Romans 12:19

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Dearly beloved {G27}, avenge {G1556} not {G3361} yourselves {G1438}, but {G235} rather give {G1325} place {G5117} unto wrath {G3709}: for {G1063} it is written {G1125}, Vengeance {G1557} is mine {G1698}; I {G1473} will repay {G467}, saith {G3004} the Lord {G2962}.

Never seek revenge, my friends; instead, leave that to God’s anger; for in the Tanakh it is written,

“Adonai says, ‘Vengeance is my responsibility; I will repay.’”

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.”

Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.

Romans 12:19 is a powerful exhortation from the Apostle Paul, urging believers to relinquish personal retaliation and trust in God's ultimate justice. It serves as a cornerstone for Christian ethics regarding how to respond to injustice and wrongdoings, promoting peace and reliance on divine sovereignty.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's practical instructions in Romans 12, following his theological exposition on God's grace and salvation. Chapter 12 shifts from doctrine to discipleship, outlining how believers should live out their faith in community and in the world. Specifically, it comes after calls for humility (Romans 12:3), fervent love (Romans 12:9), and enduring tribulation (Romans 12:12). It directly precedes the command to feed your enemy and overcome evil with good, forming a continuous thought on how believers should interact with those who cause them harm.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty in Justice: The core message is that vengeance belongs to God alone. Believers are not to take justice into their own hands, but to trust that God, in His perfect timing and wisdom, will address wrongs. This principle is directly quoted from the Old Testament, underscoring its timeless truth.
  • Trust over Retaliation: Paul commands believers to "avenge not yourselves," promoting a posture of peace and reliance on divine justice rather than personal retribution. This reflects a radical departure from the 'eye for an eye' principle when applied personally, similar to Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:38-39 about turning the other cheek.
  • Giving Place to Wrath: The phrase "give place unto wrath" is often interpreted as allowing room for God's righteous judgment to unfold, rather than fueling human anger or seeking personal revenge. It implies stepping aside and letting divine authority act, demonstrating faith in God's ultimate control over all things.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for 'avenge' is ekdikeō (ἐκδικέω), meaning to 'do justice, punish, take vengeance.' Its negation here emphasizes that the believer's role is not to be the executor of personal justice. The phrase "give place unto wrath" (δότε τόπον τῇ ὀργῇ, dote topon tē orgē) can be nuanced. While some interpret it as making room for the oppressor's wrath to subside or pass, the stronger contextual interpretation, given the immediate quotation "Vengeance is mine; I will repay," points to making room for God's wrath or divine retribution. This highlights the transfer of the right to retribution from the individual to God.

Practical Application

In a world where personal slights and injustices often provoke immediate and strong reactions, Romans 12:19 calls believers to a higher standard. It challenges us to surrender our right to retaliation, cultivating patience, forgiveness, and trust in God's perfect timing and justice. This principle is vital for fostering peace in relationships, within communities, and even globally. It encourages a focus on reconciliation and love, rather than perpetuating cycles of animosity. It aligns with the broader New Testament teaching on loving one's enemies and blessing those who persecute us (Romans 12:14). Ultimately, this verse frees us from the burden of carrying grudges and seeking personal revenge, allowing us to rest in the assurance that God will ultimately set all things right, as He declares, "I will repay, saith the Lord."

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Deuteronomy 32:35

    To me [belongeth] vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in [due] time: for the day of their calamity [is] at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

  • Hebrews 10:30

    For we know him that hath said, Vengeance [belongeth] unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

  • Proverbs 24:29

    Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

  • Proverbs 20:22

    ¶ Say not thou, I will recompense evil; [but] wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.

  • Romans 12:17

    Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:6

    That no [man] go beyond and defraud his brother in [any] matter: because that the Lord [is] the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

  • Leviticus 19:18

    Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I [am] the LORD.
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