The malicious desire to retaliate in words or action. It may be in response to good or evil. Believers are to rid themselves of any such vindictive spirit.

1 Kings 19:1-2

Examples of people acting out of spite

In response to good

2 Chronicles 16:10

Jezebel

Esther 3:6

Asa, king of Judah

Matthew 14:3-12

Haman

John 12:10

pp Mk 6:17-29

Herodias

Acts 7:54,57-58

the chief priests

Stephen's persecutors:

Psalms 140:3

See also

In response to evil

Genesis 27:41
Genesis 37:4,8,11,18-27

Esau

Ezekiel 25:15

Joseph's brothers:

Acts 23:12-15

the Philistines

some Jews

Ephesians 4:31

Spite has no place in the lives of believers

See also

Believers are to rid themselves of all spitefulness

1 Corinthians 5:8
Colossians 3:8
1 Peter 2:1
Leviticus 19:18

See also

As a result believers are enabled not to retaliate against others

Proverbs 20:22; 24:29
Matthew 5:38-40
Romans 12:17,19-21
1 Thessalonians 5:15
1 Peter 2:21-23; 3:9

See also

5498 reward
5511 safety
5547 speech, power of
5818 contempt
5819 cowardice
5876 helpfulness
5918 pleasure
5952 sorrow