Romans 12:17 kjv
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Romans 12:17 nkjv
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
Romans 12:17 niv
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
Romans 12:17 esv
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
Romans 12:17 nlt
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
Romans 12 17 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 12:17 | Repay no one evil for evil. But provide for honest things in the sight of all men. | Rômains 12:17 |
| Prov 3:4 | So find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. | Proverbs 3:4 |
| Prov 14:22 | Do they not go astray who devise evil? But mercy and truth are the lot of those who devise good. | Proverbs 14:22 |
| Prov 17:13 | Whoever rewards evil for good, Evil shall not depart from his house. | Proverbs 17:13 |
| Prov 20:22 | Do not say, "I will repay evil"; wait for the LORD, and He will save you. | Proverbs 20:22 |
| Prov 24:29 | Do not say, "I will do to him just as he did to me; I will repay the man for what he has done." | Proverbs 24:29 |
| Matt 5:39 | But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other cheek to him also. | Matthew 5:39 |
| Matt 5:44 | But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, | Matthew 5:44 |
| Luke 6:27 | But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, | Luke 6:27 |
| Luke 6:35 | But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return. And your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. | Luke 6:35 |
| 1 Cor 6:7 | Now indeed, there is utterly a fault among you, because you go to law against one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather suffer yourselves? | 1 Corinthians 6:7 |
| 1 Thess 5:15 | See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always follow what is good, both for yourselves and for all. | 1 Thessalonians 5:15 |
| 1 Pet 3:9 | not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. | 1 Peter 3:9 |
| Ps 37:1 | Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. | Psalm 37:1 |
| Ps 37:30 | The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, And his tongue talks of justice. | Psalm 37:30 |
| Gal 6:9 | And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. | Galatians 6:9 |
| Phil 4:8 | Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good repute, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. | Philippians 4:8 |
| Col 4:6 | Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. | Colossians 4:6 |
| Heb 12:14 | Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: | Hebrews 12:14 |
| 1 Pet 2:12 | Have your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. | 1 Peter 2:12 |
| Eph 4:25 | Therefore, putting away lying, "Each one speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another. | Ephesians 4:25 |
Romans 12 verses
Romans 12 17 Meaning
"Never pay back evil for evil. Let everyone see that you are honorable through all that you do." This verse calls for a principled refusal to retaliate with malice when wronged. It emphasizes a proactive demonstration of integrity and uprightness in all actions, making virtue visible to others.
Romans 12 17 Context
Romans 12 addresses practical Christian living within the community and in the wider world. Following instruction on love, spiritual gifts, and patience in suffering, verse 17 falls within a section emphasizing peaceful relationships and ethical conduct towards all people, even those who act wickedly. The exhortation to not repay evil for evil is a core principle of Christ-like living, setting believers apart. Historically, Christians faced societal pressures and potential persecution, making this counsel crucial for their witness.
Romans 12 17 Word Analysis
- μὴ (mē): A negative particle, typically used to forbid or prevent. Here it introduces a prohibition: "Do not..."
- ἀνταποδιδόναι (antapodidonai): Infinitive of "antapodidomi."
- ἀντί (anti): Preposition meaning "against," "in place of," or "instead of."
- ἀποδίδωμι (apodidomi): A verb meaning "to give back," "to render," or "to repay."
- Combined, "antapodidomi" signifies rendering back or returning something in exchange, specifically "to repay," "to recompense," or "to retaliate."
- κακὸν (kakon): Neuter adjective or noun meaning "evil," "bad," or "wickedness." It refers to an evil deed, a wrongdoing, or a harmful action.
- κακῷ (kakō): Dative singular of "kakos," functioning adverbially here: "for evil," "with evil," or "to evil."
- μὴ (mē): Another instance of the negative particle, reinforcing the prohibition for the following phrase.
- πράσσοντας (prassontas): Present active participle of "prassō."
- πράσσω (prassō): A verb meaning "to do," "to practice," "to accomplish," or "to carry out." The participle emphasizes the ongoing action or character of doing.
- καλά (kala): Neuter plural of "kalos," meaning "good," "beautiful," "noble," or "honorable." In this context, it refers to good deeds, upright actions, or honorable things.
- εὐκαταφρόνητους (eupkataphernetous): Accusative plural of "eupkataphernetos," an adjective derived from:
- εὖ (eu): "well" or "good."
- καταφρονέω (kataphrooneo): "to look down upon," "to despise," or "to disregard."
- εὐκαταφρόνητος (eupkataphernetos): Therefore, meaning "easily despised" or "contemptible." However, in context with "prassontas kala," it implies the opposite: "conduct honorable," "doing good things so as to be well regarded," or "worthy of esteem." It means being honorable in the estimation of others, not scornful. It's about being perceived as good and respectable.
- ἐνώπιον (enopion): Preposition meaning "before," "in the presence of," or "in the sight of." It points to public visibility and accountability.
- πάντων (panton): Genitive plural of "pas," meaning "all." It refers to all people.
Word Group Analysis:
- "μὴ ἀνταποδιδόναι κακὸν κακῷ" (mē antapodidonai kakon kakō): This entire phrase functions as the primary prohibition. It's not just about not retaliating in kind, but fundamentally about breaking the cycle of reciprocating harm with harm. The structure implies actively choosing not to return evil for evil.
- "πράσσοντας ἐνώπιον πάντων εὐκαταφρόνητους" (prassontas enopion panton eupkataphernetous): This clause offers the positive alternative and the intended outcome. It means to actively be doing (or demonstrating) honorable things before everyone. The final term "eupkataphernetous" modified by the preceding participle and preposition signifies that these good deeds should be so evident that they are seen as noble and honorable by all observers, leading to a positive perception, not scorn. It’s about earning respect through blameless conduct.
Romans 12 17 Bonus Section
The concept of "paying back" or retaliation (ἀνταπόδοσις - antapodosis) is discussed extensively in both Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament has principles of justice like "an eye for an eye" (Exodus 21:24), but these were legal frameworks meant to limit retribution, not encourage it for personal vengeance. The New Testament, particularly Jesus' teachings, radicalizes this by calling for a complete abnegation of personal vengeance, extending mercy even to enemies. Romans 12:14-21 as a whole elaborates on how to live out this principle, urging believers to bless their persecutors, pursue peace, and overcome evil with good, embodying Christ's sacrifice. The Greek term "eupkataphernetous" is nuanced; while its root implies "easily despised," in this specific context and grammatical construction with "prassontas kala," it clearly shifts to meaning "worthy of esteem" or "honorable." It implies that by doing good things, one becomes honorable and respected in the eyes of all, which is the opposite of being easily despised. This highlights the power of good works in public perception.
Romans 12 17 Commentary
Paul instructs believers not to repay an offense with a similar offense. Instead, the call is to manifest virtuous and noble actions visibly before all people. This means intentionally doing good, living a life of integrity, and demonstrating principles of justice and kindness in every situation, regardless of how one has been treated. The aim is to reflect the character of God, whose love extends even to the unthankful and wicked. This honorable conduct serves as a powerful testimony, earning respect and potentially drawing others to God. It’s a counter-cultural mandate that requires reliance on the Holy Spirit for strength.