 4:32
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Proverbs 11:17
“The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.” – Proverbs 11:17
The Role of Trust in God
Finally, we are reminded that trust in God is a crucial theme when discussing revenge. When we face hurt, we may feel tempted to take matters into our own hands, but the Bible reveals that trusting God brings peace and clarity. God calls us to cast our cares upon Him and to trust that He has a plan that surpasses our understanding. In our trust, we find comfort in knowing that God is always working for our good and is firmly in control of all circumstances, including that which has caused us pain. Trusting God helps us let go of the burden of revenge so we can find a path towards healing.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Isaiah 40:31
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Philippians 4:6-7
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Psalms 37:5
“Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” – Psalms 37:5
Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Final Thoughts
As we conclude this exploration of Bible verses about revenge, we come to understand the importance of forgiveness, kindness, and trust in God. While it is our natural inclination to seek justice, scripture teaches us that the path to healing is paved in love and grace. Instead of holding onto resentment, we are called to embrace God’s plan, extend forgiveness, and trust that He will deal with injustice in His way and timing. Each verse serves as a reminder of God’s unchanging nature and His call for us to reflect His love to the world. We can look to the wisdom shared in these scriptures as a guiding light, helping us navigate our feelings and responses with Christ-like love.
Let’s remember that every time we choose to love over revenge, we reflect God’s character, shining His light into the darkness. May we be encouraged to cultivate understanding, peace, and kindness in our hearts, allowing God’s Word to shape how we respond to life’s challenges. In doing so, we find strength in trusting God and the power of His love in our lives.
Together, may we choose the ways of God, letting go of the patterns of the world, and embracing our true identity as children of light.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
