Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Paul addresses believers as dearly beloved (ἀγαπητοί, agapētoi), his affectionate term for fellow Christians, before delivering a difficult command: avenge not yourselves (μὴ ἑαυτοὺς ἐκδικοῦντες, mē heautous ekdikountes). The verb means 'exact justice, punish, vindicate'—personal vengeance is forbidden. Instead, give place unto wrath (δότε τόπον τῇ ὀργῇ, dote topon tē orgē)—'make room for wrath.' This could mean God's wrath (don't usurp his role) or the opponent's wrath (step back, let it exhaust itself without retaliation). Either way, believers relinquish the right to settle scores.
Paul grounds this command in Scripture: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord, quoting Deuteronomy 32:35. Vengeance belongs exclusively to God; he alone judges with perfect justice, knowledge, and authority. Humans lack the omniscience, righteousness, and impartiality required for righteous vengeance—our retaliation is always tainted by self-interest and limited perspective. Trusting God to repay means believing he will settle all accounts (Romans 2:5-6, Revelation 6:10). This doesn't negate civil justice (13:4) but forbids personal vigilantism. Faith in God's justice frees believers from the burden of revenge.
Historical Context
Roman law permitted personal retaliation in some cases; honor culture demanded revenge for insults. Gladiatorial combat and public executions satisfied society's appetite for retributive violence. Jewish tradition debated whether 'eye for eye' (Exodus 21:24) required literal retaliation or monetary compensation. Jesus radicalized the discussion: 'resist not evil' (Matthew 5:39). Paul applies this to the Roman church: victims of persecution, slander, or injustice must entrust judgment to God rather than take matters into their own hands. Early Christian martyrs exemplified this, forgiving persecutors and praying for enemies.
Questions for Reflection
Where are you tempted to 'avenge yourself'—nurse grudges, plot retaliation, or demand personal vindication?
How does trusting that 'vengeance is mine, saith the Lord' free you from the exhausting burden of settling scores?
What injustice or unresolved hurt do you need to 'give place to wrath'—release to God's perfect judgment rather than pursue revenge?
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Analysis & Commentary
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Paul addresses believers as dearly beloved (ἀγαπητοί, agapētoi), his affectionate term for fellow Christians, before delivering a difficult command: avenge not yourselves (μὴ ἑαυτοὺς ἐκδικοῦντες, mē heautous ekdikountes). The verb means 'exact justice, punish, vindicate'—personal vengeance is forbidden. Instead, give place unto wrath (δότε τόπον τῇ ὀργῇ, dote topon tē orgē)—'make room for wrath.' This could mean God's wrath (don't usurp his role) or the opponent's wrath (step back, let it exhaust itself without retaliation). Either way, believers relinquish the right to settle scores.
Paul grounds this command in Scripture: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord, quoting Deuteronomy 32:35. Vengeance belongs exclusively to God; he alone judges with perfect justice, knowledge, and authority. Humans lack the omniscience, righteousness, and impartiality required for righteous vengeance—our retaliation is always tainted by self-interest and limited perspective. Trusting God to repay means believing he will settle all accounts (Romans 2:5-6, Revelation 6:10). This doesn't negate civil justice (13:4) but forbids personal vigilantism. Faith in God's justice frees believers from the burden of revenge.