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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//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" /><title>Romans 12:19 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."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/12-19.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/45_Rom_12_19.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 12:19 - Forgiveness" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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><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="/vmenus/romans/12-19.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="/bmc/romans/12-19.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="/romans/">Romans</a> > <a href="/romans/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 19</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><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad19.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/romans/12-18.htm" title="Romans 12:18">◄</a> Romans 12:19 <a href="/romans/12-20.htm" title="Romans 12:20">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/romans/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/romans/12.htm">New International Version</a> Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God&#8217s wrath, for it is written: &#8220It is mine to avenge; I will repay,&#8221 says the Lord. <a href="/nlt/romans/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD. <a href="/esv/romans/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” <a href="/bsb/romans/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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.” <a href="/blb/romans/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> never avenging yourselves, beloved; instead give place to wrath, for it has been written: "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord." <a href="/kjv/romans/12.htm">King James Bible</a> Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. <a href="/nkjv/romans/12.htm">New King James Version</a> Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. <a href="/nasb_/romans/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. <a href="/nasb/romans/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, &#8220VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,&#8221 says the Lord. <a href="/nasb77/romans/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. <a href="/lsb/romans/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> never taking your own revenge, beloved—instead leave room for the wrath of God. For it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. <a href="/amp/romans/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. <a href="/csb/romans/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath, because it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord. <a href="/hcsb/romans/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written: Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay, says the Lord. <a href="/asv/romans/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord. <a href="/cev/romans/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Dear friends, don't try to get even. Let God take revenge. In the Scriptures the Lord says, "I am the one to take revenge and pay them back." <a href="/erv/romans/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord. <a href="/gwt/romans/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Don't take revenge, dear friends. Instead, let God's anger take care of it. After all, Scripture says, "I alone have the right to take revenge. I will pay back, says the Lord." <a href="/gnt/romans/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> Never take revenge, my friends, but instead let God's anger do it. For the scripture says, "I will take revenge, I will pay back, says the Lord." <a href="/isv/romans/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> Do not take revenge, dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me. I will pay them back, declares the Lord." <a href="/msb/romans/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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.? <a href="/net/romans/12.htm">NET Bible</a> Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God's wrath, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay," says the Lord. <a href="/nheb/romans/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Do not seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for the wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord." <a href="/wbt/romans/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place to wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. <a href="/wey/romans/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Do not be revengeful, my dear friends, but give way before anger; for it is written, "'Revenge belongs to Me: I will pay back,' says the Lord." <a href="/web/romans/12.htm">World English Bible</a> Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/romans/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> not avenging yourselves, beloved, but give place to the wrath, for it has been written: “Vengeance [is] Mine, <a href="/blb/romans/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> never avenging yourselves, beloved; instead give place to wrath, for it has been written: "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord." <a href="/ylt/romans/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> not avenging yourselves, beloved, but give place to the wrath, for it hath been written, 'Vengeance is Mine, <a href="/slt/romans/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Avenging not yourselves, beloved, but give ye place to anger: for it has been written, Vengeance to me; I will repay, says the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/romans/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Revenge not yourselves, my dearly beloved; but give place unto wrath, for it is written: Revenge is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord. <a href="/cpdv/romans/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Do not defend yourselves, dearest ones. Instead, step aside from wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is mine. I shall give retribution, says the Lord.” <a href="/nabre/romans/12.htm">New American Bible</a> Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” <a href="/nrsvce/romans/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/romans/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is mine: I will execute justice for you, said the LORD. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to rage, for it is written: “If you will not execute judgment for yourself, I shall execute your judgment, says God.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/romans/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Beloved, avenge not yourselves, but give place to the wrath of God; for it is written: Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord. <a href="/godbey/romans/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> avenging not yourselves, beloved, but give place to wrath; for it has been written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord. <a href="/haweis/romans/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto wrath: for it is written, ?Vengeance belongeth to me; I will recompence, saith the Lord.?<RX 5.32.35> <a href="/mace/romans/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> dear brethren, avenge not yourselves, but leave that to the resentment of another: for it is written, "vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." <a href="/wey/romans/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Do not be revengeful, my dear friends, but give way before anger; for it is written, "'Revenge belongs to Me: I will pay back,' says the Lord." <a href="/worrell/romans/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> not avenging yourselves, beloved, but give place to the wrath of God: for it has been written, "Vengeance is Mine; I will recompense," saith the Lord. <a href="/worsley/romans/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Avenge not yourselves, my beloved; but rather give place to the wrath of others: for it is written, "Vengeance belongeth to me, I will recompence, saith the Lord." <a href="/parallel/romans/12-19.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=3159" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/romans/12.htm">Forgiveness</a> …18If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. 19<a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">Do not</a> <a href="/greek/1556.htm" title="1556: ekdikountes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To give justice over, defend, avenge, vindicate. From ekdikos; to vindicate, retaliate, punish.">avenge</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautous (RefPro-AM3P) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">yourselves,</a> <a href="/greek/27.htm" title="27: agapētoi (Adj-VMP) -- From agapao; beloved.">beloved,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: dote (V-AMA-2P) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">leave</a> <a href="/greek/5117.htm" title="5117: topon (N-AMS) -- Apparently a primary word; a spot, i.e. Location; figuratively, condition, opportunity; specially, a scabbard.">room</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3709.htm" title="3709: orgē (N-DFS) -- From oregomai; properly, desire, i.e., violent passion (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment.">for God’s wrath.</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/1125.htm" title="1125: gegraptai (V-RIM/P-3S) -- A primary verb; to grave, especially to write; figuratively, to describe.">it is written:</a> <a href="/greek/1557.htm" title="1557: ekdikēsis (N-NFS) -- (a) a defense, avenging, vindication, vengeance, (b) full (complete) punishment. From ekdikeo; vindication, retribution.">“Vengeance is</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: Emoi (PPro-D1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">Mine;</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/467.htm" title="467: antapodōsō (V-FIA-1S) -- To give in return, recompense. From anti and apodidomi; to requite.">will repay,</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">says</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyrios (N-NMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">the Lord.”</a> 20On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-35.htm">Deuteronomy 32:35</a> Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.” <a href="/hebrews/10-30.htm">Hebrews 10:30</a> For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.” <a href="/matthew/5-38.htm">Matthew 5:38-39</a> You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ / But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; <a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a> Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. <a href="/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22</a> Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you. <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-6.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:6</a> and no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this regard, because the Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you. <a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a> Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a> But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-28</a> But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. <a href="/1_samuel/26-10.htm">1 Samuel 26:10-11</a> David added, “As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down; either his day will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. / But the LORD forbid that I should extend my hand against the LORD’s anointed. Instead, take the spear and water jug by his head, and let us go.” <a href="/proverbs/24-29.htm">Proverbs 24:29</a> Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.” <a href="/james/5-9.htm">James 5:9</a> Do not complain about one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. Look, the Judge is standing at the door! <a href="/1_corinthians/6-7.htm">1 Corinthians 6:7</a> The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means that you are thoroughly defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? <a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">1 Peter 2:23</a> When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. <a href="/genesis/50-19.htm">Genesis 50:19</a> But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place to wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, said the Lord.avenge.<a href="/romans/12-14.htm">Romans 12:14,17</a> Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not… <a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a> 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.<a href="/1_samuel/25-26.htm">1 Samuel 25:26,33</a> Now therefore, my lord, as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, seeing the LORD hath withholden thee from coming to shed blood, and from avenging thyself with thine own hand, now let thine enemies, and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal… give.<a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39</a> 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.<a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-29</a> But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, … <a href="/luke/9-55.htm">Luke 9:55,56</a> But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of… Vengeance.<a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Romans 13:4</a> For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.<a href="/deuteronomy/32-35.htm">Deuteronomy 32:35,43</a> 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… <a href="/psalms/94-1.htm">Psalm 94:1-3</a> O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/10-19.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/luke/18-8.htm">Avenge</a> <a href="/luke/18-16.htm">Belongeth</a> <a href="/romans/12-5.htm">Belongs</a> <a href="/romans/11-28.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/acts/20-24.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/romans/11-28.htm">Dearly</a> <a href="/romans/11-15.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/romans/12-13.htm">God's</a> <a href="/romans/9-29.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/romans/11-9.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/romans/11-21.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Recompense</a> <a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Repay</a> <a href="/ezekiel/25-15.htm">Revenge</a> <a href="/psalms/44-16.htm">Revengeful</a> <a href="/romans/11-7.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/romans/3-5.htm">Vengeance</a> <a href="/romans/11-31.htm">Way</a> <a href="/romans/9-22.htm">Wrath</a> <a href="/romans/11-26.htm">Written</a> <a href="/luke/18-8.htm">Wrongs</a> <a href="/romans/12-16.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/13-5.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-6.htm">Avenge</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-14.htm">Belongeth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-22.htm">Belongs</a> <a href="/romans/16-5.htm">Beloved</a> <a href="/romans/16-5.htm">Dear</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-14.htm">Dearly</a> <a href="/romans/16-4.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-10.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/romans/13-6.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/romans/13-2.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/romans/13-14.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/romans/12-20.htm">Recompense</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-6.htm">Repay</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-11.htm">Revenge</a> <a href="/psalms/8-2.htm">Revengeful</a> <a href="/romans/15-1.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-11.htm">Vengeance</a> <a href="/romans/14-13.htm">Way</a> <a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Wrath</a> <a href="/romans/14-11.htm">Written</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-5.htm">Wrongs</a> <a href="/romans/13-5.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 12</div>1. <a href="/romans/12-1.htm">God's mercies must move us to offer ourselves.</a> 3. <a href="/romans/12-3.htm">No man must think too well of himself;</a> 6. <a href="/romans/12-6.htm">but everyone attend to the calling wherein he is placed.</a> 9. <a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Love, and many other duties are required of us.</a> 19. <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Revenge is especially forbidden.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/romans/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Do not avenge yourselves, beloved This phrase emphasizes the call for Christians to refrain from seeking personal revenge. In the cultural context of the Roman Empire, where honor and retribution were highly valued, this command was countercultural. The term "beloved" indicates a deep affection and reminds believers of their identity in Christ, who exemplified forgiveness and love even towards His enemies. This aligns with Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (<a href="/matthew/5-38.htm">Matthew 5:38-48</a>), where He instructs His followers to turn the other cheek and love their enemies.but leave room for God’s wrath This part of the verse suggests that believers should trust in God's justice rather than taking matters into their own hands. The concept of divine wrath is consistent throughout the Old and New Testaments, where God is portrayed as the ultimate judge who will right all wrongs (<a href="/deuteronomy/32-35.htm">Deuteronomy 32:35</a>, <a href="/nahum/1-2.htm">Nahum 1:2-3</a>). This trust in God's timing and justice is a call to faith, recognizing that God's ways and timing are perfect, even when human understanding is limited.For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” This quotation is from <a href="/deuteronomy/32-35.htm">Deuteronomy 32:35</a>, part of the Song of Moses, which speaks of God's sovereignty and justice. By referencing this Old Testament scripture, Paul underscores the continuity of God's character and His promises. The assurance that God will repay is a comfort to believers facing persecution or injustice, reminding them that God is aware of their suffering and will act in His perfect timing. This also reflects the typology of Christ, who, though He suffered unjustly, entrusted Himself to the Father who judges justly (<a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">1 Peter 2:23</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_roman_church.htm">The Roman Church</a> The recipients of the letter, the early Christian community in Rome, which was diverse and included both Jewish and Gentile believers. 3. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The ultimate judge and avenger, as referenced in the scripture, who holds the authority to repay and administer justice. 4. <a href="/topical/o/old_testament_references.htm">Old Testament References</a> Paul quotes from the Old Testament, specifically <a href="/deuteronomy/32-35.htm">Deuteronomy 32:35</a>, to emphasize the principle of divine justice. 5. <a href="/topical/w/wrath_of_god.htm">Wrath of God</a> A concept referring to God's righteous anger and judgment against sin and injustice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_divine_justice.htm">Trust in Divine Justice</a> Believers are called to trust that God will administer justice in His perfect timing and way. <a href="/topical/r/resist_personal_retaliation.htm">Resist Personal Retaliation</a> Christians should resist the urge to take matters into their own hands and seek personal revenge. <a href="/topical/l/leave_room_for_god's_wrath.htm">Leave Room for God’s Wrath</a> By not avenging ourselves, we allow space for God to act according to His will and purpose. <a href="/topical/r/reflect_christ's_teachings.htm">Reflect Christ’s Teachings</a> Following Jesus' example, we should respond to wrongs with love and forgiveness, not vengeance. <a href="/topical/l/live_peaceably_with_all.htm">Live Peaceably with All</a> As part of living a Christ-centered life, strive to maintain peace and harmony with others, even when wronged.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 12</a> <a href="/q/why_do_some_texts_allow_believers'_vengeance.htm">In Romans 12:19, if “vengeance is mine” belongs to God, why do other biblical texts approve of direct punishment by believers? </a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_vigilante_justice.htm">What is the Bible's stance on vigilante justice?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_jesus_as_redeemer_mean.htm">What does 'Vengeance is Mine' mean biblically?</a> <a href="/q/does_romans_12_21_conflict_with_divine_violence.htm">In Romans 12:21, does “overcoming evil with good” clash with accounts in Scripture where violence and punishment appear sanctioned by God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(19) Give place unto wrath.--It seems best to understand this of "the wrath of God" (indicated in the Greek, here as elsewhere, by the use of the article). Stand aside yourself as a mere spectator, and let the wrath of God have free course to accomplish itself as He shall think well. The other most plausible interpretation would be, "Give room to the wrath of your adversary; let it spend itself; resist not evil," etc., as in <a href="/matthew/5-39.htm" title="But I say to you, That you resist not evil: but whoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.">Matthew 5:39</a>. The sense, "Allow time for your own anger to cool," cannot be got out of the Greek. The view first stated is to be preferred.Vengeance is mine; I will repay.--The form of this quotation, which differs both from the LXX. and from the Hebrew, is precisely similar to that in <a href="/hebrews/10-30.htm" title="For we know him that has said, Vengeance belongs to me, I will recompense, said the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.">Hebrews 10:30</a>. This should be noted as a point of resemblance between St. Paul and the author of that Epistle, but its strength as an argument for the identity of the two is much diminished by the fact that other marked coincidences are found in the literature of this age, which seem to point to the conclusion that forms of text were current (perhaps confined to a few familiar quotations) of which no direct representations have come down to us. <a href="/commentaries/romans/12-19.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>{Do} not μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. avenge ἐκδικοῦντες (ekdikountes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1556.htm">Strong's 1556: </a> To give justice over, defend, avenge, vindicate. From ekdikos; to vindicate, retaliate, punish. yourselves, ἑαυτοὺς (heautous) Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> Himself, herself, itself. beloved, ἀγαπητοί (agapētoi) Adjective - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_27.htm">Strong's 27: </a> From agapao; beloved. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. leave δότε (dote) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. room τόπον (topon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5117.htm">Strong's 5117: </a> Apparently a primary word; a spot, i.e. Location; figuratively, condition, opportunity; specially, a scabbard. for [God’s] wrath. ὀργῇ (orgē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3709.htm">Strong's 3709: </a> From oregomai; properly, desire, i.e., violent passion (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment. For γάρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. it is written: γέγραπται (gegraptai) Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1125.htm">Strong's 1125: </a> A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe. “Vengeance [is] ἐκδίκησις (ekdikēsis) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1557.htm">Strong's 1557: </a> (a) a defense, avenging, vindication, vengeance, (b) full (complete) punishment. From ekdikeo; vindication, retribution. Mine; Ἐμοὶ (Emoi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. I ἐγὼ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. will repay, ἀνταποδώσω (antapodōsō) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_467.htm">Strong's 467: </a> To give in return, recompense. From anti and apodidomi; to requite. says λέγει (legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. [the] Lord.” Κύριος (Kyrios) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">NT Letters: Romans 12:19 Don't seek revenge yourselves beloved but give (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/12-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 12:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 12:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/12-20.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 12:20"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 12:20" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>