A persistent feeling of ill will or resentment held by one person against another, often as the result of an injury or insult. Christians are not to bear grudges against others; instead they are to forgive those who have wronged them.
Examples of those who held grudges
Esau against Jacob
Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
Joseph's brothers and Joseph
Genesis 37:4 See also Genesis 37:5, Genesis 37:8, Genesis 37:18–19, Genesis 37:23–24, Genesis 50:15
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.
The Israelites against Moses and Aaron
Numbers 11:1, Numbers 14:1–4, Numbers 14:27
Saul against David
Ahab against Elijah
1 Kings 18:16–17, 1 Kings 21:20, 1 Kings 22:8
Herodias against John the Baptist
For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!” So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable,
The disciples against others
See also Matthew 26:6–9 parallel Mark 14:3–5; John 12:3–6
The Sadducees against the apostles
The Jews against Stephen
Severe grudges that led to hatred and murder
That of Abel by Cain
That of Joseph by his brothers, averted by Reuben
That of Amnon, on the orders of Absalom
2 Samuel 13:22, 2 Samuel 13:28–32
That of John the Baptist by Herodias
Warnings against the holding of grudges
In the OT
Leviticus 19:18 See also Deuteronomy 15:10; Judges 8:1–3; Job 5:2, Job 36:13; Proverbs 3:11, Proverbs 20:22, Proverbs 23:17
Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
In Jesus Christ's teaching
Mark 7:21–23 parallel Matthew 15:19–20
For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man.”
In the apostles' teaching
Romans 12:17–21; 1 Thessalonians 5:15 See also Galatians 5:15, Galatians 5:19–21; Philippians 2:13–15; Colossians 3:8; 2 Timothy 2:24; James 3:14–16; 1 Peter 2:1
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.
Christians should not hold grudges
Matthew 5:43–47 See also Matthew 18:21–35; Colossians 3:13
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same?
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.