Romans 12:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G3767} if {G1437} thine {G4675} enemy {G2190} hunger {G3983}, feed {G5595} him {G846}; if {G1437} he thirst {G1372}, give {G4222} him {G846} drink {G4222}: for {G1063} in so {G5124} doing {G4160} thou shalt heap {G4987} coals {G440} of fire {G4442} on {G1909} his {G846} head {G2776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the contrary,

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
For by doing this, you will heap
fiery coals [of shame] on his head.”

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 12:20 presents a radical call for believers to respond to hostility not with retaliation, but with proactive and tangible acts of kindness. Drawing from Old Testament wisdom, the Apostle Paul instructs Christians to meet an enemy's basic needs—feeding the hungry and giving drink to the thirsty—with the profound intention that such unexpected benevolence will "heap coals of fire on his head," a powerful metaphor for evoking conviction, shame, or even transformation in the adversary, ultimately overcoming evil with good.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's comprehensive exposition of practical Christian living, which begins in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice"). Following his foundational call to spiritual transformation and renewed minds, Paul transitions to specific ethical guidelines for believers in their relationships with fellow believers and the world. [Romans 12:9-21](/romans/12-9-21 "Romans 12:9-21 - Marks of a True Christian") outlines the marks of authentic love, humility, and perseverance. Immediately preceding [Romans 12:20](/romans/12-20 "Romans 12:20 - Feed Your Enemy") are direct commands to "recompense to no man evil for evil" ([Romans 12:17](/romans/12-17 "Romans 12:17 - Do Not Repay Evil for Evil")) and to "live peaceably with all men" ([Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Live Peaceably")). Thus, [Romans 12:20](/romans/12-20 "Romans 12:20 - Feed Your Enemy") elevates the standard from passive non-retaliation to active, compassionate engagement with those who are hostile, serving as a climactic expression of the principle articulated in [Romans 12:21](/romans/12-21 "Romans 12:21 - Overcome Evil with Good").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's instruction in [Romans 12:20](/romans/12-20 "Romans 12:20 - Feed Your Enemy") was profoundly counter-cultural in the Greco-Roman world, where the prevailing ethos often emphasized honor, shame, and reciprocal justice—meaning, good for good, and harm for harm. Vengeance was often seen as a legitimate and even necessary response to maintain one's honor. In contrast, Paul, echoing the teachings of Jesus, presents a radical ethic rooted in divine love and grace. The phrase "heap coals of fire on his head" is a direct quotation from the [Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) version of Proverbs 25:21-22](/proverbs/25-21-22 "Proverbs 25:21-22 - Feed Your Enemy"), indicating Paul's reliance on established Hebrew wisdom traditions. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, "coals of fire" could symbolize intense emotional distress, shame, or even a ritual act of repentance (carrying coals for an offering). The act of feeding and giving drink to an enemy would have been seen as an extraordinary act of benevolence, challenging the social norms of the time and demonstrating a higher moral standard.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Romans and the broader New Testament. A primary theme is **Active Love for Enemies**, which transcends mere tolerance or passive non-retaliation, demanding tangible and sacrificial acts of kindness towards those who are adversarial. This aligns with Jesus' revolutionary command to [love one's enemies and pray for those who persecute](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies"). Another crucial theme is **Overcoming Evil with Good**, explicitly stated in the subsequent verse, [Romans 12:21](/romans/12-21 "Romans 12:21 - Overcome Evil with Good"). By responding to ill-will with benevolence, believers demonstrate a superior, divinely-inspired method of disarming animosity and transforming relationships. Finally, the intriguing phrase "heap coals of fire on his head" introduces the theme of **Divine Conviction and Transformation**. While debated, this imagery is generally understood not as literal punishment, but as a metaphor for the profound shame or remorse an enemy might experience when confronted with unexpected kindness. This can lead to repentance, as God's own goodness is said to lead to repentance in [Romans 2:4](/romans/2-4 "Romans 2:4 - God's Goodness Leads to Repentance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **enemy (Greek, _echthrós'_):** From a primary root meaning "to hate," this word describes someone who is hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile). It is often used as a noun to refer to an adversary, including Satan. In this context, it emphasizes the challenging nature of the individual toward whom kindness is to be extended, highlighting the radical nature of Paul's command.
* **hunger (Greek, _peináō'_):** Derived from a word suggesting "pinching toil" or "poverty," this verb means to famish, either absolutely or comparatively. Figuratively, it can mean to crave. Here, it refers to a fundamental human need, making the act of feeding a basic and essential expression of compassion.
* **heap (Greek, _sōreúō'_):** From a root meaning "to pile up," this verb means to pile up, literally or figuratively. In this verse, it vividly portrays the accumulation or intensity of the "coals of fire," suggesting a profound and overwhelming effect on the enemy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink:"** This opening clause sets forth the core command. "Therefore" links back to the preceding exhortations to live peaceably and not repay evil for evil. The conditional "if" acknowledges the reality of having enemies and their potential needs. The commands "feed him" and "give him drink" are direct, practical, and fundamental acts of human compassion. They signify a proactive, tangible response to an enemy's vulnerability, moving beyond passive non-retaliation to active benevolence. This instruction is profoundly counter-intuitive to human nature, which often seeks retribution or avoidance.
* **"for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head."** This concluding clause explains the reason and anticipated effect of such radical kindness. The conjunction "for" introduces the consequence. The phrase "heap coals of fire on his head" is a direct quotation from [Proverbs 25:22](/proverbs/25-22 "Proverbs 25:22 - The Source of the Coals of Fire Metaphor"). This vivid imagery is widely interpreted not as literal punishment or judgment, but as a metaphor for the intense shame, remorse, or conviction that unexpected kindness can produce in an adversary. It suggests that the enemy, confronted with undeserved goodness, may experience a burning sense of guilt or discomfort, potentially leading to a change of heart or a softening of their hostility. It implies a transformative power in radical love.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 12:20 makes effective use of several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head." This is not to be understood literally as physical harm, but as a vivid image representing the intense emotional or psychological effect of unexpected kindness on an enemy. It suggests a burning sensation of shame, conviction, or remorse that might lead to a change of heart. Another device is **Allusion**, as Paul directly quotes from the [Septuagint version of Proverbs 25:21-22](/proverbs/25-21-22 "Proverbs 25:21-22 - Wisdom on Treating Enemies"), linking New Testament ethics to established Old Testament wisdom. This demonstrates the continuity of God's moral demands across covenants. Furthermore, the verse embodies **Paradox**, presenting a counter-intuitive strategy where good is used to overcome evil. Instead of responding to hostility with hostility, the believer is instructed to respond with benevolence, thereby disarming the enemy and demonstrating a divine wisdom that transcends human logic.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 12:20 profoundly reflects the very character of God, who, while we were still His enemies, demonstrated His love by sending Christ to die for us ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). This verse calls believers to embody that same self-giving, redemptive love, extending grace even to those who oppose them. It underscores the New Covenant ethic of overcoming evil not through power or retaliation, but through the transformative power of sacrificial love. This active benevolence is a powerful witness to the Gospel, demonstrating that the kingdom of God operates on principles fundamentally different from the world's. It is a call to participate in God's redemptive work, not merely by preaching, but by living out His nature in practical, tangible ways that can disarm hostility and open hearts to conviction and change.

* [Proverbs 25:21-22](/proverbs/25-21-22 "Proverbs 25:21-22 - Feed Your Enemy, Heap Coals of Fire")
* [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")
* [Luke 6:27-28](/luke/6-27-28 "Luke 6:27-28 - Love Your Enemies, Do Good to Those Who Hate You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 12:20 presents a radical challenge to our natural inclinations. When confronted with an enemy or someone who has wronged us, our immediate impulse is often to retaliate, withdraw, or seek justice through human means. However, Paul instructs us to choose a path of proactive, intentional kindness: to meet their basic needs if they are in want. This is not about manipulating the enemy, but about transforming our own hearts to reflect the love of Christ. It requires a deliberate act of the will, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to choose grace over grievance, compassion over contempt. By embracing this command, we not only bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel, but we also allow God to work in and through us to disarm hostility, potentially leading to reconciliation and demonstrating a higher way of living that overcomes evil with good. This practice cultivates humility, patience, and a deeper reliance on God's methods for justice and transformation, rather than our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Who is an "enemy" in your life, and how might you practically apply the command to feed or give drink to them?**
* **What are the internal obstacles (e.g., pride, anger, fear) that prevent you from showing radical kindness to those who oppose you?**
* **How does trusting God to "heap coals of fire" on your enemy's head change your approach to conflict and justice?**
* **In what ways can acts of unexpected kindness be a powerful witness to the Gospel in a world often driven by retaliation?**

### FAQ

**What does "heap coals of fire on his head" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "heap coals of fire on his head" is a direct quotation from [Proverbs 25:22](/proverbs/25-22 "Proverbs 25:22 - The Source of the Coals of Fire Metaphor") (in the Septuagint) and is a metaphor, not an instruction for literal harm. There are two primary interpretations, both pointing to a transformative effect:
1. **Shame and Conviction:** The most common view is that unexpected acts of kindness will bring a profound sense of shame or conviction upon the enemy. The "coals of fire" symbolize a burning sensation of remorse or guilt, as the enemy realizes their hostility is met with undeserved goodness. This discomfort is intended to lead them to recognize their wrongdoing and potentially repent, as [Romans 2:4](/romans/2-4 "Romans 2:4 - God's Goodness Leads to Repentance") suggests that God's goodness leads to repentance.
2. **Melting Hostility:** Another interpretation suggests that just as fire melts metal, genuine acts of kindness can "melt" the hardened heart of an enemy, softening their animosity and potentially transforming their disposition towards you. It disarms their hostility by refusing to engage on their terms.

In both interpretations, the goal is not to inflict pain, but to bring about a change in the enemy's heart or behavior through the power of love and grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 12:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of this radical command, demonstrating active love for His enemies in a way no human ever could. While we were still sinners, alienated from God and His adversaries, Christ died for us ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). His entire earthly ministry was characterized by ministering to the marginalized, healing the sick, and teaching those who opposed Him. On the cross, the supreme act of His love, He prayed, "[Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Prays for His Executioners")" ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Prays for His Executioners")), actively interceding for His executioners. Jesus did not merely refrain from evil; He overcame the ultimate evil of sin and death with the ultimate good of His sacrificial life, death, and resurrection, thereby "heaping coals of fire"—a burning conviction of grace—on the heads of all humanity, inviting us to repentance and reconciliation with God ([2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God Reconciling the World to Himself")). His life and teachings, particularly the command to "[love your enemies](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")" in the Sermon on the Mount ([Matthew 5:43-48](/matthew/5-43-48 "Matthew 5:43-48 - Love Your Enemies")), are the very foundation upon which Paul's instruction in [Romans 12:20](/romans/12-20 "Romans 12:20 - Feed Your Enemy") rests, making Christ the supreme example and empowering source for living out this challenging truth.

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

Proverbs 25:21

¶ If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

Proverbs 25:22

For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

Matthew 5:44

But I say unto you, 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;

Luke 6:27

¶ But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Exodus 23:4

If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.

Exodus 23:5

If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.

2 Kings 6:22

And he answered, Thou shalt not smite [them]: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.