Leave wrath to the Lord and overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17–21)
Says "Do not repay anyone evil for evil" (12:17, BSB). "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone" (12:18, BSB). "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved" (12:19, BSB). Feeding a hungry enemy and giving a thirsty enemy a drink are commanded (12:20). "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (12:21, BSB). A possible echo of Prov 3:4 is left to note.language.Rom.12.17.prov-3-4.
Says The written word is cited: "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord" (12:19, BSB). How that line relates to Deut 32:35 and Heb 10:30 is in note.cross-reference.Deut.32.35.rom-12-19-form and xref.Deut.32.35.Rom.12.19.exeg. Hebrew and Septuagint wording are not repeated here.
Implies τῇ ὀργῇ (tē orgē, "the wrath") does not itself say whose wrath. The BSB reads "leave room for God’s wrath." The quotation names the Lord as the one who repays, so in context the wrath is God's. See note.language.Rom.12.17-Rom.12.21.orge-anthrakas.
Uncertain "you will heap burning coals on his head" (12:20, BSB). Readings include shame that can bring repentance (kindness and 12:21) and exposure to divine judgment (12:19 has reserved wrath). No lean is taken here. An Egyptian coals ritual is not treated as established history. Proverbs wording is left to note.language.Rom.12.20.prov-25-21-22.
Governing authority and pacifism are not settled from this chapter. Romans 13 takes up the authorities.
Claims
- SaysBelievers are not to repay evil, are to live at peace so far as it depends on them, are not to avenge themselves, are to show kindness to a hungry or thirsty enemy, and are to overcome evil with good (12:17–21).
- SaysRomans 12:19 cites the written word: vengeance is the Lord's, and he will repay.
- ImpliesThe wrath in 12:19 is God's, identified from the quotation, though the Greek clause does not say God's.
- UncertainBurning coals may signal shame that can bring repentance or exposure to divine judgment; no lean is taken.
Citations
- BSB public domain Rom 12:17–21
- SBLGNT CC BY 4.0 Rom 12:17–21
2026-11-06
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