Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5494 revenge  »  5496 revenge, examples of

Ungodly people are often vengeful, and even Christians are not always exemplary in this respect. However, each case should be considered on its merits, and the claims of justice taken into account.

Revenge among the ungodly

Luke 6:11 pp Matthew 12:14 pp Mark 3:6 See also Genesis 4:24 Compare Lamech's words with those of Jesus Christ in Mt 18:21-22; 1 Kings 19:2 Jezebel; 1 Kings 22:27 Ahab; Esther 3:6 Haman; Ezekiel 25:15 the Philistines

Herodias:

Mark 6:19,24 Acts 5:33 the Sanhedrin; Acts 23:12 unbelieving Jews

Revenge among God's people

Judges 8:4-9; Esther 9:1,5 See also Genesis 16:5-6; Galatians 4:30; Judges 16:28-30 Samson; 1 Samuel 25:10-13; 2 Samuel 10:4-7 David did not retaliate at once, but only when a military threat appeared; 2 Samuel 3:27 Joab; Luke 9:51-56 James and John; John 18:10-11 Peter; Acts 23:2-5 Paul

Examples of non-retaliation

By Jesus Christ

1 Peter 2:23 See also Isaiah 50:6-7; Isaiah 53:7; Luke 23:34

By David

1 Samuel 24:1-12; Psalm 35:11-14,17; Psalm 38:12-15

By others

Genesis 50:15-21 Joseph; 1 Samuel 12:23 Samuel; 1 Kings 22:24-25 Micaiah; Job 31:29 Job; Acts 7:59-60 Stephen

Expressions of desire for revenge

Psalm 28:4; Psalm 109:8-14; Psalm 137:8-9; Jeremiah 15:15; Jeremiah 18:21; Galatians 1:8-9; Galatians 5:12; Revelation 6:10; Revelation 16:5-7; Revelation 18:6,20

See also

2315  Christ as Lamb
8450  martyrdom
8794  persecution
8828  spite