The Bible teaches believers to refrain from taking matters into their own hands when they are harmed, emphasizing that God is the rightful owner of vengeance. In order to ensure that justice is administered in accordance with God’s perfect time and wisdom, scriptures such as Romans 12:19 admonish us to “leave room for God’s wrath.” We show our faith in God’s sovereignty and dedication to His righteousness when we give up the thirst for vengeance.
Scriptures concerning retribution exhort Christians to love their adversaries (Matthew 5:44) and defeat evil with good (Romans 12:21). These verses encourage patience, forgiveness, and faith in the supreme justice of God. Examining these verses deepens awareness of God’s position as the ultimate Judge, whether one is looking for consolation after being wronged or direction in a trying circumstance.
Who Does the Bible Say Vengeance Belongs to?
The Bible makes it clear that God is the rightful owner of vengeance. “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,” the apostle Paul says in reference to the Old Testament in Romans 12:19. This verse emphasizes that we should allow God to carry out justice in His perfect time and manner rather than seeking retribution.
In the same way, God says, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” in Deuteronomy 32:35. Their foot will eventually slip; their ruin is imminent, and their day of calamity is drawing nigh. This verse serves as a reminder that God will always make amends and that His judgment is inevitable.
How To Use Bible Verses about Vengeance is Mine
“Vengeance is Mine” verses in the Bible encourage us to put our faith in God’s justice and to let go of our desire for vengeance. These verses remind us that when we are offended, we should give up our anger to God, trusting that He will deal with everything in His own time. Forgiveness and love for our adversaries are encouraged by verses like Matthew 5:44 and Romans 12:19, which urge us to take a step back and accept God’s plan.
These lessons encourage us to rely on God’s wisdom instead of responding with retribution and to defeat evil with good (Romans 12:21). We can reflect God’s love even in trying situations, find serenity, and strengthen our faith by reflecting on these verses and using them in our daily lives.
Bible Verses about Vengeance is Mine
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.”
Message: This verse reminds us to leave justice to God. Instead of retaliating, trust in His righteous judgment and focus on living in peace with others.
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.”
Message: God promises that He will deal with injustice in His perfect timing. This verse encourages patience and faith in His divine plan.
Proverbs 20:22
“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and He will avenge you.”
Message: Instead of seeking revenge, trust in God’s ability to defend and vindicate you. His justice is greater than ours.
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.’”
Message: This verse reassures believers that God is aware of every wrong and will judge with fairness. Leave judgment to Him.
Psalm 94:1
“The Lord is a God who avenges. O God who avenges, shine forth.”
Message: God’s nature as a righteous avenger assures us that He will uphold justice and protect the oppressed.
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Message: Jesus teaches us to respond to wrongdoing with love and prayer, leaving vengeance to God.
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.”
Message: We are called to break the cycle of vengeance by responding with kindness and leaving judgment to God.
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.”
Message: God calls us to let go of grudges and live in love, trusting Him to handle justice.
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.’”
Message: This verse discourages seeking revenge and teaches us to trust God’s wisdom and judgment.
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.’”
Message: This verse offers comfort that God will bring justice and salvation to those who trust Him.
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.”
Message: God’s justice is sure, and He will protect His people by avenging any wrongdoing in His perfect way.
Exodus 14:14
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Message: Instead of taking matters into your own hands, trust that God will fight your battles and defend you.
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.”
Message: Anger and revenge lead to destruction, but patience and faith in God’s justice lead to peace and blessings.
2 Thessalonians 1:6
“God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you.”
Message: God is a fair and just Judge. He will repay those who cause harm, so trust His timing and leave vengeance to Him.
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.”
Message: Responding to enemies with kindness not only reflects God’s love but also leaves room for His justice to prevail.
Psalm 103:6
“The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.”
Message: This verse reassures us that God sees the suffering of the oppressed and works on their behalf to bring justice.
Isaiah 61:8
“For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them.”
Message: God’s love for justice guarantees that He will right every wrong and remain faithful to His people.
Micah 7:7
“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”
Message: Instead of seeking revenge, wait patiently on God, knowing that He hears your prayers and will act.
Job 12:22
“He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings utter darkness into the light.”
Message: God uncovers hidden injustices and ensures that all evil deeds are brought to light and judged accordingly.
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 on her the blood of his servants.”
Message: In the end, God’s judgments are perfect, and He will bring justice to all who have been wronged for His name’s sake.
Summary
The Bible makes it clear that only God is entitled to retribution. Scriptures such as Deuteronomy 32:35 and Romans 12:19 stress relying on God’s justice rather than pursuing personal vengeance. Scripture exhorts us to forgive, to deal with evil with good, and to have faith that God will take care of all injustices in His own time (Proverbs 20:22, 1 Peter 3:9).
These passages serve as a reminder to love our adversaries, show compassion in response (Matthew 5:44, Proverbs 25:21–22), and find comfort in the knowledge that God is a just judge who defends and exacts revenge on His people (Psalm 94:1, Isaiah 61:8). We demonstrate God’s grace and faith in His divine purpose for justice and restoration when we give up our thirst for vengeance.
