The Bible addresses the concept of enemies in various contexts, offering guidance on how to respond to hostility and opposition. From calls to love and forgive our enemies to assurances of God’s justice and protection, Scripture provides wisdom and comfort. Here are 30 Bible verses about enemies, each accompanied by a brief commentary to provide deeper understanding and reflection.
1. Matthew 5:44
“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
Jesus commands us to love and pray for our enemies, challenging us to respond to hostility with kindness and compassion. This radical approach reflects God’s unconditional love and encourages us to break the cycle of hatred.
2. Romans 12:20
“Therefore ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.'”
Paul echoes Jesus’ teachings by urging believers to show kindness to their enemies. This act of generosity can lead to repentance and reconciliation, transforming enmity into friendship.
3. Proverbs 25:21-22
“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the Lord will reward you.”
Proverbs underscores the principle of responding to enemies with kindness. Such actions can cause them to reconsider their hostility and bring about divine reward for the peacemaker.
4. Luke 6:27-28
“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.”
Jesus’ teaching in Luke reinforces the call to love and bless our enemies. This attitude demonstrates the transformative power of God’s love, which can change hearts and situations.
5. Psalm 23:5
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.”
David acknowledges God’s provision and blessing even in the presence of enemies. This verse offers comfort, assuring believers that God’s favor and protection transcend opposition.
6. Proverbs 16:7
“When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
Living in a way that pleases God can lead to peaceful relationships, even with adversaries. This verse encourages righteous living, highlighting its potential to transform hostility into peace.
7. Exodus 23:22
“But if you indeed obey His voice and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.”
God promises to oppose those who oppose His people, provided they remain obedient. This assurance of divine protection reinforces the importance of faithfulness to God’s commands.
8. Psalm 138:7
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.”
David expresses confidence in God’s protection amidst adversity. This verse highlights God’s power to save and sustain believers even when surrounded by enemies.
9. Romans 12:19
“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Paul instructs believers to leave vengeance to God. Trusting in God’s justice allows us to let go of resentment and pursue peace, knowing that God will handle retribution.
10. Psalm 37:1-2
“Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb.”
This psalm advises against worrying about evildoers, reminding us of their temporary nature. Trusting in God’s justice helps us remain focused on righteous living rather than being consumed by enmity.
11. Matthew 5:43-45
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
Jesus calls for a higher standard of love, extending even to our enemies. This teaching reflects God’s impartial kindness and challenges us to mirror His grace and compassion.
12. Psalm 109:4
“In return for my love they are my accusers, but I give myself to prayer.”
David responds to his accusers with prayer rather than retaliation. This verse underscores the power of prayer in dealing with enemies, entrusting the situation to God’s intervention.
13. Proverbs 24:17-18
“Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him.”
Rejoicing in an enemy’s downfall is displeasing to God. This verse encourages a compassionate and humble attitude, avoiding gloating over others’ misfortunes.
14. Psalm 60:12
“Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies.”
David acknowledges that victory over enemies comes through God’s strength. This verse encourages reliance on God for deliverance and success in overcoming adversaries.
15. Ephesians 6:12
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
Paul reminds believers that the true battle is spiritual, not against people. This perspective shifts the focus from human enemies to the spiritual forces of evil, encouraging spiritual vigilance and prayer.
16. Psalm 34:21
“Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.”
The psalmist highlights the self-destructive nature of wickedness. This verse reassures believers that those who oppose the righteous will ultimately face God’s judgment.
17. Proverbs 20:22
“Do not say, ‘I will recompense evil’; wait for the Lord, and He will save you.”
Trusting God to handle retribution prevents us from taking matters into our own hands. This verse encourages patience and faith in God’s deliverance.
18. Luke 6:35
“But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.”
Jesus calls for unconditional love and generosity, even towards enemies. This behavior reflects God’s kindness and promises great reward for those who follow His example.
19. Psalm 18:3
“I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.”
David finds deliverance from enemies through calling on the Lord. This verse encourages prayer and praise as means of seeking God’s protection and intervention.
20. Exodus 14:14
“The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
Moses assures the Israelites of God’s intervention against their enemies. This verse emphasizes trusting God to fight our battles while maintaining peace.
21. Matthew 10:36
“And ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.'”
Jesus warns of opposition even from close family members. This verse acknowledges the reality of conflict in personal relationships and the need for steadfast faith.
22. Psalm 56:9
“When I cry out to You, then my enemies will turn back; this I know, because God is for me.”
David expresses confidence that God’s support will cause enemies to retreat. This verse reassures believers of God’s protective presence and His power to change situations.
23. Romans 5:10
“For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”
Paul highlights the reconciliation with God through Jesus’ sacrifice. This verse reminds us of God’s love and forgiveness, encouraging us to extend the same grace to others.
24. Psalm 138:7
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me.”
David finds comfort in God’s ability to save amidst trouble. This verse underscores God’s intervention and revival, providing hope and reassurance during adversity.
25. Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Jesus blesses those who pursue peace, aligning them with God’s character. This verse encourages reconciliation and peacemaking as reflections of divine sonship.
26. Psalm 27:2
“When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell.”
David’s confidence in God’s protection results in his enemies’ defeat. This verse illustrates the power of God’s defense and the ultimate downfall of those who oppose His people.
27. Proverbs 29:10
“The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, but the upright seek his well-being.”
This proverb contrasts the attitudes of the wicked and the righteous towards the innocent. It encourages believers to seek the well-being of others, even in the face of hostility.
28. Psalm 143:9
“Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; in You I take shelter.”
David’s plea for deliverance reflects his reliance on God as a refuge. This verse emphasizes seeking God’s protection and finding safety in His presence.
29. Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,’ says the Lord.”
God promises protection and vindication for His servants. This verse reassures believers of divine security and the futility of adversarial attacks against them.
30. Deuteronomy 20:4
“For the Lord your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.”
Moses assures the Israelites of God’s presence and support in battles. This verse encourages trust in God’s saving power and His commitment to fight for His people.
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Commentary
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