Topical Encyclopedia The term "revengeth" is an archaic form of the word "revenge," which appears in various translations of the Bible, including older versions of the King James Bible. In the context of the Bible, revenge is often associated with the human desire to retaliate or seek retribution for wrongs suffered. However, the Scriptures consistently teach that vengeance belongs to God alone and that believers are called to respond with forgiveness and love.Biblical Context and Usage The concept of revenge is addressed in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, the law given to Israel included provisions for justice and retribution, such as the principle of "an eye for an eye" (Exodus 21:24). However, this was intended to limit excessive punishment and ensure justice rather than personal vengeance. In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize forgiveness and leaving vengeance to God. Romans 12:19 states, "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.'" This passage underscores the belief that God is the ultimate judge and that He will execute justice in His perfect timing. Theological Significance From a theological perspective, the call to refrain from revenge is rooted in the character of God and the example of Christ. God is portrayed as just and righteous, and His judgment is perfect. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's justice rather than taking matters into their own hands. This trust is an expression of faith in God's sovereignty and His ability to right all wrongs. Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount further illustrate this principle. 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 not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also." Here, Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of love and forgiveness, reflecting the grace and mercy that God extends to humanity. Practical Application For Christians, the call to avoid revenge and instead practice forgiveness is a challenging yet essential aspect of discipleship. It requires a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit, one that mirrors the love and forgiveness of Christ. Believers are encouraged to pray for those who wrong them, seek reconciliation, and trust in God's ultimate justice. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, exhorts believers to "get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice" (Ephesians 4:31). Instead, they are to "be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32). This reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, which enables believers to overcome the natural inclination toward revenge and instead live in a manner that honors God. In summary, the biblical teaching on revenge is clear: it is not the place of individuals to seek retribution. Instead, Christians are called to trust in God's justice, extend forgiveness, and live in peace with others, reflecting the love and grace of their Savior. Library A Jealous God Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came ... Thesaurus Revengeth (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Revengeth (1 Occurrence). Nahum 1:2 God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is ... /r/revengeth.htm - 6k Reserveth (2 Occurrences) Furious (28 Occurrences) Revenges (1 Occurrence) Revenging (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Revengeth (1 Occurrence)Nahum 1:2 Subtopics Related Terms |
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