The concept of revenge, or vengeance, is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting both human impulses and divine justice. In the Scriptures, revenge is often depicted as a human response to wrongdoing, but it is also contrasted with the divine prerogative of God to administer justice.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the principle of "an eye for an eye" (Exodus 21:24) is often cited in discussions of revenge. This law, part of the Mosaic Law, was intended to limit retribution and ensure that punishment was proportional to the offense. It was a legal framework designed to prevent excessive vengeance and maintain social order.

The account of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 illustrates the destructive nature of personal vengeance. After Cain kills Abel, God warns him of the consequences of his actions, highlighting the cycle of violence that personal revenge can perpetuate. Similarly, the narrative of Lamech in Genesis 4:23-24 shows the escalation of vengeance beyond the original offense.

In Deuteronomy 32:35, God declares, "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay." This statement underscores the belief that ultimate justice belongs to God, and humans are cautioned against taking revenge into their own hands. The Psalms also reflect this theme, as seen in Psalm 94:1, where the psalmist calls upon God as the "God of vengeance" to shine forth and judge the earth.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament further develops the theme of revenge, emphasizing forgiveness and love over retaliation. Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount challenge the traditional understanding of justice. In Matthew 5:38-39 , Jesus says, "You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also." This radical call to non-retaliation and forgiveness marks a significant shift from the Old Testament law.

The Apostle Paul echoes this teaching in Romans 12:19 , where he advises, "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.'" Paul encourages believers to overcome evil with good, promoting a spirit of forgiveness and trust in God's ultimate justice.

Divine Vengeance

While human revenge is discouraged, the Bible affirms that God will execute justice in His time. The Book of Revelation portrays God's final judgment as a time when divine vengeance will be fully realized. Revelation 6:10 records the martyrs crying out, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge those who live on the earth and avenge our blood?" This plea reflects the assurance that God will vindicate His people and right all wrongs.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on revenge is complex, balancing the human desire for justice with the call to trust in God's righteous judgment. While personal revenge is discouraged, believers are encouraged to leave vengeance to God, who alone is just and capable of administering true justice.(imp. & p. p.) of Revenge.

Whether we Ought to Pray for Our Enemies?
... Objection 2: Further, to be revenged on one's enemies is harmful to them. But holy
men seek vengeance of their enemies according to Apoc.6:10, "How long . . . ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether we ought to pray 3.htm

The Voice of the Blood of Christ
... at the hands of God. Surely, if Abel be revenged seven fold, then must
Christ be revenged seventy times seven. If the earth would ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the voice of the blood.htm

Of Patience under Personal violence and Malediction.
... Then you not only go unhurt away, which even alone is enough for you; but gratified,
into the bargain, by your adversary's disappointment, and revenged by his ...
/.../tertullian/of patience/chapter viii of patience under personal.htm

Knox in St. Andrews Castle: the Galleys: 1547-1549
... especially to wanton widows. His death must be revenged." {23a} Knox avers
that the besiegers of St. Andrews Castle, despairing ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter iii knox in st.htm

They Falsely Promise Health to their Votaries.
... There are visitations of demons; and he who is sick, and he who says he is in love,
and he who hates, and he who wishes to be revenged, accept them as helpers. ...
/.../tatians address to the greeks/chapter xvii they falsely promise health.htm

The Irrevocable Past
... Pilate knew that he had prostituted his office in condemning Jesus, and he
revenged himself for weak compliance by ill-timed mulishness. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/the irrevocable past.htm

Fall of the Western Empire (Ad 451-476)
... the invasion of Italy by Attila, he appeared at the mouth of the Tiber (AD 455),
having been invited by the empress Eudoxia, who wished to be revenged on her ...
/.../chapter xxiii fall of the.htm

Manasseh
... He had become reckless in his habits, and treated the islanders with such barbarity
and cruelty, that they revenged his conduct upon the next white man who put ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/manasseh.htm

The Veil of Veronica.
... exasperated, not only by the sudden halt, but much more by the public testimony
of veneration which was thus paid to Jesus, and they revenged themselves by ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xxxiv the veil of.htm

Priestly Plottings
... The pure religion that He taught had condemned their hollow professions of piety.
They thirsted to be revenged upon Him for His pointed rebukes. ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 59 priestly plottings.htm

Revenged (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Revenged (2 Occurrences). Genesis 4:15 And Jehovah said
to him, Therefore, whoever slayeth Cain, it shall be revenged sevenfold. ...
/r/revenged.htm - 7k

Revenge (13 Occurrences)
... 25:12 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because Edom has dealt against the house of Judah
by taking vengeance, and has greatly offended, and revenged himself on them ...
/r/revenge.htm - 12k

Incurred (9 Occurrences)
... 25:12 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because Edom has dealt against the house of Judah
by taking vengeance, and has greatly offended, and revenged himself on them ...
/i/incurred.htm - 9k

Revengefully (2 Occurrences)
... 12 Thus saith the Lord GOD: Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah
by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon ...
/r/revengefully.htm - 7k

Revengeful (3 Occurrences)

/r/revengeful.htm - 7k

Grievously (17 Occurrences)
... 25:12 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because Edom has dealt against the house of Judah
by taking vengeance, and has greatly offended, and revenged himself on them ...
/g/grievously.htm - 14k

Offended (26 Occurrences)
... 25:12 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because Edom has dealt against the house of Judah
by taking vengeance, and has greatly offended, and revenged himself on them ...
/o/offended.htm - 14k

Vengeance (63 Occurrences)
... 25:12 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because Edom has dealt against the house of Judah
by taking vengeance, and has greatly offended, and revenged himself on them ...
/v/vengeance.htm - 26k

Grievous (73 Occurrences)
... 25:12 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because Edom has dealt against the house of Judah
by taking vengeance, and has greatly offended, and revenged himself on them ...
/g/grievous.htm - 31k

Acted (98 Occurrences)
... 25:12 Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Because Edom has dealt against the house of Judah
by taking vengeance, and has greatly offended, and revenged himself on them ...
/a/acted.htm - 37k

Who was Nimrod in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Revenged: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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