Romans Chapter 12 · Verse 17
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Original Language Analysis
κακοῦ
evil
G2556
κακοῦ
evil
Strong's:
G2556
Word #:
2 of 10
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
ἀντὶ
for
G473
ἀντὶ
for
Strong's:
G473
Word #:
3 of 10
opposite, i.e., instead or because of (rarely in addition to)
κακοῦ
evil
G2556
κακοῦ
evil
Strong's:
G2556
Word #:
4 of 10
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
ἀποδιδόντες
Recompense
G591
ἀποδιδόντες
Recompense
Strong's:
G591
Word #:
5 of 10
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
προνοούμενοι
Provide
G4306
προνοούμενοι
Provide
Strong's:
G4306
Word #:
6 of 10
to consider in advance, i.e., look out for beforehand (actively, by way of maintenance for others; middle voice by way of circumspection for oneself)
καλὰ
things honest
G2570
καλὰ
things honest
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
Cross References
Proverbs 20:22Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.1 Thessalonians 5:15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.Matthew 5:39But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.1 Peter 3:9Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.Romans 12:19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.1 Peter 3:16Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.1 Thessalonians 5:22Abstain from all appearance of evil.1 Peter 2:12Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.Colossians 4:5Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.Romans 14:16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
Historical Context
Early Christians were often slandered as atheists (refusing pagan gods), cannibals (misunderstanding the Eucharist), and immoral (meeting secretly). Jewish opponents accused them of blasphemy and apostasy. Roman authorities suspected disloyalty to the emperor. In this hostile context, Paul urges irreproachable conduct that refutes false accusations. 'All men' includes both believers and unbelievers; Christians must maintain ethical consistency across all relationships. The church's moral witness—refusing vengeance, practicing honesty—was evangelistic apologetics.
Questions for Reflection
- When you've been wronged, do you reflexively plan retaliation ('evil for evil') or intentionally practice mercy?
- How does your conduct appear 'in the sight of all men'—neighbors, coworkers, unbelievers—and does it commend the gospel?
- What areas of your life need greater moral clarity and consistency to remove obstacles to gospel witness?
Analysis & Commentary
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. Paul continues teaching on non-retaliation. Recompense to no man evil for evil (μηδενὶ κακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ ἀποδιδόντες, mēdeni kakon anti kakou apodidontes)—the verb apodidōmi means 'to repay, give back'—forbids tit-for-tat vengeance. This echoes Jesus's teaching (Matthew 5:38-42) and Peter's (1 Peter 3:9): the lex talionis (eye for eye) is superseded by cruciform love. Natural justice demands proportional payback; gospel transformation produces mercy. The second command, Provide things honest in the sight of all men (προνοούμενοι καλὰ ἐνώπιον πάντων ἀνθρώπων, pronoōumenoi kala enōpion pantōn anthrōpōn), literally reads 'taking thought beforehand for what is noble in the sight of all people.'
This phrase draws from Proverbs 3:4 LXX and emphasizes public witness. Christians aren't merely concerned with internal righteousness but with how unbelievers perceive their conduct. 'Honest' (καλά, kala, 'noble, beautiful, good') things are visibly praiseworthy, removing any grounds for accusation. Paul advocates strategic moral clarity: believers should live in such a way that even opponents recognize their integrity (1 Peter 2:12, 2 Corinthians 8:21). Reputation matters not for self-promotion but for gospel credibility—hypocrisy discredits the message; consistent virtue commends it.