The need for vengeance frequently comes naturally to people in a world where betrayals, injustices, and personal crimes are unavoidable. However, the Bible offers quite a different view of justice and vengeance. The biblical saying “Vengeance is mine,” which is frequently ascribed to God, is a potent reminder that only the Lord is worthy of final justice.
Because God sees everything and will act in the best possible time and wisdom, believers are expected to trust God’s just judgment rather than trying to solve problems on our own.
The idea of divine wrath highlights God’s moral purity and sovereignty. Anger, pride, or a lack of understanding are common motivations for human attempts at vengeance, which can result in additional pain and spiritual degradation.
God’s retribution, on the other hand, is proportionate, fair, and based on His divine nature. Scripture continuously exhorts believers to put aside personal grudges and replace them with faith, tolerance, and a dedication to love, putting the ultimate judgment in the capable hands of God.
Examining Bible passages that state, “Vengeance is mine,” exposes a recurrent theme of hope, trust, and self-control. These verses provide reassurance that God will punish the wicked, uphold the rights of the upright, and bring justice back into harmony. Understanding and accepting this fact is freeing for Christians because it lifts the weight of resentment, promotes spiritual serenity, and develops a heart that is in line with God’s justice rather than human nature. By doing this, we are encouraged to live with trust, patience, and confidence because we know that God’s timing is perfect and His judgment is flawless.
40 Powerful Bible Verses About Vengeance Is Mine (2025)
1. 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 asserts His ultimate authority over justice and vengeance. Rather than taking matters into our own hands, we are reminded that He oversees the timing and execution of justice. Trusting God with vengeance frees us from bitterness and resentment, emphasizing patience and faith in His righteous judgment.
2. 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 exhorts believers to relinquish personal vengeance and place trust in God’s perfect justice. This verse underlines the spiritual principle of surrendering retribution to God rather than responding with anger or retaliation. It teaches humility and reliance on God’s sovereign plan.
3. 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.’”
This verse reinforces God’s role as the ultimate judge. By recognizing His authority to avenge, believers are called to step away from personal retaliation and allow divine justice to prevail. It encourages faith in God’s fairness and His timing, which is always perfect.
4. Psalm 94:1
“The Lord is a God who avenges. O God who avenges, shine forth.”
The psalmist praises God as the defender of the oppressed and the avenger of injustice. This verse emphasizes God’s active role in addressing wrongs and restoring justice, reminding us that His intervention is both powerful and righteous.
5. Nahum 1:2
“The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies.”
God’s vengeance is a manifestation of His justice and holiness. This verse highlights that divine retribution is not born of cruelty but of righteous anger against wrongdoing. Believers can find comfort knowing that injustice will not go unpunished.
6. Deuteronomy 32:41
“When I sharpen my flashing sword and my hand grasps it in judgment, I will take vengeance on my adversaries and repay those who hate me.”
Here, God portrays Himself as actively executing justice. This imagery reminds us that vengeance is not ours to pursue, but His, and His judgments are certain and purposeful. Trusting God ensures that wrongs are addressed without compromising our integrity.
7. 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.’”
God’s vengeance is portrayed as a source of hope for the oppressed. Believers are encouraged to trust in His intervention, understanding that His justice is inseparable from His salvation and care for His people.
8. Revelation 6:10
“They called out in a loud voice, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?’”
In this vision of divine justice, the martyrs appeal to God for vengeance. The verse emphasizes that God is attentive to the cries of the oppressed and will ultimately execute perfect justice, affirming His role as the righteous avenger.
9. Ezekiel 25:17
“I will carry out great vengeance on them and punish them in my wrath. Then they will know that I am the Lord, when I take vengeance on them.”
God declares His intent to punish wrongdoers as a demonstration of His sovereignty. This verse reinforces that vengeance serves a purpose in revealing God’s authority and ensuring that His justice is recognized.
10. Psalm 94:2
“Rise up, Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve.”
The psalmist petitions God to act against injustice. This verse illustrates that believers are invited to trust God to defend righteousness and uphold His moral order, instead of seeking revenge themselves.
11. Deuteronomy 32:35-36
“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. The Lord will vindicate his people and relent concerning his servants.”
This passage emphasizes the precision and timing of God’s justice. While human beings are often quick to anger and impulsive in seeking revenge, God’s vengeance is deliberate, measured, and perfectly timed. It assures believers that wrongs will not go unnoticed and that divine justice is ultimately inescapable. There is also a comforting balance here: while God’s enemies will face retribution, His faithful servants are vindicated, showing that divine justice is intertwined with mercy and protection for the righteous. This teaches patience and encourages trust in God’s perfect orchestration of justice.
12. Romans 12:17-21
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Here, Paul not only reminds believers that vengeance belongs to God but also urges a proactive posture of goodness. Vengeance is not just about punishment; it’s about restoration and maintaining moral integrity. By choosing good over retaliation, believers participate in God’s larger plan of justice, demonstrating faith that righteousness will ultimately prevail. This teaching challenges our natural impulses for retribution, offering a transformative perspective: spiritual strength is shown not in punishing wrongdoers ourselves, but in entrusting them to God while living righteously.
13. Hebrews 10:30-31
“For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’ It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
This verse expands on the awe-inspiring nature of God’s justice. Knowing that God is both omnipotent and perfectly just should inspire both reverence and caution. The “dreadful thing” is a reminder that divine justice is not arbitrary; it is righteous, comprehensive, and unavoidable. For believers, this evokes a sense of security: they are protected under God’s care. For wrongdoers, it signals that injustice cannot escape His scrutiny. The duality of comfort and warning in this verse deepens our understanding of why vengeance belongs to God alone.
14. Psalm 94:1-3
“The Lord is a God who avenges. O God who avenges, shine forth. Rise up, Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve. How long, Lord, will the wicked, how long will the wicked be jubilant?”
The psalmist openly cries out for God’s intervention against oppression and injustice. This illustrates that seeking God’s vengeance is not passive—it involves active petitioning and heartfelt trust in His judgment. The repeated call for God to “shine forth” highlights that divine justice brings clarity and restoration to situations of darkness and injustice. Believers are invited into a partnership of faith-filled expectation, trusting that God’s moral authority will prevail over human pride and wrongdoing.
15. Nahum 1:3-6
“The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished… The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into darkness.”
This passage combines the themes of divine patience, power, and ultimate justice. God’s vengeance is not impulsive or arbitrary; it is deliberate and proportionate. Yet, His care for the faithful is unwavering. By describing the destruction of enemies as a flood or pursuit into darkness, the text conveys the certainty and inevitability of God’s retribution. Believers can find reassurance that their suffering is seen and accounted for, while wrongdoers cannot escape divine judgment. The passage invites reflection on the contrast between God’s mercy toward His people and His righteous vengeance against evil.
16. Deuteronomy 32:41-43
“When I sharpen my flashing sword and my hand grasps it in judgment, I will take vengeance on my adversaries… Rejoice, you nations, with his people, for he will avenge the blood of his servants; he will take vengeance on his enemies and make atonement for his land and people.”
Here, God’s vengeance is coupled with restoration and celebration. His sword symbolizes both justice and divine intervention, ensuring that wrongdoers face consequences. Simultaneously, the nations are called to rejoice with God’s people, acknowledging the moral order He restores. This passage illustrates that vengeance is not merely punitive—it is restorative, demonstrating God’s justice in action while affirming His care for the righteous. It teaches believers to find hope in God’s fairness, trusting Him to balance justice with mercy.
17. Isaiah 61:2
“…to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn.”
God’s vengeance is directly connected to His mission of comfort and restoration. It serves not as a tool for anger alone, but as part of a broader plan to heal, vindicate, and uplift the oppressed. The “day of vengeance” is ultimately a day of divine justice that restores balance and righteousness. This verse teaches that God’s retribution is inseparable from His care for the hurting, reinforcing the idea that His vengeance serves a higher purpose beyond mere punishment.
18. Revelation 19:2
“For true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged the blood of his servants.”
In the vision of Revelation, God’s vengeance is inseparable from His holiness and righteousness. The avenging of His servants’ blood underscores that divine justice addresses both moral corruption and human suffering. This verse portrays God as actively defending the oppressed and punishing the wicked, assuring believers that injustice is neither ignored nor overlooked. It also demonstrates that vengeance is ultimately restorative, aiming to cleanse the world of evil and establish His righteous order.
19. Ezekiel 25:14
“I will take vengeance on Edom for the blood they shed and will bring upon them the wrath of the Lord.”
God’s vengeance here is framed as a direct response to violence and wrongdoing. It emphasizes the moral principle that God’s justice is proportional and purposeful. By highlighting His awareness of bloodshed and evil deeds, this verse reassures believers that no act of injustice is invisible to Him. It calls the faithful to trust in His timing and sovereignty, reinforcing that vengeance is a sacred prerogative, not a human right.
20. Psalm 103:6
“The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.”
While not using the word “vengeance” explicitly, this verse captures its essence. God’s justice ensures that oppression is addressed and wrongs are rectified. His righteous action is a form of vengeance on behalf of the oppressed, demonstrating His care for fairness and His commitment to moral order. Believers are encouraged to trust in His active role as defender and judge, finding peace in His perfect justice rather than seeking personal retaliation.
21. Deuteronomy 32:43
“Rejoice, you nations, with his people, for he will avenge the blood of his servants; he will take vengeance on his enemies and make atonement for his land and people.”
This verse frames God’s vengeance as a cause for communal celebration rather than fear. The act of divine retribution is inseparable from restoration and justice. Believers are reminded that God’s vengeance is purposeful—it corrects wrongs, vindicates the oppressed, and restores moral and spiritual balance. It encourages faith in His timing and the ultimate triumph of righteousness over evil.
22. Isaiah 34:8
“For the Lord has a day of vengeance, a year of retribution, to uphold Zion’s cause.”
God’s vengeance is portrayed as both deliberate and seasonally appointed. This teaches that divine justice operates within a perfect timeline, not hastily or arbitrarily. The verse underscores that vengeance is ultimately tied to His commitment to protect and uphold His people, ensuring that wrongdoing does not go unpunished while the faithful remain secure under His care.
23. Jeremiah 51:36
“The Lord will repay Babylon and all the inhabitants of Chaldea for all the wrongs they have done in Zion.”
Divine vengeance is here contextualized historically, showing God’s accountability over nations and rulers. No injustice—individual or systemic—escapes His notice. This provides comfort to believers that evil, even when institutionalized, is subject to God’s ultimate judgment. Vengeance serves as a reminder that His sovereignty encompasses all levels of human action.
24. Nahum 1:2-3
“The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies. The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.”
These verses present a multidimensional view of God’s vengeance—measured, powerful, and just. While He is patient, His justice is inevitable. Believers are reassured that oppression and wrongdoing are temporary, and divine retribution will ultimately restore balance. This encourages patience, faith, and moral endurance, highlighting the moral authority behind God’s vengeance.
25. Ezekiel 25:17
“I will carry out great vengeance on them and punish them in my wrath. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”
Vengeance here is a declaration of God’s sovereignty. Beyond punishing wrongdoing, it serves to reveal His authority and holiness. This verse teaches believers that God’s justice is intentional and instructive, ensuring that His people understand the seriousness of sin and the certainty of divine accountability.
26. Psalm 94:1-2
“The Lord is a God who avenges. O God who avenges, shine forth. Rise up, Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve.”
The psalmist’s cry emphasizes both God’s active role in justice and the believer’s trust in His timing. Vengeance is framed as an aspect of God’s righteousness—targeted, precise, and morally justifiable. Believers are encouraged to entrust personal grievances to Him, understanding that He sees all injustices and acts in perfect alignment with His will.
27. 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.’”
God’s vengeance is portrayed as a source of hope and deliverance. It is not vengeful in a petty sense but restorative, bringing justice to the oppressed. Believers are encouraged to find courage and assurance in His intervention, trusting that God’s moral order will triumph and His protection will never fail.
28. Revelation 6:10
“They called out in a loud voice, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?’”
The martyrs’ plea illustrates God’s attentiveness to injustice and suffering. Vengeance is framed as a necessary element of divine justice—correcting wrongs and affirming His moral governance. Believers are encouraged to remain faithful, trusting that God’s timing for retribution is perfect and purposeful, even when human patience falters.
29. Ezekiel 25:14
“I will take vengeance on Edom for the blood they shed and will bring upon them the wrath of the Lord.”
God’s vengeance is portrayed as a direct and proportionate response to wrongdoing. The text reminds believers that justice is neither delayed indefinitely nor absent; all actions are observed and will be accounted for. It provides both reassurance to the faithful and a warning to evildoers, underscoring that vengeance belongs to the Almighty.
30. Psalm 103:6
“The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.”
This verse connects God’s justice to His protection of the vulnerable. Even when vengeance is not explicitly described, it is implied in the rectification of injustice. Believers can trust that God actively restores balance and punishes wrongdoing, reinforcing faith in His moral and righteous governance.
31. 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 emphasizes the principle of surrendering personal vengeance to God. Human efforts at retaliation are often flawed and biased, but divine vengeance is perfect, measured, and morally just. Believers are called to trust His timing and justice, allowing Him to act while cultivating peace, patience, and moral integrity in their own lives.
32. 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.’”
This verse highlights God’s dual role as judge and avenger. His vengeance is inseparable from His righteousness, ensuring that justice is delivered with perfect wisdom. Believers are invited to rest in His sovereignty, knowing that their wrongs will not be ignored and that divine justice surpasses human understanding.
33. 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 vengeance is deliberate and precisely timed. While humans often act impulsively, divine justice unfolds according to His wisdom and plan. This verse encourages patience, reminding believers that God’s timing is perfect and that every injustice will eventually be addressed according to His righteous standard.
34. Nahum 1:2
“The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies.”
This passage portrays God’s vengeance as an extension of His holiness and moral integrity. Wrongdoing provokes His righteous anger, which is both purposeful and just. Believers can find reassurance that evil is not overlooked and that divine justice serves to uphold moral and spiritual order.
35. Psalm 94:1
“The Lord is a God who avenges. O God who avenges, shine forth.”
The psalmist celebrates God as the defender of justice. Vengeance is here a source of hope, assuring believers that oppression and wrongdoing will be addressed. By inviting God to “shine forth,” the verse emphasizes that His justice illuminates moral truth and restores balance in the world.
36. Ezekiel 25:17
“I will carry out great vengeance on them and punish them in my wrath. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”
Vengeance serves not only to punish but to affirm God’s sovereignty and authority. The consequences for wrongdoing are inseparable from the revelation of His divine power. Believers are reminded that surrendering vengeance to God aligns them with His moral order and strengthens their trust in His righteous governance.
37. Revelation 19:2
“For true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged the blood of his servants.”
God’s vengeance is depicted as deliberate, righteous, and restorative. By addressing corruption and injustice, He protects His faithful and demonstrates the absolute integrity of His moral rule. Believers are encouraged to trust that divine vengeance is purposeful and equitable, ensuring ultimate accountability for evil.
38. Isaiah 61:2
“…to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn.”
Divine vengeance is inseparable from God’s mission of comfort and justice. It rectifies wrongs and restores hope to the oppressed. Believers are reassured that God’s vengeance is purposeful, aiming not at mere punishment but at the restoration of moral balance and the upliftment of those who suffer injustice.
39. Jeremiah 51:36
“The Lord will repay Babylon and all the inhabitants of Chaldea for all the wrongs they have done in Zion.”
This verse emphasizes that no sin—whether personal or systemic—escapes God’s scrutiny. Vengeance serves as both correction and moral instruction, assuring believers that God is ever-aware of injustice and will act decisively to uphold righteousness. It strengthens faith in His moral sovereignty over nations and individuals alike.
40. Psalm 103:6
“The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.”
God’s justice is a form of protective vengeance, ensuring that the oppressed are vindicated and wrongs are addressed. This verse underscores that vengeance is not capricious but moral, restorative, and deeply connected to God’s care for His people. Believers can trust Him to act decisively while they live in alignment with His righteousness.
Conclusion
Believers can let go of their anger, bitterness, and desire for personal vengeance by accepting the reality that “Vengeance is mine.” We acknowledge God’s sovereignty, wisdom, and perfect timing when we give over our need for justice to Him. Scripture constantly reminds us that while God’s justice is perfect, righteous, and based in His holiness, human judgment is finite and frequently flawed. We can achieve inner peace, spiritual freedom, and a heart that reflects Christ’s love rather than the desires of the world by putting our trust in Him.
In the end, these Bible passages promote humility, patience, and trust in God’s just plan. They serve as a reminder that we are not called to exact revenge; rather, we are called to live obediently, act justly, and show grace even when wrongs are done. By letting God handle the retribution, we improve our relationship with Him, change the way we handle conflict, and develop a life characterized by spiritual maturity, trust, and hope. By doing this, we engage in a life that is led by faith rather than whims and connect ourselves with His divine justice.
