What Does the Bible Say About Revenge?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary is a devoted Bible student who loves sharing her knowledge, inspiring others with faith-filled insights, and deepening spiritual understanding through writing.

Revenge is a natural human reaction.

When someone hurts us, betrays us, or treats us unfairly, the desire to get even can feel overwhelming.

Many people believe that justice means paying back wrong for wrong, but the Bible teaches a different way.

Instead of revenge, God calls His people to trust Him, practice forgiveness, and leave judgment in His hands.

But why does God ask us to give up revenge?

Does this mean we should allow people to mistreat us without consequences?

Let’s explore what Scripture says about revenge, why it is dangerous, and how God provides a better way to handle injustice.

Revenge Belongs to God

The Bible is very clear that revenge is not for us to take.

Romans 12:19 says, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

This verse teaches an important truth—revenge is God’s responsibility, not ours.

When we try to take justice into our own hands, we step into a role that belongs to God.

God sees every wrong that has been done.

He knows when we have been mistreated, lied to, or hurt.

He promises that He will bring justice in His own way and in His own time.

It may not happen immediately, but nothing escapes His attention.

Deuteronomy 32:35 echoes this promise: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.”

God is not blind to the pain others have caused.

He will deal with them in His perfect way.

The Dangers of Seeking Revenge

Seeking revenge may feel satisfying in the moment, but the Bible warns that it leads to destruction.

Proverbs 20:22 advises, “Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.”

When we try to get even, we often make things worse.

Revenge can consume our thoughts, filling us with anger and bitterness.

Instead of bringing peace, it keeps us trapped in the pain of the past.

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Proverbs 24:29 warns, “Do not say, ‘I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.'”

Responding to evil with more evil only continues the cycle of harm.

Instead of healing, revenge fuels more pain and resentment.

Jesus taught a radical way of dealing with those who harm us.

In Matthew 5:38-39, He said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”

Jesus was not saying we should allow people to abuse us.

Instead, He was teaching that revenge is not the answer.

By refusing to retaliate, we break the cycle of hate and show the power of love.

Forgiveness Over Revenge

One of the most challenging things the Bible teaches is forgiveness.

Instead of seeking revenge, God calls His people to forgive.

Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Forgiveness does not mean pretending that nothing happened.

It does not mean allowing people to continue hurting us.

It simply means letting go of the desire to get even.

When we forgive, we release the burden of revenge and allow God to handle justice.

Colossians 3:13 encourages, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Jesus set the ultimate example of forgiveness.

Even as He was being crucified, He prayed for those who hurt Him.

Luke 23:34 records His words: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

If Jesus could forgive the people who tortured Him, we can learn to forgive those who have wronged us.

Overcoming Evil with Good

Instead of seeking revenge, the Bible teaches us to respond to evil with goodness.

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Romans 12:20-21 says, “On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

This is not easy to do.

It goes against human nature.

But when we respond to hatred with kindness, it has the power to change hearts.

This does not mean we should ignore wrongdoing.

It simply means that we refuse to become like those who have hurt us.

Jesus said in Luke 6:27-28, “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

Praying for those who have hurt us is one of the hardest things to do, but it is also one of the most freeing.

It allows us to release anger and trust that God will handle the situation.

Does Forgiveness Mean No Consequences?

Choosing not to seek revenge does not mean allowing injustice to continue.

There are times when consequences are necessary.

The Bible supports justice, especially when it comes to protecting the innocent.

Romans 13:4 says that governing authorities are “God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.”

Laws exist to prevent harm and to ensure that justice is served.

If someone has committed a crime or is causing harm, it is right to seek justice through the proper authorities.

The difference is that justice seeks what is right, while revenge seeks to harm.

God calls us to seek justice with the right heart—not out of hatred, but out of a desire for righteousness.

Trusting God with Justice

Trusting God with justice requires faith.

It means believing that He sees every wrong and that He will handle it in His perfect way.

Psalm 37:7 says, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”

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God’s justice is not always immediate, but it is always certain.

Isaiah 30:18 reminds us, “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!”

Even when we do not see justice right away, we can trust that God is working behind the scenes.

He is the ultimate judge, and He will not allow evil to go unpunished.

The Peace That Comes from Letting Go

When we choose to let go of revenge, we find peace.

Holding on to anger and resentment only hurts us in the end.

Proverbs 14:29 says, “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”

Letting go of revenge does not mean weakness—it means trusting God’s strength.

Isaiah 26:3 promises, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

Peace comes when we surrender our pain to God and allow Him to bring healing.

Final Thoughts

The Bible teaches that revenge is not ours to take.

God alone has the right to bring justice.

Seeking revenge leads to destruction, but choosing forgiveness and trusting God leads to peace.

Forgiving does not mean ignoring wrongdoing—it means letting go of hatred and allowing God to work.

Justice will come in God’s perfect timing, and He calls us to overcome evil with good.

If you are struggling with the desire for revenge, take it to God in prayer.

Ask Him to help you release anger and trust Him with the outcome.

He sees your pain.

He knows what has been done to you.

And He promises that in His perfect way, justice will be served.