Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5200 Human civilisation » 5494 revenge » 5495 revenge, and retaliation 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. OT teaching about revenge Revenge forbidden in the OT Genesis 4:15; Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 32:35; Proverbs 20:22 See also Deuteronomy 19:5-7,11-13; Deuteronomy 23:7; Proverbs 24:29; Jeremiah 29:7 The “lex talionis” (law of exacting like for like) Exodus 21:23-25 This was not a rule for personal revenge but to ensure that judicial punishments were neither unjust nor malicious. See also Leviticus 24:17-21; Deuteronomy 19:18-21 Personal revenge forbidden in the NT By Jesus Christ Matthew 5:38-45 See also Luke 6:27-36 By the apostles Romans 12:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 1 Peter 3:9 See also 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 The evil effects of revenge illustrated in the life of Samson Judges 15:1-8,9-10,11-12 Alternatives to revenge Avoiding the problem Evading the attack Accepting the injury 1 Corinthians 6:7; Hebrews 10:32-34 Using the law Acts 22:25; 1 Corinthians 6:1-6 going to law Forgiving and setting an example Ashes on the head were a sign of repentance. Doing good to one's attackers may lead them to a change of heart: Romans 12:19-21; Proverbs 25:21-22 God will avenge his people Luke 18:7-8 See also Deuteronomy 32:43; 1 Samuel 24:12; 2 Kings 9:7; Psalm 18:47; Revelation 6:10; Revelation 19:2 See also
5359 justice |
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