Revenge, and retaliation

Scripture teaches that it is wrong to strike back or to return evil for evil, whether by immediate retaliation or by taking revenge later. Justice must be done, but this must be left in the hands of God, or of the authorities ordained by God.

OT teaching about revenge

Revenge forbidden in the OT

Genesis 4:15; Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 32:35; Proverbs 20:22 See also Deuteronomy 19:5–7, Deuteronomy 19:11–13, Deuteronomy 23:7; Proverbs 24:29; Jeremiah 29:7

“Not so!” replied the LORD. “If anyone slays Cain, then Cain will be avenged sevenfold.” And the LORD placed a mark on Cain, so that no one who found him would kill him.

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.

Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.”

Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.

The ``lex talionis'' (law of exacting like for like)

Exodus 21:23–25 This was not a rule for personal revenge but to ensure that judicial punishments were neither unjust nor malicious. See also Leviticus 24:17–21; Deuteronomy 19:18–21

But if a serious injury results, then you must require a life for a life — eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, and stripe for stripe.

Personal revenge forbidden in the NT

By Jesus Christ

Matthew 5:38–45 See also Luke 6:27–36

You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well; and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. 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.

By the apostles

Romans 12:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 1 Peter 3:9 See also 1 Corinthians 13:4–5

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.

Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

The evil effects of revenge illustrated in the life of Samson

Judges 15:1–8, Judges 15:9–10, Judges 15:11–12

Alternatives to revenge

Avoiding the problem

Romans 12:18; 1 Peter 4:8

Evading the attack

Matthew 10:23; Luke 4:29–30

Accepting the injury

1 Corinthians 6:7; Hebrews 10:32–34

Using the law

Acts 22:25; 1 Corinthians 6:1–6 going to law

Forgiving and setting an example

Luke 23:34; Acts 7:59–60; Romans 12:19–21; Proverbs 25:21–22

God will avenge his people

Luke 18:7–8 See also Deuteronomy 32:43; 1 Samuel 24:12; 2 Kings 9:7; Psalm 18:47; Revelation 6:10, Revelation 19:2

Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay in helping them? I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”