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
Romans 12:18; 1 Peter 4:8
Evading the attack
Matthew 10:23; Luke 4:29-30
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
Luke 23:34; Acts 7:59-60
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 5493 retribution 5944 self-defence 6652 forgiveness 7310 avenger of blood 7346 death penalty 7438 sanctuary 8292 love 9105 last things
