Revenge is a natural human reaction when we’ve been wronged. It stems from a desire to see justice served or pain repaid. However, the Bible consistently teaches a higher way, one rooted in love, forgiveness, and divine justice. The bible verses about revenge reminds us that vengeance belongs to God, not man. Instead of retaliating, believers are called to trust God’s timing, wisdom, and fairness in righting every wrong done against them.
Choosing forgiveness over revenge is not a sign of weakness, it is an act of faith. When we refuse to repay evil with evil, we demonstrate our confidence that God sees, knows, and will ultimately vindicate us. Christ Himself modeled this on the cross, praying for those who crucified Him. His example teaches that mercy triumphs over judgment and that peace is found in surrendering our anger to God.
When anger burns hot and pain feels unbearable, it’s easy to justify retaliation. But revenge often breeds more bitterness and destruction. The cycle of vengeance only deepens wounds and distances us from God’s heart. The Scriptures offer a better way, a path that leads to healing and righteousness through forgiveness, prayer, and trust in divine justice.
This collection of 35 powerful Bible verses about revenge reveals God’s call to rise above retaliation. They remind us that true justice is not ours to deliver but His to accomplish. As you read through these verses, may your heart be strengthened to release resentment, forgive freely, and find peace in knowing that God will right every wrong in His perfect time.
35 Powerful Bible Verses About Revenge in 2025
1. Romans 12:19
“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 is the cornerstone of Christian teaching against revenge. God clearly commands us to leave vengeance to Him, assuring that He alone has the authority and justice to repay. Rather than harboring bitterness or seeking personal payback, we are called to trust in God’s righteous judgment. His justice is perfect—ours is flawed. Peace comes when we surrender our anger and allow God to handle what only He can.
2. Proverbs 20:22
“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.”
Patience is the key theme of this verse. God’s timing may not match ours, but His justice never fails. Instead of taking matters into our own hands, we are urged to wait for His intervention. Revenge might offer temporary satisfaction, but divine vindication brings eternal peace. When we trust God’s process, we show faith that He is both aware of our pain and fully capable of bringing justice in His perfect way.
3. Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Jesus’ command in this verse overturns the world’s understanding of justice. Loving and praying for our enemies is a radical act of obedience that reflects God’s heart. Instead of vengeance, we are called to compassion and intercession. This verse teaches that love is stronger than hate, and prayer is more powerful than retaliation. When we respond to evil with goodness, we mirror the grace Christ showed us while we were still sinners.
4. Leviticus 19:18
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
God’s command in Leviticus sets the foundation for community harmony and divine love. Seeking revenge destroys relationships, but loving others—even when wronged—builds unity and peace. This verse calls us to rise above bitterness by remembering God’s lordship and our shared humanity. When we love our neighbor as ourselves, revenge loses its grip, and the light of God’s mercy shines through our actions.
5. 1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
Peter’s words remind us that blessings are tied to how we respond to mistreatment. Instead of trading insult for insult, we’re called to respond with grace. Choosing kindness over retaliation invites divine favor and reflects Christ’s nature. This verse encourages believers to pursue peace, trusting that God rewards those who respond to evil with goodness and restraint.
6. Matthew 5:39
“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.”
This teaching of Jesus emphasizes humility and restraint in the face of provocation. Turning the other cheek isn’t weakness—it’s strength under control. It shows confidence in God’s justice and rejects the cycle of retaliation. By choosing peace over pride, we follow the example of Christ, who endured suffering without vengeance, trusting the Father to bring ultimate justice.
7. Proverbs 24:29
“Do not say, ‘I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.’”
This proverb challenges the natural instinct to retaliate. Human reasoning says “get even,” but divine wisdom says “let it go.” The verse reminds us that revenge belongs to God alone. When we refrain from vengeance, we break free from the chains of resentment and allow God’s peace to fill our hearts instead of bitterness and anger.
8. 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.”
Jesus presents a fourfold challenge here—love, do good, bless, and pray. These actions dismantle the power of hatred and demonstrate divine love in action. When we bless those who harm us, we disarm evil and invite God’s presence into conflict. This verse encourages us to mirror God’s grace by responding with kindness where revenge would otherwise take root.
9. Deuteronomy 32:35
“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’s declaration is clear—vengeance is His prerogative, not ours. He assures that justice will come, even if delayed. When we release our right to revenge, we place our trust in God’s sovereignty. He sees every injustice and promises that none will go unaccounted for. This verse strengthens our faith to wait on Him, knowing His justice is perfect and sure.
10. Psalm 37:8
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.”
Anger and revenge often go hand in hand, but this verse warns against their destructive path. When we harbor resentment, it poisons our spirit and clouds our judgment. God calls us to release wrath and rest in His peace. By surrendering anger, we protect our hearts from evil’s influence and open ourselves to the calm assurance that God’s justice will prevail in His perfect way.
11. Proverbs 25:21–22
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”
This proverb teaches the transformative power of kindness toward our enemies. When we repay cruelty with compassion, we convict the heart of the offender and honor God. Acts of mercy often soften hardened hearts more effectively than retaliation. By doing good to those who wrong us, we demonstrate God’s love in action and invite divine reward for our obedience and grace-filled restraint.
12. Ephesians 4:31–32
“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.”
Paul’s exhortation points believers toward forgiveness instead of vengeance. Revenge thrives in bitterness, but forgiveness frees the soul. By letting go of anger and imitating Christ’s mercy, we reflect the heart of the gospel. This verse calls us to overcome evil through kindness and compassion, trusting that God’s forgiveness empowers us to release resentment and walk in peace.
13. 1 Thessalonians 5:15
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
This verse calls the believer to a lifestyle of goodness that rejects retaliation. In a world quick to repay evil with evil, Christians are to stand apart through grace. Doing good in response to harm honors God and promotes peace among His people. The goal isn’t revenge but restoration, showing that goodness rooted in Christ always triumphs over the darkness of vengeance.
14. Psalm 94:1
“The Lord is a God who avenges. O God who avenges, shine forth.”
This psalm acknowledges God as the righteous avenger. The plea isn’t for personal revenge but for divine justice to be revealed. The psalmist entrusts vengeance to God, knowing He judges rightly. When we cry out to Him in our pain, we can rest assured that His justice will shine in due time. Our confidence lies not in revenge, but in His unwavering righteousness.
15. James 1:19–20
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
This passage warns that anger often leads us away from God’s standards. When we act in haste or vengeance, we damage our witness and relationships. True righteousness is cultivated through patience, listening, and understanding. By controlling our temper and allowing God’s Spirit to guide us, we align with His will and demonstrate faith that trusts Him to handle every injustice.
16. 1 Samuel 24:12
“May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.”
David’s response to Saul’s pursuit reveals a heart fully surrendered to God’s justice. Despite having the opportunity to retaliate, David chose restraint. He trusted that God would avenge his wrongs in due time. This verse exemplifies faith-driven patience—choosing peace over revenge and leaving judgment in the hands of the righteous Judge who sees all and vindicates the innocent.
17. Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
The Golden Rule captures the heart of God’s kingdom ethics. Revenge violates this command, while mercy fulfills it. By treating others with the same grace we desire, we create harmony and reflect Christ’s nature. This verse challenges us to respond to wrongs not with retaliation, but with empathy, forgiveness, and the same compassion we hope to receive in our moments of failure.
18. Romans 12:17
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.”
Paul reinforces the call to moral integrity. Revenge might seem justified, but righteousness demands a higher path. Our actions must reflect God’s goodness, even when wronged. Doing what is right in every situation testifies to God’s transforming power in us. When we respond to evil with goodness, we silence critics and glorify the God who redeems even our deepest pain.
19. Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Forgiveness is the antidote to vengeance. Paul urges believers to model their forgiveness after Christ’s, which is complete and unconditional. When we release our grievances, we break the cycle of retaliation and open our hearts to healing. This verse teaches that forgiveness isn’t forgetting—it’s freeing ourselves from the prison of bitterness by trusting God’s perfect justice and mercy.
20. Psalm 7:11
“God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day.”
This verse emphasizes that divine justice is constant and impartial. God’s wrath is not impulsive but righteous, aimed at upholding truth and punishing evil. We can rest in the assurance that every wrong will be addressed by the ultimate Judge. Instead of seeking personal vengeance, believers are called to trust in the perfect balance of His mercy and judgment.
21. Matthew 18:21–22
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”
Jesus teaches limitless forgiveness, contrasting sharply with human instinct for revenge. Forgiving repeatedly mirrors the boundless mercy God shows us daily. Revenge ends relationships; forgiveness restores them. This verse challenges us to cultivate a heart that forgives freely, allowing grace to override resentment. In doing so, we honor God’s nature and break the cycle of revenge with enduring love.
22. Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This proverb offers practical wisdom for diffusing conflict. Harsh responses fuel hostility, while gentle words invite peace. Revenge often begins with words spoken in anger, but calm speech reflects wisdom and self-control. By responding gently, we disarm aggression and demonstrate spiritual maturity. The verse teaches that peace is often one kind word away, guided by humility and love.
23. 1 Corinthians 13:5
“Love… keeps no record of wrongs.”
True love releases the need for revenge. Keeping no record of wrongs means letting go of past offenses and refusing to hold them as weapons. When love governs our hearts, resentment cannot take root. This verse reminds us that Christlike love liberates us from the burden of revenge, replacing bitterness with the freedom of forgiveness and the peace of divine grace.
24. Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
This verse captures the essence of Christian conduct—actively pursuing peace instead of revenge. Turning from evil means resisting the temptation to retaliate. Doing good reflects God’s goodness within us. Peace doesn’t just happen; it requires effort and faith. When we prioritize reconciliation over revenge, we align with God’s will and become vessels of His peace in a world filled with conflict.
25. Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
Paul encourages believers to strive for peace in relationships rather than vengeance. Retaliation tears down, but peace builds up. Every effort to promote understanding and harmony honors God. This verse urges us to rise above hurt and focus on mutual growth, proving that love and humility are stronger forces than revenge and resentment could ever be.
26. 1 Peter 2:23
“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”
Jesus’ response to suffering sets the perfect model for believers. Despite injustice, He remained silent and trusted the Father’s righteous judgment. This verse reminds us that vengeance is unnecessary when our confidence rests in God’s fairness. Like Christ, we are called to endure wrongs with faith, knowing that God’s justice is greater than any revenge we could seek on our own.
27. Psalm 9:7–8
“The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity.”
This psalm reassures us that God’s throne is the seat of perfect justice. His rulings are never biased or delayed. When we are wronged, we can rest knowing the ultimate Judge is in control. Instead of pursuing revenge, we are to wait patiently on His fair decisions. Trusting in God’s sovereignty frees us from bitterness and fills our hearts with peace.
28. Proverbs 16:32
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”
God values patience and self-control more than outward strength or power. The world glorifies conquest, but Scripture exalts restraint. True strength lies in mastering our temper rather than conquering others. When we resist revenge, we demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit and display wisdom greater than aggression. This verse teaches that patience and peace are far more victorious than vengeance.
29. Isaiah 35:4
“Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.’”
This verse brings comfort to those who suffer injustice. God promises to come with divine vengeance—not out of cruelty, but to bring deliverance and justice. His retribution is righteous and restorative. Instead of seeking revenge ourselves, we find courage in knowing that God defends His people. His justice both saves the faithful and corrects the wicked in His perfect time.
30. Hebrews 10:30
“For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’”
The writer of Hebrews echoes the eternal truth of divine justice. God alone holds the authority to repay evil. Our role is obedience, not retaliation. When we trust God’s judgment, we live in freedom from anger and resentment. This verse reinforces that vengeance is not our burden to bear—it belongs to the Lord who sees every act and repays with perfect equity.
31. Job 5:2
“Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.”
Job’s friend points out the destructive nature of bitterness and envy. When we dwell on revenge, it slowly consumes us from within. Harboring resentment harms us more than the offender. God calls us to release these toxic emotions and trust His justice. Choosing forgiveness preserves our spiritual health and opens our hearts to His peace and restoration.
32. Micah 7:18
“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”
This verse highlights God’s mercy and forgiveness toward His people. If God delights in mercy, we too must extend grace rather than vengeance. Holding grudges contradicts His nature. When we forgive, we reflect His compassion and character. This verse invites us to emulate God’s heart by choosing mercy over retaliation, displaying divine love that restores rather than destroys.
33. Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Doing good when wronged can be exhausting, but this verse assures us that perseverance yields divine reward. Revenge offers instant gratification, but righteousness brings lasting fruit. God honors those who continue doing good despite mistreatment. When we persist in kindness and faith, He promises to bless our endurance with peace, favor, and spiritual abundance at the right time.
34. Matthew 6:14–15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Forgiveness is central to the Christian life. Jesus warns that harboring revenge hinders our own forgiveness from God. The measure of mercy we extend determines the mercy we receive. Letting go of vengeance keeps our relationship with God pure and unhindered. This verse urges believers to forgive freely and completely, reflecting the same grace that redeemed us through Christ.
35. 1 John 4:20
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”
John teaches that love and hatred cannot coexist in the heart of a believer. Revenge stems from hatred, while love springs from God. To claim love for God while harboring animosity contradicts true faith. This verse challenges us to release revenge and embrace forgiveness. When we love others despite their faults, we prove that God’s love truly reigns within us.
Conclusion
Revenge promises satisfaction but delivers emptiness. The Bible consistently reveals that vengeance is God’s responsibility, not ours. When we try to take justice into our own hands, we often cause greater pain and perpetuate cycles of bitterness. God, however, invites us to a higher calling, to forgive, to trust, and to wait upon His perfect justice. His timing may seem delayed, but His retribution is always righteous and His healing complete.
Choosing forgiveness over revenge is not weakness—it’s strength rooted in faith. When we release anger, we make room for peace. When we refuse retaliation, we demonstrate confidence in God’s sovereignty. Forgiveness frees us from the chains of bitterness and allows God’s love to fill the wounds left by betrayal or harm. True victory comes not when our enemies suffer, but when our hearts are set free through grace.
Every verse in Scripture that speaks against revenge points us toward the same truth: love conquers all. The cross itself stands as the ultimate rejection of vengeance—Jesus could have called down judgment but chose mercy instead. As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in that same humility, trusting that God will defend, vindicate, and restore. When we surrender our need for revenge, we gain something far greater—peace with God, peace within, and peace toward others.
