Revenge is a natural human response when we’ve been wronged, betrayed, or treated unfairly. But as followers of Christ, we are called to respond differently. The Bible is clear that vengeance does not belong to us—it belongs to the Lord.
Instead of seeking retaliation, God invites us to release anger, forgive, and trust Him to bring justice in His perfect timing.
If you have ever struggled with bitterness or wrestled with the temptation to “get even,” these Bible verses about revenge will give you strength, peace, and guidance straight from God’s Word.
In this article, we’ll look at 25 powerful Bible verses about revenge and letting God fight your battles. Each verse is a reminder that God sees every wrong done, He hears every cry for help, and He promises to be your defender.
Rather than carrying the heavy burden of revenge, the Word of God shows us a better way: resting in His justice and walking in forgiveness.
Whether you’re searching for Scriptures about revenge to heal from hurt, to teach on forgiveness, or to find peace in the middle of conflict, this list will encourage you to let go of anger and hold tightly to God’s promises.
25 Bible Verses About Revenge
Here are 25 powerful Bible verses about revenge that reveal God’s heart for justice, forgiveness, and peace. As you read, allow these Scriptures to reshape your perspective and remind you that true victory comes when you surrender the battle to the Lord.
Bible Verses for God Forbids Revenge
When hurt runs deep, revenge may feel like the easiest response. Yet Scripture makes it clear—revenge is not ours to take. God lovingly commands His people to let go of vengeance and trust His way, which always leads to greater peace and restoration.
1. Do Not Seek Revenge: 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.”
Revenge poisons relationships. God commands His people to replace grudges with love. Instead of holding on to anger, we are called to live in peace and kindness.
2. Vengeance Belongs to God: 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.”
We are not built to carry revenge. God Himself promises justice. When we let Him handle it, we free our hearts from bitterness.
3. Do Not Repay Evil for Evil: 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.”
Revenge creates a cycle of hate. The only way to stop it is by responding with goodness. This is how believers shine as children of God.
Bible Verses for Responding With Forgiveness
Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness, it is a reflection of God’s strength working through us. These verses remind us that when we forgive instead of retaliating, we mirror the heart of Christ and begin to experience true freedom.
4. Forgive Seventy Times Seven: 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.’”
Forgiveness is not about keeping count. Jesus teaches that forgiveness should be unlimited. Letting go frees your heart again and again.
5. Forgive as the Lord Forgave You: 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.”
We forgive because God forgave us first. Remembering His mercy helps us extend mercy to others.
6. Love Covers Sin: Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
Hatred keeps wounds open. Love heals. When you cover offenses with love, you bring peace instead of conflict.
7. Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment: James 2:13
“Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
Mercy wins where judgment fails. Revenge only deepens pain, but mercy brings freedom and healing.
Scriptures for Overcoming Evil With Good
The world says “fight back,” but God’s Word teaches us to answer evil with good. These Scriptures show us how responding with kindness and righteousness disarms bitterness and reveals God’s love in powerful ways.
8. Overcome Evil With Good: Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Revenge allows evil to win. Doing good in response to harm breaks the power of evil and honors God.
9. Bless Those Who Curse You: Luke 6:28
“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Jesus turns revenge upside down. Instead of cursing back, pray blessings. This confuses hate and reveals God’s love.
10. Feed Your Enemy: 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.”
Kindness is the most powerful revenge. It disarms enemies and places the matter in God’s hands.
11. Do Not Gloat Over Your Enemy: Proverbs 24:17
“Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice.”
It may feel sweet to see an enemy fail, but God calls us to a higher heart posture—compassion, not celebration of their downfall.
Verses for Trusting God’s Justice
It can be hard to watch injustice unfold, but God promises that nothing escapes His judgment. These verses encourage us to lay down our need for retaliation and rest in the assurance that the Lord sees, knows, and will make things right in His time.
12. God Is the Righteous Judge: Psalm 7:11
“God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day.”
Human revenge is flawed, but God’s judgment is perfect. He sees every detail and judges fairly.
13. The Lord Will Repay: 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.’”
When you step back, God steps in. Trust Him to repay with perfect justice.
14. The Lord Fights for You: Exodus 14:14
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
The battle is not yours. God Himself promises to fight for you. Stillness is not weakness; it is trust.
15. God’s Justice Is Perfect: Deuteronomy 32:4
“He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.”
Unlike human anger, God’s justice is never flawed. Trust His character. He always does what is right.
Scriptures for Choosing Peace Over Revenge
Peace is always the better path, even when anger tempts us otherwise. God’s Word calls us to pursue peace with others, not conflict, allowing His Spirit to calm our hearts and restore unity where revenge would only bring destruction.
16. Seek Peace and Pursue It: Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
Peace is not passive—it must be pursued. Choosing peace means rejecting revenge and chasing God’s way.
17. Blessed Are the Peacemakers: Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
God honors peacemakers. Choosing peace over revenge marks you as His child.
18. Turn the Other Cheek: 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 does not call us to weakness, but to strength through restraint. Turning the other cheek shows trust in God’s defense.
19. Live at Peace With Everyone: Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
You cannot control others, but you can choose peace. Revenge blocks peace; forgiveness releases it.
Bible Verse for Healing From Hurt
Revenge cannot heal a wounded heart—but God can. These Scriptures bring comfort for the broken places, pointing us to the One who binds up the hurting and replaces bitterness with wholeness and hope.
20. God Heals the Brokenhearted: Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Revenge cannot heal, but God can. He comes near to hurting hearts and brings comfort.
21. Cast Your Burden on the Lord: Psalm 55:22
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Instead of carrying bitterness, give the burden to God. He holds you steady when revenge tempts you.
22. God’s Grace Is Sufficient: 2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”
Letting go of revenge may feel like weakness, but God’s grace gives strength. His power fills the gap.
Verses for Victory Through God’s Strength
True victory doesn’t come from “getting even,” but from leaning on God’s strength to rise above anger and pain. These verses remind us that in Christ, we walk in victory—not as victims of offense, but as overcomers by His power.
23. Be Strong in the Lord: Ephesians 6:10–11
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Revenge is the devil’s trap. God gives spiritual armor so we can stand in His strength, not our anger.
24. The Battle Belongs to the Lord: 1 Samuel 17:47
“All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”
David’s victory over Goliath was not by his strength, but by God’s. Every battle belongs to Him.
25. No Weapon Formed Against You Will Prosper: Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me, declares the Lord.”
When you trust God, no attack can destroy you. Revenge is not needed—God Himself secures your victory.
Practical Steps to Release Revenge
Letting go of revenge is not always easy, but God gives us practical ways to begin walking in freedom. Here are some steps that can help you release bitterness and trust Him with the outcome:
- Pray for those who have hurt you (Matthew 5:44). Prayer may not immediately change the person who wronged you, but it transforms your own heart. Lifting your enemies to God invites His peace to take the place of anger.
- Bring your pain to God through journaling. Writing out your thoughts, hurts, and frustrations can help you process honestly before the Lord. As you surrender your words to Him, you begin to release the weight of revenge.
- Stay connected to godly support. Surround yourself with friends, mentors, or faith-filled community who will encourage you to choose forgiveness and walk in grace instead of retaliation.
- Exchange bitterness for kindness. Deliberately choose to serve others, even when your heart feels heavy. Small acts of kindness shift your focus off pain and remind you of the greater purpose God has for your life.
- Rest in God’s final justice. Remember, no wrong goes unnoticed by Him. Trust that nothing escapes His eyes and that His justice—unlike ours—is perfect, righteous, and complete.
Conclusion
Revenge may feel satisfying in the moment, but it never brings lasting peace. God’s Word is clear: our role is to trust Him, forgive others, and allow Him to handle justice in His perfect way.
These Bible verses about revenge are more than ancient words; they are living reminders that God is your protector, your defender, and your righteous judge.
If you’ve been holding on to anger or the desire to “make things right” in your own strength, I encourage you today—lay it down before God. He knows the pain, He sees the injustice, and He will fight your battles.
When you trade revenge for trust in the Lord, you not only find freedom, but you also reflect the heart of Christ to a broken world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Revenge in the Bible
1. Why does the Bible forbid revenge?
Because revenge leads to sin and brokenness. God alone is judge, and He calls His people to trust His justice.
2. How can I forgive someone who deeply hurt me?
Start by praying for strength. Forgiveness is not easy, but God’s Spirit helps you release pain. Remember how much God forgave you.
3. Does forgiving mean forgetting?
No. Forgiveness does not erase memory. It means choosing not to hold the offense against the person anymore.
4. What if someone keeps wronging me?
Set healthy boundaries. Forgiveness does not mean allowing abuse. Sometimes walking away is wisdom.
5. How can I trust God to fight my battles?
By remembering His promises (Romans 12:19, Exodus 14:14). God has never failed in justice. His timing may feel slow, but it is always perfect.
