Romans 12:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.’”

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 12:19 is a profound apostolic injunction from Paul, urging believers to completely relinquish personal retaliation and instead cede the right of justice to God. This verse serves as a foundational principle for Christian ethics, advocating for a radical posture of non-retaliation and unwavering trust in divine sovereignty, thereby promoting peace and reliance on God's perfect and ultimate administration of justice in the face of wrongdoing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the latter half of Paul's letter to the Romans, specifically in [Romans 12](/romans/12 "Romans 12 - Living Sacrifices and Christian Conduct"), which marks a significant shift from theological exposition (chapters 1-11) to practical Christian living and ethical conduct. Having laid the groundwork of God's grace, righteousness, and salvation, Paul now describes the transformed life of a believer, beginning with the call to present one's body as a living sacrifice in [Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Presenting Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices"). The immediate context of [Romans 12:9-21](/romans/12-9-21 "Romans 12:9-21 - Marks of a True Christian") provides a series of exhortations concerning genuine love, hospitality, blessing persecutors, rejoicing with those who rejoice, weeping with those who weep, living in harmony, and avoiding conceit. Romans 12:19 directly follows the command to "bless them which persecute you; bless, and curse not" ([Romans 12:14](/romans/12-14 "Romans 12:14 - Bless Those Who Persecute You")), and it immediately precedes the powerful directives to "feed thine enemy" and "overcome evil with good" ([Romans 12:20-21](/romans/12-20-21 "Romans 12:20-21 - Overcoming Evil with Good")), forming a continuous, coherent argument for a non-retaliatory, love-driven response to those who inflict harm.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's instruction in Romans 12:19 was revolutionary in the Greco-Roman world, where personal honor and the right to avenge wrongs were deeply ingrained cultural values. Societies often operated on principles of "lex talionis" (an eye for an eye), and while this was a legal principle in some contexts (like the Mosaic Law, which limited retaliation), it often fueled cycles of personal vengeance outside formal legal structures. For early Christians, who were often a marginalized and persecuted minority, the temptation to retaliate against injustice would have been immense. Paul's command directly challenged the prevailing ethos of self-vindication and called believers to embody a counter-cultural ethic rooted in the character of God. Furthermore, the explicit quotation from the Old Testament, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord," (from [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - God's Vengeance and Recompense")) would have resonated deeply with a Jewish audience, emphasizing that this was not a new, radical idea, but a timeless divine prerogative.

* **Key Themes:** Romans 12:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Romans and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty in Justice**, asserting that ultimate justice belongs solely to God. Believers are not to usurp God's role as the righteous judge, but to trust in His perfect timing and method of recompense. Secondly, it highlights **Trust over Retaliation**, promoting a posture of peace, patience, and reliance on God's divine justice rather than personal retribution. This theme aligns with Jesus' radical teachings on non-resistance and loving enemies, as seen in the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5-38-48 "Matthew 5:38-48 - Love Your Enemies"). Thirdly, the phrase "give place unto wrath" introduces the theme of **God's Righteous Wrath**, implying that believers should make room for God's just judgment to unfold, rather than interfering with human anger or seeking personal revenge. This demonstrates profound faith in God's ultimate control and His commitment to setting all things right.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **avenge (Greek, _ekdikéō'_):** From G1556, meaning "to vindicate, retaliate, punish." In this context, the negative command "avenge not yourselves" (μὴ ἑαυτοὺς ἐκδικοῦντες) explicitly forbids believers from taking personal action to punish or seek retribution for wrongs committed against them. It is a renunciation of self-vindication.
* **Vengeance (Greek, _ekdíkēsis'_):** From G1557, meaning "vindication, retribution." This noun form is used in the divine declaration, "Vengeance is mine." It refers to the act of justly punishing wrongdoing and righting wrongs, a prerogative that God reserves for Himself. It's not about arbitrary cruelty, but about righteous judgment and the restoration of cosmic order.
* **wrath (Greek, _orgḗ'_):** From G3709, meaning "desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e. (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment." In the phrase "give place unto wrath," _orgḗ_ most powerfully refers to God's righteous indignation and the punitive judgment that flows from His holy character. It is not human anger, but divine, perfect justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves":** Paul addresses his readers with an affectionate term, "Dearly beloved" (ἀγαπητοί, _agapētoí_), underscoring the pastoral care and deep love behind this challenging command. The imperative "avenge not yourselves" (μὴ ἑαυτοὺς ἐκδικοῦντες) is a direct prohibition against personal retribution. It calls for a radical departure from the natural human inclination to retaliate when wronged, emphasizing that believers are not to take justice into their own hands.
* **"but [rather] give place unto wrath":** This clause provides the alternative to self-vengeance. "Give place" (δότε τόπον, _dote tópon_) means to make room or allow space for something. The "wrath" (τῇ ὀργῇ, _tē orgē_) here is overwhelmingly understood as God's righteous wrath or divine judgment, rather than human anger. Therefore, the command is to step aside and allow God to exercise His prerogative of judgment, trusting that He will deal with injustice in His perfect time and way. It implies surrendering the desire for personal payback and deferring to divine authority.
* **"for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord":** This final clause provides the theological foundation and justification for the preceding commands. Paul quotes directly from [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - God's Vengeance and Recompense") (or a similar passage like [Hebrews 10:30](/hebrews/10-30 "Hebrews 10:30 - God Will Judge His People")), asserting God's exclusive right to retribution. The emphatic "Vengeance is mine" (ἐμοὶ ἐκδίκησις) underscores that this is a divine attribute and responsibility, not a human one. God's declaration, "I will repay" (ἐγὼ ἀνταποδώσω), serves as a solemn promise that justice will indeed be served, providing assurance to believers that wrongs will not go unaddressed, even if they do not personally intervene.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 12:19 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Allusion/Quotation**, where Paul directly quotes from the Old Testament ([Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - God's Vengeance and Recompense")), grounding his ethical instruction in the unchanging character and promises of God. This serves to lend divine authority to his command and remind his audience of a long-standing biblical truth. The verse also utilizes **Imperative** commands ("avenge not yourselves," "give place"), which are direct and authoritative, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the believer's expected conduct. There is a clear **Antithesis/Contrast** established between human self-vindication ("avenge not yourselves") and divine retribution ("Vengeance is mine; I will repay"), highlighting the stark difference between human and divine justice and demanding a transfer of responsibility from the individual to God. Finally, the phrase "give place unto wrath" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where "wrath" stands for God's righteous judgment or the process by which He executes justice, rather than merely an emotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 12:19 stands as a pivotal text for understanding the Christian approach to justice and suffering. It fundamentally reorients the believer's response to personal injury from one of self-vindication to one of trust in God's ultimate sovereignty. This command is not a call to passivity in the face of injustice in the world, but specifically a prohibition against personal, retaliatory vengeance. It acknowledges that God is the supreme and righteous judge, who will, in His perfect timing and wisdom, bring all things to account. This truth frees believers from the burden of carrying grudges and the destructive cycle of animosity, allowing them to focus on reconciliation and love, even towards those who have wronged them. It is a profound expression of faith, trusting that God's justice is not only certain but also perfectly executed, unlike human attempts at retribution which are often tainted by sin, partiality, or disproportionate response.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "God's Vengeance and Recompense"): "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."
* [Matthew 5:38-39](/matthew/5-38-39 "Turn the Other Cheek"): "Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."
* [Hebrews 10:30](/hebrews/10-30 "God Will Judge His People"): "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."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often driven by the impulse for immediate gratification and personal vindication, Romans 12:19 presents a radical counter-cultural ethic. It challenges believers to cultivate a profound trust in God's perfect justice, even when circumstances seem to defy it. This means surrendering our perceived right to "get even" and choosing instead to extend grace and patience, knowing that God sees all and will ultimately make all things right. Practically, this calls us to forgive those who wrong us, to pray for our enemies, and to resist the urge to harbor bitterness or resentment. It encourages us to respond to evil with good, to bless those who persecute us, and to actively seek peace rather than perpetuate conflict. This posture not only honors God but also frees us from the emotional and spiritual burden of vengeance, allowing us to live in the peace and freedom that Christ offers. It is a daily discipline, requiring humility and reliance on the Holy Spirit to transform our natural reactions into Christ-like responses.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific situations in your life tempt you to take vengeance into your own hands?**
* **How does trusting God with vengeance free you from the burden of bitterness and resentment?**
* **In what ways can you actively "give place unto wrath" in your daily interactions, allowing God to be the ultimate judge?**
* **How does this verse challenge cultural norms or personal inclinations regarding justice and retribution?**

### FAQ

**What does "give place unto wrath" mean?**

Answer: The phrase "give place unto wrath" (δότε τόπον τῇ ὀργῇ) is best understood as making room or allowing space for God's righteous wrath or divine judgment to unfold. It is a command to step aside and not interfere with God's prerogative to justly deal with wrongdoing. It does *not* mean to make room for *human* anger or to allow the oppressor's wrath to continue unchecked. Instead, it signifies trusting that God, in His perfect timing and wisdom, will execute justice, thereby freeing believers from the burden and sin of personal retaliation. This aligns with the subsequent quote, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord," which clarifies that the "wrath" in view is God's.

**Why can't believers avenge themselves if God is just?**

Answer: Believers are forbidden from avenging themselves precisely *because* God is just. The text explicitly states, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." This means that justice is God's exclusive prerogative and responsibility. Human attempts at vengeance are often tainted by sin, partiality, disproportionate response, and a lack of perfect knowledge. When believers seek personal revenge, they usurp God's role, demonstrate a lack of trust in His sovereignty, and risk perpetuating cycles of violence and bitterness. Instead, they are called to reflect God's character of love and mercy, leaving the administration of ultimate justice to Him, as exemplified in [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Love Your Enemies").

**Does this verse mean Christians should never seek justice through legal systems?**

Answer: No, this verse primarily addresses *personal, retaliatory vengeance* rather than the pursuit of justice through established, legitimate legal systems. The Bible affirms the role of governing authorities as God's ministers for justice, "bearing not the sword in vain" to punish evildoers ([Romans 13:4](/romans/13-4 "Government as God's Minister")). Therefore, seeking legal recourse for wrongs committed, or participating in a just legal system, is distinct from personal vengeance. The prohibition is against an individual taking matters into their own hands out of a desire for retribution, not against seeking righteous judgment through God-ordained institutions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 12:19 finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He perfectly embodied the principle of non-retaliation, even in the face of the most profound injustice. When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but "committed himself to him that judgeth righteously" ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "Christ's Example of Suffering")). Jesus taught His disciples to "love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Love Your Enemies")), directly echoing and expanding upon the Old Testament principle that vengeance belongs to God. The cross itself is the ultimate demonstration of God's justice and mercy: God's wrath against sin was fully poured out on Christ, His Son, yet through this act, He provided a way for reconciliation and forgiveness for humanity ([Romans 5:8-9](/romans/5-8-9 "God Demonstrates His Love")). Thus, believers are called to imitate Christ's example, trusting that God's perfect justice was satisfied at Calvary and will be fully realized at the final judgment, allowing them to extend grace and peace rather than seeking personal retribution.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.