Dictionary of Bible Themes Scripture teaches that it is wrong to strike back or to return evil for evil, whether by immediate retaliation or by taking revenge later. Justice must be done, but this must be left in the hands of God, or of the authorities ordained by God. Genesis 4:15OT teaching about revenge Leviticus 19:18Revenge forbidden in the OT Deuteronomy 32:35Proverbs 20:22 See also Deuteronomy 19:5-7,11-13; 23:7Proverbs 24:29 Jeremiah 29:7 Exodus 21:23-25 The "lex talionis" (law of exacting like for like) See also Leviticus 24:17-21This was not a rule for personal revenge but to ensure that judicial punishments were neither unjust nor malicious. Deuteronomy 19:18-21Matthew 5:38-45 Personal revenge forbidden in the NT See also By Jesus Christ Luke 6:27-36Romans 12:17 1 Thessalonians 5:15 By the apostles 1 Peter 3:9See also 1 Corinthians 13:4-5Judges 15:1-8,9-10,11-12 The evil effects of revenge illustrated in the life of Samson Romans 12:18Alternatives to revenge 1 Peter 4:8Avoiding the problem Matthew 10:23Luke 4:29-30 Evading the attack 1 Corinthians 6:7Hebrews 10:32-34 Accepting the injury Acts 22:251 Corinthians 6:1-6 Using the law Luke 23:34going to law Acts 7:59-60Forgiving and setting an example Romans 12:19-21Proverbs 25:21-22 Ashes on the head were a sign of repentance. Doing good to one's attackers may lead them to a change of heart: Luke 18:7-8God will avenge his people See also Deuteronomy 32:431 Samuel 24:12 2 Kings 9:7 Psalms 18:47 Revelation 6:10; 19:2 See also 5359 justice5493 retribution 5945 self-pity 6652 forgiveness 7310 avenger of blood 7346 death penalty 7438 sanctuary 8292 love 9105 last things |
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