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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 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/12-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/45_Rom_12_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 12:21 - Forgiveness" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." /><script type="application/javascript" 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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/12-21.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 21</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="/ad1.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/12-20.htm" title="Romans 12:20">◄</a> Romans 12:21 <a href="/romans/13-1.htm" title="Romans 13:1">►</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"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/romans/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/romans/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/romans/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/romans/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/romans/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/romans/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/romans/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/romans/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/romans/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/romans/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/romans/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Do not be overcome <i>and</i> conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/romans/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/romans/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/romans/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/romans/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't let evil defeat you, but defeat evil with good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/romans/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/romans/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/romans/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/romans/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/romans/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/romans/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/romans/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/romans/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome the evil with goodness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/romans/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/romans/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not be overcome by the evil, but overcome, in the good, the evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/romans/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Be not overcome by the evil, but overcome, in the good, the evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/romans/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/romans/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil by good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/romans/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Do not allow evil to prevail, instead prevail over evil by means of goodness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/romans/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/romans/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/romans/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil by good. <div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/romans/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Be not overcome by evil; but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/romans/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Be not overcome by the evil, but overcome the evil with the good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/romans/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/romans/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil by good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome the evil with goodness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/romans/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/romans/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/romans/12-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=3183" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/romans/12.htm">Forgiveness</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>On 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.” <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><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/3528.htm" title="3528: nikō (V-PMM/P-2S) -- To conquer, be victorious, overcome, prevail, subdue. From nike; to subdue.">be overcome</a> <a href="/greek/5259.htm" title="5259: hypo (Prep) -- A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).">by</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2556.htm" title="2556: kakou (Adj-GNS) -- Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.">evil,</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/3528.htm" title="3528: nika (V-PMA-2S) -- To conquer, be victorious, overcome, prevail, subdue. From nike; to subdue.">overcome</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2556.htm" title="2556: kakon (Adj-ANS) -- Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.">evil</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">with</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/18.htm" title="18: agathō (Adj-DNS) -- A primary word; good.">good.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a></span><br />But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Proverbs 25:21-22</a></span><br />If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-28</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-15.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:15</a></span><br />Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/13-4.htm">1 Corinthians 13:4-7</a></span><br />Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. / Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39-41</a></span><br />But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; / if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well; / and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-4.htm">1 John 4:4</a></span><br />You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-20.htm">Genesis 50:20</a></span><br />As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/5-4.htm">1 John 5:4</a></span><br />because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22</a></span><br />Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/6-22.htm">2 Kings 6:22</a></span><br />“Do not kill them,” he replied. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-31.htm">Ephesians 4:31-32</a></span><br />Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. / Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Galatians 6:9-10</a></span><br />Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. / Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-7.htm">James 4:7</a></span><br />Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">Proverbs 16:32</a></b></br> <i>He that is</i> slow to anger <i>is</i> better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-30</a></b></br> But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></b></br> Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Good</a> <a href="/romans/11-22.htm">Goodness</a> <a href="/romans/8-37.htm">Overcome</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/13-3.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/romans/13-3.htm">Good</a> <a href="/romans/15-14.htm">Goodness</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-54.htm">Overcome</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/12-1.htm">God's mercies must move us to offer ourselves.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/12-3.htm">No man must think too well of himself;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/12-6.htm">but everyone attend to the calling wherein he is placed.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Love, and many other duties are required of us.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Revenge is especially forbidden.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>Do not be overcome by evil</b><br>This phrase serves as a warning against allowing evil to gain control over one's actions or thoughts. In the context of the Roman Empire, where Christians faced persecution and moral corruption, this admonition was particularly relevant. The Apostle Paul, who authored Romans, often addressed the challenges of living a Christian life in a pagan society. The concept of not being overcome by evil echoes Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, where He instructed His followers to turn the other cheek (<a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39</a>). This phrase also connects to <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a>, where Paul describes the spiritual battle against the forces of evil, emphasizing the need for spiritual vigilance and the armor of God.<p><b>but overcome evil with good</b><br>This directive encourages believers to actively counteract evil by doing good, reflecting the transformative power of Christian love and grace. The idea of overcoming evil with good is rooted in the teachings of Jesus, who exemplified this principle through His life and sacrifice. The concept is also seen in <a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Proverbs 25:21-22</a>, which Paul quotes earlier in <a href="/romans/12-20.htm">Romans 12:20</a>, suggesting that acts of kindness can lead to repentance and reconciliation. Historically, this approach distinguished early Christians from their contemporaries, as they were known for their acts of charity and forgiveness, even towards their persecutors. This phrase underscores the belief that good ultimately triumphs over evil, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture, culminating in the victory of Christ over sin and death.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_roman_church.htm">The Roman Church</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, the early Christian community in Rome, which was diverse and included both Jewish and Gentile believers.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_city_of_rome.htm">The City of Rome</a></b><br>The capital of the Roman Empire, a place of significant cultural, political, and religious influence during the time of Paul's writing.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_overcome.htm">Understanding Overcome</a></b><br>The Greek word for "overcome" is "nikao," which means to conquer or prevail. Christians are called to conquer evil not by force, but through the power of good.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_good_and_evil.htm">The Nature of Good and Evil</a></b><br>Evil is not to be fought with evil, as it perpetuates a cycle of sin. Instead, good, which is rooted in God's character, has the power to transform and redeem.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_goodness.htm">Practical Goodness</a></b><br>Overcoming evil with good involves practical acts of kindness, forgiveness, and love, reflecting Christ's example.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a></b><br>This verse highlights the spiritual battle Christians face, where the weapons are not physical but spiritual, rooted in righteousness and love.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_sacrifices.htm">Living Sacrifices</a></b><br>As Paul discusses earlier in <a href="/bsb/romans/12.htm">Romans 12</a>, believers are to present themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which includes overcoming evil with good.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_it_a_necessary_evil.htm">Is it a necessary evil?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_129_5_align_with_loving_enemies.htm">How does Psalm 129’s wish for adversaries to be shamed (Psalm 129:5) fit with New Testament teachings that urge believers to love and forgive their enemies?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_elisabeth_elliot.htm">Who was Elisabeth Elliot, a Christian woman of valor?</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>(21) <span class= "bld">Be not overcome of evil, but . . .</span>--A fine sentiment. The infliction of vengeance is not a sign of strength, but of weakness. To repress the desire for revenge is to gain a victory over self, which is not only nobler in itself, but will also be much more effectual. It will disarm the enemy, and turn him into a friend.<p><span class= "bld"><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/romans/12-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">{Do} not</span><br /><span class="grk">Μὴ</span> <span class="translit">(Mē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be overcome</span><br /><span class="grk">νικῶ</span> <span class="translit">(nikō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3528.htm">Strong's 3528: </a> </span><span class="str2">To conquer, be victorious, overcome, prevail, subdue. From nike; to subdue.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑπὸ</span> <span class="translit">(hypo)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5259.htm">Strong's 5259: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">evil,</span><br /><span class="grk">κακοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(kakou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2556.htm">Strong's 2556: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλὰ</span> <span class="translit">(alla)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">overcome</span><br /><span class="grk">νίκα</span> <span class="translit">(nika)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3528.htm">Strong's 3528: </a> </span><span class="str2">To conquer, be victorious, overcome, prevail, subdue. From nike; to subdue.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">evil</span><br /><span class="grk">κακόν</span> <span class="translit">(kakon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2556.htm">Strong's 2556: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">good.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀγαθῷ</span> <span class="translit">(agathō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_18.htm">Strong's 18: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary word; 'good'.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/12-21.htm">Romans 12:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/romans/12-21.htm">Romans 12:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/romans/12-21.htm">Romans 12:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/romans/12-21.htm">Romans 12:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/romans/12-21.htm">Romans 12:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/12-21.htm">Romans 12:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/12-21.htm">Romans 12:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/12-21.htm">Romans 12:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/romans/12-21.htm">Romans 12:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/romans/12-21.htm">Romans 12:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/romans/12-21.htm">NT Letters: Romans 12:21 Don't be overcome by evil but overcome (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/12-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 12:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 12:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 13:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 13:1" /></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>