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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Retaliation</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/r/retaliation.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/genesis/1-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/r/retaliation.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Retaliation</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/r/retaliate.htm" title="Retaliate">◄</a> Retaliation <a href="/topical/r/retaliation_vs._forgiveness.htm" title="Retaliation vs. Forgiveness">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Definition and Context:</b> <br>Retaliation refers to the act of returning like for like, particularly in the context of injury or wrong. In biblical terms, it often involves the response to an offense or harm with a similar action. The concept of retaliation is addressed in both the Old and New Testaments, where it is often juxtaposed with the principles of justice, mercy, and forgiveness.<br><br><b>Old Testament Perspective:</b> <br>The Old Testament law includes the principle of "lex talionis," or the law of retaliation, which is famously encapsulated in the phrase "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." This principle is found in several passages, including <a href="/exodus/21-23.htm">Exodus 21:23-25</a> : "But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, and stripe for stripe." This law was intended to limit retaliation and ensure that the punishment was proportionate to the offense, thus preventing excessive retribution.<br><br><b>New Testament Teaching:</b> <br>In the New Testament, Jesus Christ introduces a radical departure from the traditional understanding of retaliation. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches against the practice of retaliating in kind. <a href="/matthew/5-38.htm">Matthew 5:38-39</a> states: "You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also." Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of non-retaliation and encourages His followers to respond to wrongdoing with grace and forgiveness rather than vengeance.<br><br><b>Apostolic Teaching:</b> <br>The apostles further develop the teaching of non-retaliation in their epistles. The Apostle Paul, in <a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17-19</a> , advises believers: "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'" Paul underscores the idea that vengeance belongs to God and that Christians are called to live peaceably, trusting in God's justice.<br><br><b>Theological Implications:</b> <br>The biblical teaching on retaliation challenges believers to reflect on the nature of justice and mercy. While the Old Testament law provided a framework for justice, the New Testament calls for a higher standard of love and forgiveness. This shift highlights the transformative power of the Gospel, which empowers believers to overcome evil with good (<a href="/romans/12-21.htm">Romans 12:21</a>).<br><br><b>Practical Application:</b> <br>In practical terms, the call to refrain from retaliation requires Christians to exercise self-control and to seek reconciliation rather than revenge. It encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate justice and to demonstrate Christ-like love even in the face of personal injury or insult. This approach not only aligns with the teachings of Jesus but also serves as a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Christian faith.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>(<I>n.</I>) The act of retaliating, or of returning like for like; retribution; now, specifically, the return of evil for evil; e.g., an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">RETALIATION</span><p>re-tal-i-a'-shun, re-.<br><br>See <a href="../l/law.htm">LAW IN THE NEW TESTAMENT</a>; <a href="../p/punishments.htm">PUNISHMENTS</a>; RETRIBUTION.<p><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/aquinas/summa_theologica/whether_the_just_is_absolutely.htm"><span class="l">Whether the Just is Absolutely the Same as <b>Retaliation</b>?</span></a> <br><b>...</b> OF THE PARTS OF JUSTICE (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether the just is absolutely<br> the same as <b>retaliation</b>? Objection 1: It would seem that <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the just is absolutely.htm</font><p><a href="/library/aquinas/summa_theologica/whether_an_accuser_who_fails.htm"><span class="l">Whether an Accuser who Fails to Prove his Indictment is Bound to <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> OF MATTERS CONCERNING UNJUST ACCUSATION (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether an accuser who fails<br> to prove his indictment is bound to the punishment of <b>retaliation</b>? <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether an accuser who fails.htm</font><p><a href="/library/tertullian/the_five_books_against_marcion/chapter_xvi_the_precept_of_loving.htm"><span class="l">The Precept of Loving One's Enemies it is as Much Taught in the <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> when it forbade vengeance; but for the purpose of restraining the injury in the<br> first instance, which it had forbidden on pain of <b>retaliation</b> or reciprocity <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xvi the precept of loving.htm</font><p><a href="/library/aquinas/summa_theologica/whether_the_husband_can_on.htm"><span class="l">Whether the Husband Can on his Own Judgment Put Away his Wife on <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> inscription [*Cf. [5001]SS, Q[33], A[7]], whereby a person binds himself under<br> the pain of <b>retaliation</b>, if he fails to bring proof. But this <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the husband can on.htm</font><p><a href="/library/aquinas/summa_theologica/whether_the_new_law_fulfils.htm"><span class="l">Whether the New Law Fulfils the Old?</span></a> <br><b>...</b> maketh her to commit adultery." Furthermore, the same evidently applies to the<br> prohibition against swearing, against <b>retaliation</b>, and against hating one's <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the new law fulfils.htm</font><p><a href="/library/irenaeus/fragments_from_the_lost_writings_of_irenaeus/fragment_xli_this_indicates_the.htm"><span class="l">Fragment Xli. This Indicates the Persecution against the Church <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> But he (Samson) who suffered those things, trusted that there would be a <b>retaliation</b><br> against those waging this war. But <b>retaliation</b> through what means? <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../fragment xli this indicates the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_a/non-resistance.htm"><span class="l">Non-Resistance</span></a> <br><b>...</b> It was suited for the stage of civilisation in which it was given, and probably<br> was then a restriction, rather than a sanction, of the wild law of <b>retaliation</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/non-resistance.htm</font><p><a href="/library/tertullian/the_five_books_against_marcion/chapter_xviii_some_of_gods_laws.htm"><span class="l">Some of God's Laws Defended as Good, which the Marcionites <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> of the law can I defend as good with a greater confidence than those which heresy<br> has shown such a longing for?"as the statute of <b>retaliation</b>, requiring eye <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xviii some of gods laws.htm</font><p><a href="/library/aquinas/summa_theologica/whether_it_is_necessary_to_4.htm"><span class="l">Whether it is Necessary to Proceed by Way of Accusation for the <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Because accusation is preceded by inscription* whereby a man binds himself to suffer<br> the punishment of <b>retaliation</b>, if he fail to prove his accusation. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is necessary to 4.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/the_confessions_and_letters_of_st/letter_cxxxiii_a_d_412.htm"><span class="l">Letter cxxxiii. (AD 412. )</span></a> <br><b>...</b> is entrusted, we do not wish to have the sufferings of the servants of God avenged<br> by the infliction of precisely similar injuries in the way of <b>retaliation</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxxxiii a d 412.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/r/retaliation.htm"><span class="l"><b>Retaliation</b></span></a><br><b>...</b> tooth. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. <b>RETALIATION</b>. re-tal-ia'-shun, re-.<br> See LAW IN THE NEW TESTAMENT; PUNISHMENTS; RETRIBUTION. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/retaliation.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/punishments.htm"><span class="l">Punishments (31 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1. History of the Hebrew Law concerning Punishment: The earliest theory of punishment<br> seems to have been that of <b>retaliation</b>-"blood for blood"-and to some <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/punishments.htm - 36k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/law.htm"><span class="l">Law (670 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Authority of the Law Upheld in the Sermon on the Mount (a) Christ and Tradition<br> (b) Sin of Murder (c) Adultery and Divorce (d) Oaths (e) <b>Retaliation</b> (f) Love <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/law.htm - 101k</font><p><a href="/topical/o/offset.htm"><span class="l">Offset (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 3. (n.) A sum, account, or value set off against another sum or account, as an<br> equivalent; hence, anything which is given in exchange or <b>retaliation</b>; a set-off <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/o/offset.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/retem-tree.htm"><span class="l">Retem-tree (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br>Retem-tree. <b>Retaliation</b>, Retem-tree. Retention . Multi-Version Concordance<br> Retem-tree (2 Occurrences). <b>...</b> <b>Retaliation</b>, Retem-tree. Retention . Reference Bible <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/retem-tree.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/revenge.htm"><span class="l">Revenge (13 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> maliciously. 3. (vi) To take vengeance; -- with. 4. (n.) The act of revenging;<br> vengeance; <b>retaliation</b>; a returning of evil for evil. 5 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/revenge.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/requital.htm"><span class="l">Requital (9 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Return, good or bad, for anything done; in a good<br> sense, compensation; recompense; in a bad sense, <b>retaliation</b>, or punishment; as <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/requital.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/retaliate.htm"><span class="l">Retaliate (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/retaliate.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/dora.htm"><span class="l">Dora</span></a><br><b>...</b> towns and it would seem that the Sidonians seized it to obtain its rich supplies<br> of shell-fish, and this probably caused the war of <b>retaliation</b> waged by the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/dora.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/dor.htm"><span class="l">Dor (7 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> towns and it would seem that the Sidonians seized it to obtain its rich supplies<br> of shell-fish, and this probably caused the war of <b>retaliation</b> waged by the <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/dor.htm - 13k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-retaliation.html">What does the Bible say about retaliation? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/law-of-retribution.html">What is the law of retribution? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/turn-other-cheek.html">What did Jesus mean when He instructed us to turn the other cheek? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/retaliation.htm">Retaliation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/r/retaliation.htm">Retaliation</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/r/retaliation--david_on_joab.htm">Retaliation: David on Joab</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/r/retaliation--david_on_michal.htm">Retaliation: David on Michal</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/r/retaliation--david_on_shimei.htm">Retaliation: David on Shimei</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/r/retaliation--general_scriptures_concerning.htm">Retaliation: General Scriptures Concerning</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/r/retaliation--gideon_on_the_princes_of_succoth.htm">Retaliation: Gideon on the Princes of Succoth</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/r/retaliation--jews_on_the_chaldeans.htm">Retaliation: Jews on the Chaldeans</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/r/retaliation--joab_on_abner.htm">Retaliation: Joab on Abner</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/r/retaliation--penuel.htm">Retaliation: Penuel</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/r/retaliation--the_israelites_on_the_amalekites.htm">Retaliation: The Israelites on the Amalekites</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/r/retaliation--the_kings_of_midian.htm">Retaliation: The Kings of Midian</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/punishments.htm">Punishments (31 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/law.htm">Law (670 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/offset.htm">Offset (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/retem-tree.htm">Retem-tree (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/revenge.htm">Revenge (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/requital.htm">Requital (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/retaliate.htm">Retaliate (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/dora.htm">Dora</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/dor.htm">Dor (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/cruelty.htm">Cruelty (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/cruel.htm">Cruel (196 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/swallow.htm">Swallow (38 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/amaziah.htm">Amaziah (41 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/messenger.htm">Messenger (235 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sermon.htm">Sermon (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jeroboam.htm">Jeroboam (96 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tabeel.htm">Tabeel (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/malchiel.htm">Malchiel (3 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/r/retaliate.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Retaliate"><img src="/left.png" 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