30 Important bible verses about revenge (With Explanation)

Today we will talk about Bible verses about revenge. Many Christians may find themselves grappling with feelings of hurt and anger when wronged. It’s a natural human response to want to seek revenge or to get even when we feel someone has hurt us deeply. However, the Bible offers us a different perspective on this emotion. Instead of considering revenge as a means to resolve our pain, we are encouraged to turn to God for healing and guidance. We must remember that our actions reflect our faith in God, who is ultimately the one in control. As we read through these scriptures together, let’s take a moment to meditate on how we can align our hearts with God’s will in times of distress.

Bible Verses About Revenge

God’s Justice Over Our Justice

In our discussions about Bible verses about revenge, we are shown the standards of God’s justice. Often, it can be tempting to take matters into our own hands; however, we must understand that God sees everything and will ultimately administer justice in His perfect timing. Relying on our father means trusting Him to handle our grievances. We may feel like we know the best path towards rectifying situations ourselves. Yet, God assures us that what might feel right to us is often flawed. Let us remember that His judgment is far superior to our own, and we should lean into a spirit of patience as we navigate our difficult emotions.

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.” – Romans 12:19

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.” – Deuteronomy 32:35

Psalm 94:1

“O Lord, the God who avenges! O God who avenges, shine forth.” – Psalm 94:1

Proverbs 20:22

“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.” – Proverbs 20:22

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.'” – Hebrews 10:30

Forgiveness, Not Revenge

As we explore the Bible verses about revenge, we come to the critical teaching of forgiveness. Jesus demonstrated the ultimate example of forgiveness when He offered grace to us, even as He faced immense suffering. Rather than seeking revenge, we find healing and freedom in offering forgiveness. It can be a challenging step to take, especially when we have been deeply hurt, but we encourage one another that forgiveness is a gift we give both to ourselves and to those who have wronged us. This divine act allows us to release the burden of bitterness and resentment, opening ourselves to God’s comforting love and peace.

Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32

Matthew 6:14

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14

Colossians 3:13

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13

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.” – Mark 11:25

Luke 6:37

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37

The Power of Love

When we consider Bible verses about revenge, we are called to shift our focus from anger to love. Love has a transformative power that can break the cycle of hurt and revenge. Scripture teaches us that even our enemies deserve love and compassion. In practicing love, we not only honor God but also demonstrate our faith in action. This attitude can lead to reconciliation and restoration instead of chaos and hostility. By choosing love over retaliation, we are inviting God’s grace into our lives and the lives of others.

Matthew 5:44

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44

1 John 4:20

“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” – 1 John 4:20

Romans 12:21

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21

Galatians 5:14

“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Galatians 5:14

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.” – 1 Peter 3:9

Trusting God’s Plan

When we face the urge to seek revenge, it’s vital to reflect on the sovereignty of God. The Bible verses about revenge tell us that we can trust God’s plan for our lives. His ways and thoughts are far beyond our own, and His timing is perfect. By surrendering our desire for revenge to Him, we allow Him to work on our behalf. Even when the situation seems unfair, we can find comfort in knowing that God has a good plan for us. Our task is to remain faithful and patient, trusting that He will take care of the matters we hold dear in our hearts.

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Psalm 37:5

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.” – Psalm 37:5

Isaiah 55:8-9

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

Romans 8:28

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

Overcoming Bitterness?

Bitterness can easily creep into our hearts when we’ve been wronged. In this exploration of Bible verses about revenge, we discover the importance of overcoming bitterness and seeking inner healing. Bitterness not only harms our relationship with others but also distorts our view of ourselves and God. Instead of allowing bitterness to take root, we are invited to seek healing through prayer and support from fellow believers. We must remember that our worth comes from God, and He desires for us to release any weights that hold us down.

Ephesians 4:31

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” – Ephesians 4:31

Hebrews 12:15

“See to it that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” – Hebrews 12:15

James 1:20

“Because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” – James 1:20

Proverbs 14:10

“Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.” – Proverbs 14:10

Matthew 5:23-24

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” – Matthew 5:23-24

The Example of Jesus

As we consider Bible verses about revenge, there’s no better example than that of Jesus Christ. Jesus modeled forgiveness and love, even in the face of persecution and injustice. His journey on the cross exemplifies the ultimate rejection of vengeance and the embracing of forgiveness. When we feel tempted to strike back at those who hurt us, we can reflect on how Jesus remained peaceful and loving. Embracing His example encourages us to respond to offenses with gentleness and grace, following the teachings that know no bounds of love.

Luke 23:34

“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” – Luke 23:34

Matthew 5:39

“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.” – Matthew 5:39

1 Peter 2:23

“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him

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