Romans 12:20
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Original Language Analysis
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 22
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
οὖν
Therefore
G3767
οὖν
Therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 22
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
πεινᾷ
hunger
G3983
πεινᾷ
hunger
Strong's:
G3983
Word #:
3 of 22
to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐχθρός
enemy
G2190
ἐχθρός
enemy
Strong's:
G2190
Word #:
5 of 22
hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially satan)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 22
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
9 of 22
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 22
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
14 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ποιῶν
doing
G4160
ποιῶν
doing
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
15 of 22
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
πυρὸς
of fire
G4442
πυρὸς
of fire
Strong's:
G4442
Word #:
17 of 22
"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
19 of 22
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 5:44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;Luke 6:27But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,2 Kings 6:22And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.1 Samuel 26:21Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.Psalms 140:10Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.Psalms 120:4Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.
Historical Context
The Proverbs citation reflects ancient Near Eastern wisdom's surprising ethic: enemy-love isn't just New Testament novelty but Old Testament revelation. Egyptian texts similarly encouraged kindness to enemies. However, Greco-Roman and Jewish cultures both practiced honor-shame retaliation—insulted parties demanded satisfaction. Jesus and Paul radicalize the tradition: enemy-love isn't strategic manipulation (heap coals to get revenge) but genuine compassion aimed at redemption. Early Christians' refusal to retaliate impressed even pagan observers, who remarked on believers' forgiving martyrs.
Questions for Reflection
- Who is your 'enemy'—someone who has wronged you, opposes you, or actively works against your flourishing—and how can you practically 'feed' them?
- What motivates your kindness toward enemies—genuine love seeking their good, or strategic manipulation hoping to shame them?
- How does Jesus's enemy-love on the cross (feeding us while we were enemies) reshape your willingness to love your enemies?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Paul goes beyond passive non-retaliation to active enemy-love, quoting Proverbs 25:21-22. If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink—meet your enemy's basic needs with practical generosity. The Greek word echthros (enemy) denotes personal antagonism, not mere strangers. Paul commands kindness toward those who actively oppose you, echoing Jesus: 'Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you' (Luke 6:27). This is cruciform ethics: Christ fed us while we were his enemies (Romans 5:10).
The mysterious phrase thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head (ἄνθρακας πυρὸς σωρεύσεις ἐπὶ τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτοῦ, anthrakas pyros sōreuseis epi tēn kephalēn autou) has sparked debate. Some see judgment—your kindness increases your enemy's condemnation if he persists in evil. Others see transformation—burning coals of shame melt hostility into repentance. The second interpretation fits the context better: enemy-love aims at reconciliation (verse 18), not vindictive satisfaction. Your unexpected goodness confounds your enemy's expectations, creating cognitive dissonance that may lead to conversion. Either way, Christians respond to evil with good, trusting God with outcomes.