Bible Strands
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.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Roman believers as "beloved" (ἀγαπητοί), in the practical ethics section of Romans 12, immediately after urging them to live at peace with everyone (v. 18) and before the instruction to feed a hungry enemy (v. 20).
The words — ἐκδικοῦντες (ekdikountes), "avenging," is a present participle from the root δικ- (dīk-), the same stem as δικαιοσύνη ("justice"); the word literally means "executing justice," so the prohibition is against taking on the role of judge and executioner.
The thread — The verse quotes Deuteronomy 32:35 verbatim; Hebrews 10:30 echoes the same formula in a warning context, and Proverbs 24:29 states the parallel wisdom principle: do not repay a man according to his work.
Why it lands — The command is a prohibition on a specific act (executing retribution), not a call to passive tolerance; it removes the reader from the judge's seat and assigns that function to God alone.
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
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Cross-references
- Deuteronomy 32:35 Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.”
- Hebrews 10:30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.”
- Proverbs 24:29 Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.”
- Proverbs 20:22 Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.
- Romans 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:6 and no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this regard, because the Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you.
- Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.
- Leviticus 19:18 Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
- Deuteronomy 32:43 Rejoice, O heavens, with Him, and let all God’s angels worship Him. Rejoice, O nations, with His people; for He will avenge the blood of His children. He will take vengeance on His adversaries and repay those who hate Him; He will cleanse His land and His people.
- Psalms 94:1 O LORD, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth.