Romans 12 19

Romans 12:19 kjv

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Romans 12:19 nkjv

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.

Romans 12:19 niv

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.

Romans 12:19 esv

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."

Romans 12:19 nlt

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, "I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,"
says the LORD.

Romans 12 verses

Romans 12 19 Meaning

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but instead let God's anger punish them. For the Scriptures say, "I will hand over the punishment to the right people. I will take revenge. The Lord himself said it." (paraphrased from common translations of Romans 12:19). This verse is a foundational principle for Christian conduct, instructing believers not to retaliate when wronged, but to entrust vengeance to God, who is the ultimate judge and avenger.

Romans 12 19 Context

This verse is found in the closing chapter of Paul's Epistle to the Romans. Romans 12 itself is a rich section of practical exhortations, following Paul's deep theological arguments in the preceding chapters. Chapter 12 begins with a call for believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, a transformation of the mind, and then details how this spiritual renewal should manifest in relationships within the church and with the world. The immediate context of verse 19 involves a series of commands regarding how Christians should interact with those who are outside the community of faith, specifically in response to wrongdoing. Previous verses in chapter 12 instruct believers not to think too highly of themselves (v. 3), to love one another genuinely (v. 9-10), to be patient in affliction, faithful in prayer, and to provide for the needs of the saints (v. 12-13). They are also told to bless those who persecute them (v. 14), rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep (v. 15). Verse 17 directly precedes verse 19, stating, "Repay no one evil for evil." Therefore, verse 19 elaborates on this principle by explaining why and how believers should refrain from personal vengeance. Historically, this teaching was radical in the Roman world, where honor and reputation were often defended through immediate and severe retaliation.

Romans 12 19 Word Analysis

• μὴ (mē): "not" - This is a particle of negation, forming a prohibition. It indicates a negative command.
• ὑπεραναδικευόμενοι (hyperanakendeuomenoi): "avenging yourselves" or "taking vengeance for yourselves." This is a present passive participle from the verb hyperanakakoumai (ὑπερανακακοῦμαι), meaning to inflict harm in return, to get revenge. The prefix hyper can imply "excessively" or "above and beyond," suggesting that seeking personal revenge goes beyond the bounds of what is appropriate or permissible. The passive voice suggests that the action is not to be done by oneself, but rather is something to be allowed or suffered to happen to oneself.
• ἀγαπητοὶ (agapetoi): "beloved" or "dear." This is a term of endearment, showing affection and warmth from Paul to his readers. It emphasizes the relational aspect and encourages the readers to receive his instruction in the spirit of love.
• ἀλλὰ (alla): "but" or "rather." This conjunction introduces a contrast or alternative. It shifts the focus from what believers should not do (avenge themselves) to what they should do.
• δότε (dote): "give" or "give place." This is an aorist imperative, second person plural, from the verb didomi (δίδωμι), meaning to give. In this context, it carries the sense of yielding, allowing, or making room for something.
• τόπον (topon): "place." This refers to an opportunity, a space, or a favorable position. It suggests making way for God's action.
• τῇ (tē): "the" - definite article.
• ὀργῇ (orgē): "wrath," "anger." This noun refers to God's righteous indignation against sin and injustice. It's not uncontrolled anger, but a settled opposition to evil.
• γέγραπται (gegraptai): "it is written." This is a perfect passive indicative, third person singular, from the verb grapho (γράφω), to write. This signifies an authoritative appeal to Scripture, grounding the command in divine revelation.
• Ἐμοὶ (Emoi): "To me" - A dative pronoun indicating the recipient of the action or possessor. Here, it refers to God.
• ἐκδίκησις (ekdikēsis): "vengeance," "retribution," "recompense." This noun, derived from ekdikō (ἐκδίκω), means to uphold justice, to execute judgment, to punish wrongdoers.
• ἀνταπόδοσις (antapodosis): "recompense," "repayment," "requital." This noun, derived from antapodidomi (ἀνταποδίδωμι), means to give back in return, to pay back, to repay. It implies a balanced and just return.
• λέγει (legei): "says" or "said." Present tense of the verb lego (λέγω), to say.
• Κύριος (Kyrios): "Lord." This refers to Yahweh, the covenant name of God.

Phrase Group Analysis:

• μὴ ὑπεραναδικευόμενοι, ἀγαπητοί: This opening phrase sets the tone of paternal care and firm instruction. The prohibition is immediate and direct, softened by the term "beloved."
• ἀλλὰ δότε τόπον τῇ ὀργῇ: This is the core positive instruction. "Give place to the wrath" means to make room for God's anger to act, by not preempting it with human vengeance. It’s about yielding the situation to divine jurisdiction.
• γέγραπται γὰρ, Ἐμοὶ ἐκδίκησις, καὶ ἀνταπόδοσις: This quote, explicitly attributed to the Lord, provides the ultimate justification for yielding. It underscores that vengeance is God's prerogative, and He will indeed execute it. The combination of ekdikēsis and antapodosis emphasizes both the act of vengeance and the just response or payback involved.

Romans 12 19 Bonus Section

The phrasing "give place" (δότε τόπον - dote topon) carries a strong implication of yielding ground or making an opening. It's akin to stepping aside to allow a rightful occupant or action to take place. In this context, believers are to make way for God's judicial action. This practice was understood by early Christians in a world where honor-shame dynamics often dictated immediate and violent responses to insults. This teaching presented a radical counter-cultural ethic that differentiated them. The quote is from the Septuagint (LXX) version of Deuteronomy 32:35, which is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament, widely used by New Testament writers. This connection shows the consistent thread of this doctrine from the Old Covenant to the New. It's important to note that this command for personal non-retaliation does not negate the legitimacy of civil authority to administer justice, as discussed in Romans 13:1-7, where the governing authorities are described as God's servants to execute wrath on the wrongdoer.

Romans 12 19 Commentary

Paul urges believers not to retaliate when wronged, but rather to make space for God's wrath to deal with the offense. This means leaving the matter in God's hands, trusting that He, as the ultimate Judge, will rightly administer justice. Personal vengeance is discouraged because it usurps God's role and can escalate conflict. Instead, the Christian's response should be one of trust and patience, knowing that God's timing and methods are perfect. The verse directly quotes Deuteronomy 32:35, emphasizing that divine vengeance is a sure and certain aspect of God's character and will. This principle is not a call to passivity in the face of injustice in every circumstance (as seen in civil authorities carrying the "sword" in Romans 13:4), but specifically addresses personal retaliation in interpersonal offenses.

• Practical Example: If someone steals from you, instead of plotting revenge or retaliating physically, entrust the situation to God. You might still report it to authorities if appropriate, but your heart attitude is not seeking personal payback but justice through God-ordained means, or leaving it for God to sort out.
• Focus Shift: The emphasis is on internal disposition rather than external action; it's about what is happening in your heart and mind when wronged.
• Divine Prerogative: It highlights that justice, particularly in its retributive aspect, belongs to God alone.