Bible Strands
Romans 12:20
On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to believers in Rome, issuing this instruction immediately after commanding them to refrain from personal vengeance and leave judgment to God. He addresses them during a broader teaching on practical Christian conduct and non-retaliation.
The words — The Greek ἀλλ᾽ (all’) translates literally as “on the contrary,” signaling a direct contrast to the preceding prohibition against revenge. The verb ψώμιζε (psōmize) means “do feed,” directing concrete provision toward the ἐχθρὸς (echthros), or enemy.
The thread — The directive directly quotes Proverbs 25:21, which commands giving food and drink to a hungry or thirsty adversary. Jesus later reinforces this ethic by ordering believers to love their enemies and pray for persecutors in Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27.
Why it lands — The text commands active, practical care for an opponent rather than retaliatory action. It requires the reader to interrupt hostility through tangible provision and refuse to let evil dictate their response.
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
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 25:21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
- Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
- Luke 6:27 But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
- Exodus 23:4 If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him.
- 2 Kings 6:22 “Do not kill them,” he replied. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master.”
- 1 Samuel 24:16 When David had finished saying these things, Saul called back, “Is that your voice, David my son?” Then Saul wept aloud
- 1 Samuel 26:21 Then Saul replied, “I have sinned. Come back, David my son. I will never harm you again, because today you considered my life precious. I have played the fool and have committed a grave error!”
- Song of Solomon 8:6 Set me as a seal over your heart, as a seal upon your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as unrelenting as Sheol. Its sparks are fiery flames, the fiercest blaze of all.
- Psalms 140:10 May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into the miry pits, never to rise again.
- Psalms 120:4 Sharp arrows will come from the warrior, with burning coals of the broom tree!