What Does the Bible Say About Revenge and Justice?

What the Bible says

1. Scripture

   Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves... Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

   The Bible repeatedly teaches that ultimate judgment belongs to God.

2. Scripture

   What doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy.

   God values both justice and mercy together.

3. Scripture

   Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD.

   Scripture encourages patience instead of personal revenge.

A grounded way to understand this

The Bible warns that revenge often damages the heart. Justice belongs ultimately to God, who sees every wrong clearly.

Related answers

• Forgiveness & BetrayalWhat Does the Bible Say About Anger?The Bible does not ignore anger. It acknowledges that anger can arise, but it warns about how quickly it can lead to…Read
• Forgiveness & BetrayalBible Verses About Mercy Instead of RevengeThe Bible consistently points people away from revenge and toward mercy, forgiveness, patience, and trusting God with…Read
• Forgiveness & BetrayalWhat Does God Say About Revenge?When hurt runs deep, the desire for revenge can feel justified. The Bible addresses this directly, shifting the…Read
• Trust & WaitingBible Verses About Anger and Patience (KJV)When anger rises fast, Scripture does not only say “calm down.” It pairs anger with patience: slow to wrath, rule your…Read
• Forgiveness & BetrayalBible Verses About Wrath and ForgivenessThe Bible contrasts wrath with forgiveness repeatedly. Scripture warns against uncontrolled anger while encouraging…Read