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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 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/12-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/45_Rom_12_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 12:17 - Forgiveness" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do not repay anyone evil for evil. 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Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/romans/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/romans/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/romans/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />repaying to no one evil for evil, providing right before all men;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/romans/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/romans/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/romans/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/romans/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/romans/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/romans/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Never paying back evil for evil to anyone, respecting what is good in the sight of all men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/romans/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Never repay anyone evil for evil. Take thought for what is right <i>and</i> gracious <i>and</i> proper in the sight of everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/romans/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/romans/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone&#8217s eyes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/romans/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/romans/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't mistreat someone who has mistreated you. But try to earn the respect of others, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/romans/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honourable in the sight of all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/romans/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Don't pay people back with evil for the evil they do to you. Focus your thoughts on those things that are considered noble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/romans/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If someone has done you wrong, do not repay him with a wrong. Try to do what everyone considers to be good. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/romans/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not pay anyone back evil for evil, but focus your thoughts on what is right in the sight of all people. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/romans/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/romans/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not repay anyone evil for evil; consider what is good before all people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/romans/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/romans/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Pay back to no man evil for evil. Take thought for what is right and seemly in every one's esteem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/romans/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/romans/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />giving back to no one evil for evil; providing right things before all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />repaying to no one evil for evil, providing right before all men;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/romans/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> giving back to no one evil for evil; providing right things before all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/romans/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Giving hack evil for evil to none. Providing good things before all men.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/romans/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />To no man rendering evil for evil. Providing good things, not only in the sight of God, but also in the sight of all men. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/romans/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Render to no one harm for harm. Provide good things, not only in the sight of God, but also in the sight of all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/romans/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/romans/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/romans/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Recompense to no man evil for evil. But be careful to do good things before the presence of all men.<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 />Repay no person evil for evil, but be concerned with doing good before all people.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/romans/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />repay to no one evil for evil; practice that which is honorable in the sight of all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/romans/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Returning to no one evil for evil; providing things beautiful in the sight of all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/romans/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Render to no man evil for evil. Be provident of things laudable in the sight of all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/romans/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Render no man evil for evil, mind such things as are approved not only by God, but by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Pay back to no man evil for evil. Take thought for what is right and seemly in every one's esteem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/romans/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />recompensing to no one evil for evil; providing things honorable in the sight of all men;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/romans/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Render to no one evil for evil: behaving honorably in the sight of all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/romans/12-17.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=3145" 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">16</span>Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/591.htm" title="591: apodidontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- From apo and didomi; to give away, i.e. Up, over, back, etc.">Do not repay anyone</a> <a href="/greek/3367.htm" title="3367: mēdeni (Adj-DMS) -- No one, none, nothing. "></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/473.htm" title="473: anti (Prep) -- A primary particle; opposite, i.e. Instead or because of.">for</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/4306.htm" title="4306: pronooumenoi (V-PPM-NMP) -- From pro and noieo; to consider in advance, i.e. Look out for beforehand.">Carefully consider</a> <a href="/greek/2570.htm" title="2570: kala (Adj-ANP) -- Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.">what is right</a> <a href="/greek/1799.htm" title="1799: enōpion (Prep) -- Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.">in the eyes of</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantōn (Adj-GMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">everybody.</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpōn (N-GMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being."></a> </span> <span class="reftext">18</span>If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.…<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/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39-44</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_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/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="/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="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-29</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. / If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-7.htm">1 Corinthians 6:7</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-29.htm">Proverbs 24:29</a></span><br />Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">1 Peter 2:23</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12</a></span><br />In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a></span><br />Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.<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="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12-13</a></span><br />We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; / when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-4.htm">Exodus 23:4-5</a></span><br />If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him. / If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it.<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="/deuteronomy/32-35.htm">Deuteronomy 32:35</a></span><br />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.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.</p><p class="hdg">Recompense.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a></b></br> Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but <i>rather</i> give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance <i>is</i> mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22</a></b></br> Say not thou, I will recompense evil; <i>but</i> wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="hdg">Provide.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/14-16.htm">Romans 14:16</a></b></br> Let not then your good be evil spoken of:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/6-6.htm">1 Corinthians 6:6,7</a></b></br> But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/13-4.htm">1 Corinthians 13:4,5</a></b></br> Charity suffereth long, <i>and</i> is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/12-11.htm">Business</a> <a href="/acts/5-35.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/acts/5-13.htm">Esteem</a> <a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/romans/11-10.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/acts/6-3.htm">Honest</a> <a href="/romans/9-21.htm">Honorable</a> <a href="/romans/9-21.htm">Noble</a> <a href="/acts/20-33.htm">One's</a> <a href="/romans/8-4.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/romans/4-4.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/acts/27-3.htm">Provide</a> <a href="/romans/11-9.htm">Recompense</a> <a href="/jeremiah/32-18.htm">Recompensing</a> <a href="/romans/11-35.htm">Repay</a> <a href="/romans/9-5.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/romans/12-9.htm">Right</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-1.htm">Seemly</a> <a href="/romans/4-17.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/romans/11-1.htm">Thought</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/16-2.htm">Business</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-10.htm">Careful</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-23.htm">Esteem</a> <a href="/romans/12-21.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-7.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-21.htm">Honest</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-10.htm">Honorable</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">Noble</a> <a href="/romans/13-10.htm">One's</a> <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-13.htm">Provide</a> <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Recompense</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/6-23.htm">Recompensing</a> <a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Repay</a> <a href="/romans/13-7.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/romans/13-3.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-35.htm">Seemly</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/romans/13-14.htm">Thought</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 repay anyone evil for evil.</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the Christian principle of non-retaliation, which is rooted in Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (<a href="/matthew/5-38.htm">Matthew 5:38-39</a>). The idea of not repaying evil for evil is countercultural, especially in the Roman world where honor and revenge were often pursued. The Old Testament also supports this principle, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22</a>, which advises against seeking revenge. This command reflects the character of God, who is patient and merciful, and it calls believers to trust in God's justice rather than taking matters into their own hands. The life of Jesus exemplifies this teaching, as He did not retaliate against those who wronged Him, even during His crucifixion (<a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">1 Peter 2:23</a>).<p><b>Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.</b><br>This phrase encourages believers to live thoughtfully and with integrity, ensuring their actions are above reproach. The Greek term for "carefully consider" implies a deliberate and thoughtful approach to one's conduct. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching of living wisely and being a light to the world (<a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14-16</a>). The phrase "in the eyes of everybody" suggests a universal standard of morality that transcends cultural and societal norms, pointing to the inherent understanding of right and wrong that God has placed in every human heart (<a href="/romans/2-14.htm">Romans 2:14-15</a>). This call to consider what is right is not about seeking human approval but about living in a way that reflects God's righteousness and draws others to Him.<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_early_christian_community.htm">The Early Christian Community</a></b><br>The broader context of the early church, which faced persecution and needed guidance on how to live out their faith in a hostile environment.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/rejecting_retaliation.htm">Rejecting Retaliation</a></b><br>As Christians, we are called to break the cycle of retaliation. Instead of responding to evil with evil, we should seek to overcome evil with good.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuing_peace.htm">Pursuing Peace</a></b><br>The phrase "carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody" suggests a proactive approach to living peaceably with others, reflecting Christ's love and wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_justice.htm">Trusting God's Justice</a></b><br>By not repaying evil for evil, we demonstrate our trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/witness_to_the_world.htm">Witness to the World</a></b><br>Our response to wrongdoing can serve as a powerful testimony to non-believers, showcasing the transformative power of the Gospel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_wisdom.htm">Practical Wisdom</a></b><br>This verse encourages us to think carefully about our actions and their impact on others, promoting a thoughtful and wise approach to conflict.<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/should_you_repay_evil_with_evil.htm">Should you repay evil with evil?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_prepare_for_the_lord's_arrival.htm">Should you repay evil with evil?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/should_we_do_good_to_everyone.htm">Should we do good to everyone?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_commit_atrocities_in_god's_name.htm">Why have Christians committed atrocities (e.g., Crusades, Inquisitions, colonialism) in the name of 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>(17) <span class= "bld">Provide things honest . . .</span>--Let your purposes be such that all men shall recognise their complete integrity. Do not engage in enterprises of a doubtful character, that might bring not only yourselves but the Christian body into ill repute. (Comp. <a href="/context/matthew/5-14.htm" title="You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.">Matthew 5:14-16</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/8-21.htm" title="Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.">2Corinthians 8:21</a>.)<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/romans/12-17.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 repay anyone</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀποδιδόντες</span> <span class="translit">(apodidontes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_591.htm">Strong's 591: </a> </span><span class="str2">From apo and didomi; to give away, i.e. Up, over, back, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">evil</span><br /><span class="grk">κακὸν</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">for</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀντὶ</span> <span class="translit">(anti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_473.htm">Strong's 473: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; opposite, i.e. Instead or because of.</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">Carefully consider</span><br /><span class="grk">προνοούμενοι</span> <span class="translit">(pronooumenoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4306.htm">Strong's 4306: </a> </span><span class="str2">From pro and noieo; to consider in advance, i.e. Look out for beforehand.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what is right</span><br /><span class="grk">καλὰ</span> <span class="translit">(kala)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2570.htm">Strong's 2570: </a> </span><span class="str2">Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the eyes of</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐνώπιον</span> <span class="translit">(enōpion)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1799.htm">Strong's 1799: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">everybody.</span><br /><span class="grk">πάντων</span> <span class="translit">(pantōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/romans/12-17.htm">NT Letters: Romans 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/12-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 12:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 12:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/12-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 12:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 12:18" /></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>