When we are harmed, misled, or wronged, the strong emotion of revenge can quickly take over our hearts. Our innate inclination is to pursue justice or retribution on our own terms in the hopes of finding comfort or closure.
However, the Bible teaches a completely different perspective—one built on forgiveness, patience, and trust in God’s ultimate justice. Scripture constantly reminds us that the Lord, not ourselves, is entitled to revenge and that retaliating against evil only feeds vicious cycles of suffering and devastation.
Instead of promoting retribution, God’s Word urges believers to rise above bitterness and surrender justice to Him. This was demonstrated by Jesus Himself, who decided to forgive rather than take revenge after being taunted, ridiculed, and executed.
The Bible exhorts us to pray for our adversaries, defeat evil with good, and let God administer justice in His own time. In addition to shielding our own hearts from anger, giving up our thirst for vengeance allows us to show others God’s kindness and grace.
For anyone who is battling the urge to exact retribution, these Bible scriptures offer insight, caution, and support. They serve as a reminder that, despite its momentary satisfaction, seeking revenge eventually results in emptiness and more conflict. True power comes from self-control, forgiveness, and trust in God’s just verdict. May you find the strength to let go of retaliation and welcome the serenity that comes from putting your faith in God to put things right as you consider these verses.
40 Uplifting Bible Verses About Revenge (2025)
1. 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.”
This verse establishes a foundational principle in God’s law—revenge is forbidden, and love is commanded. Instead of repaying wrong with wrong, God calls His people to rise above bitterness and extend love. This is not a suggestion but a divine mandate, rooted in the character of God Himself.
2. Proverbs 20:22
“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.”
Here, Scripture directs us away from impulsive retaliation and toward patience and trust in God’s justice. Taking revenge places us in God’s role, but waiting on Him ensures justice is carried out righteously. This verse encourages believers to lay down anger and trust in God’s timing.
3. 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.”
Paul reminds believers that vengeance is not theirs to claim but God’s alone. Revenge only deepens pain and conflict, but surrendering to God’s justice brings peace and healing. This verse emphasizes faith in God’s authority to right every wrong.
4. 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.”
Jesus redefines how believers should respond to offense—not with retaliation, but with radical grace. Turning the other cheek is not weakness but strength, reflecting God’s mercy and pointing to a higher standard of love. It challenges us to break the cycle of revenge with humility and forgiveness.
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 urges Christians to live counter-culturally by replacing revenge with blessing. This radical response demonstrates Christlike character and draws others to God’s love. Instead of perpetuating hurt, we are called to be instruments of peace and blessing.
6. 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.”
This verse highlights God’s authority as the sole judge of justice. Human attempts at revenge are limited and flawed, but God’s justice is perfect and certain. Trusting in Him removes the burden of retaliation and reminds us that vengeance is His alone.
7. Psalm 94:1
“The Lord is a God who avenges. O God who avenges, shine forth.”
The psalmist cries out to the Lord, acknowledging Him as the righteous avenger. Instead of taking matters into his own hands, he appeals to God’s justice. This prayer demonstrates faith that God sees all wrongs and will respond in His perfect timing.
8. 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 warns against repaying evil with evil. Revenge may feel satisfying in the moment, but it perpetuates cycles of harm. God calls His people to rise above human instinct and respond in ways that reflect His wisdom and mercy.
9. Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Jesus’ teaching directly confronts the human desire for revenge. Instead of hatred, He commands love and prayer. This radical approach transforms hearts, breaks cycles of hostility, and reflects the redemptive love of Christ to the world.
10. 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.”
These words from Jesus expand on the Sermon on the Mount, calling believers to respond to hostility with love, goodness, and prayer. This is not passive weakness, but active faith that chooses God’s way over human vengeance.
11. Luke 6:36
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
Instead of seeking revenge, Jesus points His followers to the higher calling of mercy. God shows compassion even when we deserve judgment, and as His children, we are to reflect that mercy. Choosing mercy over revenge displays Christ’s heart to a hurting world.
12. Romans 12:17
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.”
Paul urges believers to reject retaliation and instead pursue what is honorable. Revenge lowers us to the level of those who harm us, but choosing righteousness demonstrates godly character. This verse calls us to maintain integrity, even when wronged.
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.”
Paul encourages the church to build a culture of goodness instead of retaliation. Revenge tears communities apart, but pursuing kindness promotes unity and peace. This verse calls believers to be proactive in doing good, even toward those who have caused harm.
14. 1 Corinthians 6:7
“The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?”
Paul rebukes the Corinthian church for their disputes, reminding them that seeking revenge through lawsuits damages their witness. Sometimes it is better to suffer wrong than to retaliate in ways that dishonor Christ. This verse challenges believers to value spiritual integrity above personal vindication.
15. James 1:20
“Because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
Revenge often springs from unchecked anger, but James reminds us that human anger leads us away from God’s righteousness. True justice belongs to the Lord, while our role is to pursue peace, patience, and obedience. This verse cautions us to surrender anger before it turns into vengeful action.
16. James 4:11-12
“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it… There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?”
James reminds us that vengeance and judgment belong to God alone. When we retaliate or slander others, we usurp God’s authority as Judge. Instead of revenge, believers are called to humility, trust, and reverence for God’s perfect justice.
17. 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.”
Peter points to Jesus as the ultimate example of rejecting revenge. Though wrongfully insulted and persecuted, He entrusted Himself to God. This verse calls believers to follow Christ’s pattern—laying down vengeance and resting in the Father’s righteous judgment.
18. 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 reinforces God’s exclusive right to avenge. Taking revenge into our own hands denies God’s authority and timing. This verse reassures believers that God sees all and will ultimately judge fairly.
19. 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 contrasts the destructive cycle of bitterness and revenge with the life-giving power of forgiveness. Revenge poisons the heart, but forgiveness frees us and reflects Christ’s love. This verse shows that kindness and mercy overcome vengeance.
20. 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.”
Paul urges believers to imitate Christ’s forgiveness instead of harboring resentment. Revenge clings to past wrongs, but forgiveness breaks the chain and reflects God’s mercy. This verse calls us to extend the same grace we have received from God.
21. 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 wisdom literature teaches us to respond to enemies with kindness rather than revenge. Compassion toward those who hurt us not only disarms hostility but also pleases the Lord. God Himself rewards such acts of grace.
22. Psalm 37:8-9
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.”
The psalmist warns against allowing anger to consume us, as it leads to evil actions, including revenge. Instead, we are called to place our hope in the Lord, who secures justice and inheritance for His people.
23. Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
Rather than returning evil for evil, God’s people are commanded to actively pursue peace. Revenge creates more strife, but doing good reflects God’s character and fosters reconciliation.
24. Ecclesiastes 7:9
“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”
Solomon’s wisdom highlights the danger of anger that fuels revenge. Quick temper leads to foolish actions, while patience reflects wisdom. This verse urges believers to control their spirits and avoid vengeful responses.
25. 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 makes it clear that harboring vengeance and refusing to forgive hinders our own forgiveness. This verse shows that forgiveness brings healing, while revenge keeps us bound.
26. Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”
Even as He hung on the cross, Jesus rejected revenge and instead interceded for His enemies. His prayer reveals God’s heart of mercy and sets the ultimate example for believers to follow.
27. Acts 7:59-60
“While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep.”
Stephen, the first Christian martyr, followed Christ’s example by forgiving his killers instead of seeking vengeance. His response reflects a heart fully surrendered to God’s justice and mercy.
28. 2 Timothy 4:14
“Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.”
Paul acknowledges being wronged but leaves judgment to the Lord. This verse shows that even in betrayal or harm, believers are not to seek revenge but trust in God’s righteous repayment.
29. Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Instead of chasing revenge, God calls His people to live by justice, mercy, and humility. Revenge contradicts mercy and humility, while true justice flows from God’s character. This verse centers our hearts on God’s requirements.
30. Zechariah 7:9-10
“This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’”
God’s command emphasizes justice paired with mercy, not revenge. Instead of plotting harm, His people are called to compassion and fairness. This verse highlights that true justice seeks restoration, not retaliation.
31. 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 that forgiveness must be limitless. Revenge counts wrongs and seeks payback, but forgiveness releases debts and fosters peace. This verse challenges believers to embody endless grace as Christ has shown to us.
32. Matthew 18:35
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
After telling the parable of the unforgiving servant, Jesus warns that failing to forgive invites God’s discipline. Revenge reflects a hardened heart, but forgiveness brings freedom and aligns us with God’s mercy.
33. Mark 11:25
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
Jesus connects forgiveness with effective prayer. Harboring grudges or seeking revenge blocks spiritual growth, but forgiveness restores our relationship with God. This verse calls us to let go of offenses as we seek God’s presence.
34. John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Revenge cannot coexist with Christ’s command to love. Jesus calls His followers to mirror His sacrificial love—a love that chooses compassion over retaliation. This verse shifts the focus from revenge to radical, Christlike love.
35. Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
Instead of seeking revenge, Paul exhorts believers to actively pursue peace. Revenge tears down, but love and kindness build up. This verse points us toward reconciliation and spiritual growth within the body of Christ.
36. Galatians 5:14-15
“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”
Paul warns that vengeful behavior destroys relationships and communities. Love fulfills the law, but revenge brings division and destruction. This verse calls believers to choose love as the higher path.
37. Titus 3:2
“To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
God’s people are called to gentleness, not retaliation. Revenge thrives on slander and hostility, but this verse encourages humility, peace, and kindness toward all, even those who offend us.
38. Job 31:29-30
“If I have rejoiced at my enemy’s misfortune or gloated over the trouble that came to him— I have not allowed my mouth to sin by invoking a curse against their life.”
Job defends his integrity by showing that he refused to rejoice in his enemy’s downfall. True righteousness resists the desire for revenge and instead entrusts all outcomes to God.
39. Lamentations 3:25-26
“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”
Instead of pursuing revenge, this verse teaches patience and trust in God’s salvation. Quietly waiting on the Lord is an act of faith, affirming that His justice is better than our retaliation.
40. Revelation 22:12
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”
The Bible ends with a reminder of Christ’s return and final judgment. Revenge is unnecessary because Jesus Himself will reward the righteous and repay the wicked. This promise assures believers that ultimate justice is in His hands.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Bible makes it abundantly evident that God does not want His people to pursue retaliation. Even though it’s normal to feel angry and want to exact revenge when someone wrongs us, Scripture exhorts us to control our emotions and give justice to the Lord. Forgiveness and grace lead to healing and peace, while retaliation simply serves to deepen resentment and prolong hostilities. We show the transformative power of God’s love and release ourselves from the bonds of resentment when we decide to let go of our desire for vengeance.
God is the sole just judge in the end, and He swears to administer justice in His own time. Even in the face of difficulty, it is our duty to respond with mercy, humility, and faith. These Bible passages on vengeance serve as a reminder that peace results from putting our faith in God to make amends for all wrongs and that true power comes from exercising restraint rather than seeking revenge. We enter the freedom of forgiveness and show the world the compassion and grace that Christ modeled when we let go of our desire for retribution.
