Romans 12:21

Authorized King James Version

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Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Original Language Analysis

μὴ not G3361
μὴ not
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 1 of 12
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
νίκα Be G3528
νίκα Be
Strong's: G3528
Word #: 2 of 12
to subdue (literally or figuratively)
ὑπὸ of G5259
ὑπὸ of
Strong's: G5259
Word #: 3 of 12
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κακόν evil G2556
κακόν evil
Strong's: G2556
Word #: 5 of 12
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
ἀλλὰ but G235
ἀλλὰ but
Strong's: G235
Word #: 6 of 12
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
νίκα Be G3528
νίκα Be
Strong's: G3528
Word #: 7 of 12
to subdue (literally or figuratively)
ἐν with G1722
ἐν with
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 8 of 12
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
τῷ G3588
τῷ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 9 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγαθῷ good G18
ἀγαθῷ good
Strong's: G18
Word #: 10 of 12
"good" (in any sense, often as noun)
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 11 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κακόν evil G2556
κακόν evil
Strong's: G2556
Word #: 12 of 12
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

Analysis & Commentary

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Paul concludes chapter 12 with a summarizing exhortation: Be not overcome of evil (μὴ νικῶ ὑπὸ τοῦ κακοῦ, mē nikō hypo tou kakou)—don't let evil conquer you by pulling you into retaliation, bitterness, or vengeance. When you return evil for evil, evil wins; it has successfully transformed you into its image. Conversely, overcome evil with good (νίκα ἐν τῷ ἀγαθῷ τὸ κακόν, nika en tō agathō to kakon)—conquer evil by responding with goodness. The verb nikaō (overcome, conquer) is a military term: Christians are engaged in spiritual warfare, and the weapon is sacrificial love, not vengeful violence.

This verse encapsulates Romans 12:14-21: bless persecutors (14), empathize with all (15), pursue humility (16), refuse retaliation (17-18), entrust judgment to God (19), and love enemies (20). Evil is defeated not by mirroring its methods but by overwhelming it with a superior ethic. This is the cross-shaped victory: Jesus absorbed evil (crucifixion) and returned good (resurrection, forgiveness), conquering sin, death, and Satan. Christians participate in Christ's triumph by imitating his enemy-love. Chapter 13 will continue this theme, applying it to civil authorities.

Historical Context

Roman imperial power was maintained by overwhelming force—military conquest, crucifixion, gladiatorial spectacles. Jewish zealots advocated violent resistance to Rome. Into this context, Paul introduces a radically subversive strategy: overcome evil with good. This wasn't pacifist weakness but active spiritual warfare using gospel weapons (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Early Christian witness confused persecutors: martyrs forgave executioners, slaves honored masters, believers loved enemies. This 'overcame evil with good,' and eventually the gospel conquered the empire—not through violence but through suffering love.

Questions for Reflection

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