A visitor to our website writes with a question about “vengeance” in the Bible. He reads Romans 12:19 – “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” He was told that to avenge does not mean vindictiveness, revenge, or retaliation; but that it means restoration of wholeness and integrity. He was told that cries to God for vengeance in the Bible are often cries for redemption, restoration, health, and healing. He writes to ask for clarification on this.
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Dear friend,
The verse that you are pointing to, Romans 12:19, uses the Greek word edikeõ; which, in different forms, is translated “avenge” or “vengeance”. It can mean “to punish” (2 Corinthians 10:6); or “to avenge” sin (Revelation 6:10; 19:2). It can also refer to the act of bringing about justice for someone; as in Jesus’ parable, when a judge is compelled to bring about justice for a poor widow (Luke 18:3, 5). As it’s used in Romans 12:19, I believe it has the meaning of “seeking to avenge” one’s self, or “brining about justice” for one’s self. This is made clear by the fact that Paul urges that ‘place’ be given to God to act; because God says, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay”. (“Repay” is the Greek wordantapodidõmi; which means “to pay back” or “to give retribution”.)
The apostle Paul is quoting loosely from Deuteronomy 32:34-35; and from the “Song of Moses”. It’s a passage that speaks of God’s judgment on Israel for having turned away from Him. In that passage, God says, “Is this not laid up in store with Me, sealed up among My treasures? Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; their foot shall slip in due time; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things to come hasten upon them” (New King James Version). The Hebrew word translated “vengeance” in that case is nakãm; and it is also used in reference to God in Lev. 26:25; Deut. 32:41, 43; Psalm 58:10; Isa. 34:8; 35:4; 47:3; 59:17; 61:2; 63:4; Ezek. 24:8; and Mic. 5:15. The same Greek word as used in Romans 12:19 (edikeõ,) is used in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) of Deuteronomy 32:35. I suggest carefully reading the Old Testament passages above concerning God’s “vengeance” – each verse in its surrounding context – and see how the word is used.
When you or I attempt to avenge ourselves, we can’t do it without bringing sin into it. We tend to do it with a wicked spirit of vindictiveness and revenge. And I would have to say that when it comes to God – though His vengeance is never sinful – it is not always redemptive or intended to bring about healing or restoration. Often for God, it is a matter of justice. God, however, is the only one who can bring about justice without committing sin. He alone knows all the circumstances and the motives of all the hearts that are involved; and He knows how to bring about perfect justice in a way that is truly just. And yet, sometimes, I believe it is intended by Him to bring about healing or restoration or holiness. But the sobering fact is – at least, so it seems to me – that God’s “vengeance” is not always “redemptive”.
I would say, though, that that’s the thing we need to leave to God. Anything that we do toward someone who does us wrong needs to be genuinely redemptive, or to bring about restoration or wholeness. We are to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44), and leave the rest to God. Perhaps this was what Paul had in mind when he said what he says in Romans 12:20-21!
I hope this helps.
Blessings,
Pastor Greg