Bible Strands
Romans 12:17
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Roman congregation within a block of practical exhortations (12:9–21) on how believers are to conduct themselves toward one another and toward the world.
The words — ἀποδιδόντες (apodidontes), a present participle of ἀποδίδωμι, carries the commercial sense of "repaying" a debt; the verse forbids settling the account of evil with evil. The repetition of κακόν/κακοῦ (evil/evil) marks the symmetry being broken.
The thread — 1 Thessalonians 5:15 uses nearly the same formula ("no one repays evil for evil"); Proverbs 20:22 and 1 Peter 3:9 restate the prohibition from different angles.
Why it lands — The present participle makes this a continuous posture, not a single act of restraint: the reader is to be in the ongoing practice of pursuing what is right rather than waiting for a provocation to decide.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 20:22 Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:15 Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.
- 1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
- Matthew 5:39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;
- 2 Corinthians 8:20 We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift.
- Romans 12:19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”
- Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from every form of evil.
- 1 Peter 2:12 Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.
- 1 Peter 3:16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.