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◄ Romans 12:20►

New International Version
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

New Living Translation
Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”

English Standard Version
To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Berean Standard Bible
On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Berean Literal Bible
On the contrary, "If your enemy should hunger, feed him; if he should thirst, give him to drink; for doing this, you will heap coals of fire upon his head."

King James Bible
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

New King James Version
Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

New American Standard Bible
“BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM; IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.”

NASB 1995
“BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.”

NASB 1977
“BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS UPON HIS HEAD.”

Legacy Standard Bible
“BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.”

Amplified Bible
“BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM; IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR BY DOING THIS YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.”

Christian Standard Bible
But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head.

American Standard Version
But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.

Contemporary English Version
The Scriptures also say, "If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat. And if they are thirsty, give them something to drink. This will be the same as piling burning coals on their heads."

English Revised Version
But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But, "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. If you do this, you will make him feel guilty and ashamed."

Good News Translation
Instead, as the scripture says: "If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them a drink; for by doing this you will make them burn with shame."

International Standard Version
But "if your enemy is hungry, feed him. For if he is thirsty, give him a drink. If you do this, you will pile burning coals on his head."

NET Bible
Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head.

New Heart English Bible
Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will heap coals of fire on his head."

Webster's Bible Translation
Therefore if thy enemy hungereth, feed him; if he thirsteth, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Weymouth New Testament
On the contrary, therefore, if your enemy is hungry, give him food; if he is thirsty, quench his thirst. For by doing this you will be heaping burning coals upon his head.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
Therefore, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

World English Bible
Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
I will repay again, says the LORD”; if, then, your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him drink; for doing this, you will heap coals of fire on his head.

Berean Literal Bible
On the contrary, "If your enemy should hunger, feed him; if he should thirst, give him to drink; for doing this, you will heap coals of fire upon his head."

Young's Literal Translation
I will recompense again, saith the Lord;' if, then, thine enemy doth hunger, feed him; if he doth thirst, give him drink; for this doing, coals of fire thou shalt heap upon his head;

Smith's Literal Translation
If therefore thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for doing this, thou shalt heap up coals of fire on his head.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But if thy enemy be hungry, give him to eat; if he thirst, give him to drink. For, doing this, thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.

Catholic Public Domain Version
So if an enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in doing so, you will heap burning coals upon his head.

New American Bible
Rather, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.”

New Revised Standard Version
No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Therefore if your enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing, you shall heap coals of fire on his head.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“And if your enemy hungers, feed him, and if he thirsts, give him a drink, and if you do these things to him you will heap coals of fire on his skull.”

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
If, therefore, your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by doing this, you will heap coals of fire on his head.

Godbey New Testament
But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink: for doing this you will heap coals of fire upon his head.

Haweis New Testament
If therefore thine enemy hunger, give him food; if he thirst, give him drink: for so doing, thou shalt heap up coals of fire on his head.

Mace New Testament
therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing, you will heap coals of fire on his head.

Weymouth New Testament
On the contrary, therefore, if your enemy is hungry, give him food; if he is thirsty, quench his thirst. For by doing this you will be heaping burning coals upon his head.

Worrell New Testament
But, if your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him drink; for, in doing this, you will heap coals of fire upon his head.

Worsley New Testament
Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: forin so doing, thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Forgiveness
…19Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”20On the contrary,“If your enemy is hungry,feed him;if he is thirsty,give him a drink.For in so doing,you will heap burning coals on his head.”21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Proverbs 25:21-22
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Luke 6:27-28
But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

1 Peter 3:9
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.

1 Thessalonians 5:15
Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.

Matthew 5:39-42
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. ...

Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

Exodus 23:4-5
If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him. / If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it.

2 Kings 6:22
“Do not kill them,” he replied. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master.”

Proverbs 24:17
Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,

1 Corinthians 4:12-13
We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; / when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. / Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. ...

Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Treasury of Scripture

Therefore if your enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing you shall heap coals of fire on his head.

if thine.

Exodus 23:4,5
If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again…

1 Samuel 24:16-19
And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said,Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept…

1 Samuel 26:21
Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.

coals.

Psalm 120:4
Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.

Psalm 140:10
Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.

Song of Solomon 8:6,7
Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for loveis strong as death; jealousyis cruel as the grave: the coals thereofare coals of fire,which hath a most vehement flame…

Jump to Previous

Burning Coals Contrary Drink Enemy Feed Fire Food Hate Head Heap Heaping Hunger Hungereth Hungry Need Quench Recompense Something Thirst Thirsteth Thirsty

Jump to Next

Burning Coals Contrary Drink Enemy Feed Fire Food Hate Head Heap Heaping Hunger Hungereth Hungry Need Quench Recompense Something Thirst Thirsteth Thirsty

Romans 12

1.God's mercies must move us to offer ourselves.
3.No man must think too well of himself;
6.but everyone attend to the calling wherein he is placed.
9.Love, and many other duties are required of us.
19.Revenge is especially forbidden.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

On the contrary
This phrase introduces a contrast to the natural human inclination to retaliate against enemies. It reflects the broader biblical theme of responding to evil with good, as seen in Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:44). The call to act differently than expected is a hallmark of Christian ethics.

If your enemy is hungry, feed him
This directive emphasizes practical love and kindness towards one's enemies, echoingProverbs 25:21-22. In the ancient world, sharing a meal was a significant act of fellowship and peace. This command challenges believers to transcend cultural norms of retribution and instead demonstrate God's love through tangible actions.

if he is thirsty, give him a drink
Providing water to the thirsty is a basic act of compassion, reflecting the hospitality norms of the ancient Near East. This act symbolizes meeting essential needs and mirrors Jesus' teaching inMatthew 25:35, where caring for the least of these is equated with serving Christ Himself.

For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head
This metaphorical expression has been interpreted in various ways. Some suggest it refers to causing an enemy to feel shame and remorse, leading to repentance. Others see it as a reference to an ancient Egyptian ritual where carrying coals signified repentance. The imagery underscores the transformative power of unexpected kindness, aligning with the biblical principle that God's kindness leads to repentance (Romans 2:4).

Persons / Places / Events

1.Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2.The Roman Church
The recipients of the letter, the early Christian community in Rome, which was diverse and included both Jewish and Gentile believers.

3.Enemies
In this context, "enemies" refers to those who oppose or persecute believers, a common experience for early Christians.

4.Proverbs 25:21-22
The Old Testament source of the quote used by Paul, highlighting the continuity of biblical teaching on responding to enemies.

5.Burning Coals
A metaphorical expression with roots in ancient practices, possibly symbolizing repentance or divine judgment.

Teaching Points

Responding with Kindness
The command to feed and give drink to our enemies challenges us to respond with kindness rather than retaliation. This reflects the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives.

Heaping Burning Coals
The phrase "heaping burning coals" can be understood as a way to bring about conviction and potential repentance in the enemy, rather than seeking revenge.

Living Out the Gospel
By treating our enemies with love and kindness, we demonstrate the love of Christ and live out the Gospel in practical ways.

Trusting God's Justice
We are reminded to leave judgment to God, trusting that He will deal justly with all, while we are called to act in love.

Practical Acts of Love
Consider practical ways to show love to those who oppose you, such as acts of service, prayer, and seeking reconciliation.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Romans 12:20?

2.How can Romans 12:20 guide our response to those who wrong us?

3.What does "heap burning coals" mean in the context of Christian forgiveness?

4.How does Romans 12:20 connect with Jesus' teachings on loving enemies?

5.In what ways can you practically "feed" and "give drink" to adversaries?

6.How does implementing Romans 12:20 demonstrate Christ-like behavior in daily life?

7.How does Romans 12:20 align with the concept of justice and retribution?

8.What historical context influenced Paul's message in Romans 12:20?

9.How does Romans 12:20 challenge traditional views on enemy treatment?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 12?

11.What does 'heap burning coals' on someone's head mean?

12.What is the meaning of 'turn the other cheek'?

13.What does "heap burning coals" on someone's head mean?

14.If Christians are supposed to love their enemies, why do they often engage in culture wars?

What Does Romans 12:20 Mean

On the contrary

Paul has just told us not to avenge ourselves (Romans 12:19). Now, in a complete reversal of natural instinct, he says, “On the contrary.” Rather than pay back wrong with wrong, we are called to active good. Jesus said the same inMatthew 5:44: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Peter echoed it: “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing” (1 Peter 3:9). The pattern is unmistakable: genuine faith treats hostility with generosity.

If your enemy is hungry, feed him

The command is simple and literal. Hunger is one of the most basic human needs; meeting it demonstrates love in unmistakable terms.

• God’s people have always been urged to show kindness, even to foes.Exodus 23:4–5 pictures returning a stray donkey to an enemy.

• Jesus multiplied bread for crowds who would later cry, “Crucify Him!” (John 6:10–14; 19:15).

• In2 Kings 6:21–23, Elisha refused to let Israel slaughter captured Arameans; instead he ordered a meal for them, and the raiders stopped coming.

Feeding an enemy may cost us time, money, and comfort, yet it mirrors the Lord who “sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45).

if he is thirsty, give him a drink

Thirst intensifies need. Offering water when someone is vulnerable disarms hostility. Think of Jesus at Jacob’s well, asking a Samaritan woman for a drink and then giving her living water (John 4:7–14).Proverbs 25:21—Paul’s source here—pairs hunger and thirst because both spotlight practical love. Even a cup of cold water, Jesus said, brings reward (Matthew 10:42). Meeting a tangible need opens hearts to deeper spiritual truth.

For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.

This vivid image isn’t a promise of secret revenge; it describes the sting of conviction that kindness often ignites.

• When David spared Saul in the cave, Saul wept and confessed, “You are more righteous than I” (1 Samuel 24:16–18). David’s mercy piled “coals” on Saul’s conscience.

• God’s kindness aims at repentance (Romans 2:4). Loving deeds toward enemies may break their hardened resistance and lead them to God.

• If the enemy refuses to repent, the coals become evidence of rejected grace when God judges (Psalm 140:10;Proverbs 25:22’s next line: “and the LORD will reward you”).

Either way, we overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21), leaving vengeance to God while we keep our witness clear.

summary

Romans 12:20 calls believers to meet an enemy’s basic needs—food and drink—turning hostility into an opportunity for grace. Such practical love mirrors Christ, pricks consciences, and leaves judgment with God. By blessing enemies, we refuse to be mastered by evil and instead display the conquering power of good.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(20)Thou shalt heap coals of fire.--Comp.Psalm 18:12-14, where the phrase "coals of fire" is used of the divine vengeance. So here, but in a strictly metaphorical sense, it means, "Thou shalt take the best and most summary vengeance upon him." There may be the underlying idea of awakening in the adversary the pangs of shame and remorse.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

On the contrary,
Ἀλλὰ(Alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235:But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

“If
Ἐὰν(Ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437:If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

your
σου(sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

enemy
ἐχθρός(echthros)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2190:Hated, hostile; subst: an enemy. From a primary echtho; hateful; usually as a noun, an adversary.

is hungry,
πεινᾷ(peina)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3983:To be hungry, needy, desire earnestly. From the same as penes; to famish; figuratively, to crave.

feed
ψώμιζε(psōmize)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 5595:To feed, dole out. From the base of psomion; to supply with bits, i.e. to nourish.

him;
αὐτόν(auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

if
ἐὰν(ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437:If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

he is thirsty,
διψᾷ(dipsa)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1372:To thirst for, desire earnestly. From a variation of dipsos; to thirst for.

give him a drink.
πότιζε(potize)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4222:To cause to drink, give to drink; irrigate, water. From a derivative of the alternate of pino; to furnish drink, irrigate.

For
γὰρ(gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

in so doing,
ποιῶν(poiōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4160:(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

you will heap
σωρεύσεις(sōreuseis)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4987:To heap up, load. From another form of soros; to pile up.

burning
πυρὸς(pyros)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4442:Fire; the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire. A primary word; 'fire'.

coals
ἄνθρακας(anthrakas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 440:Coal, charcoal, a burning coal. Of uncertain derivation; a live coal.

on
ἐπὶ(epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

his
αὐτοῦ(autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

head.”
κεφαλὴν(kephalēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2776:From the primary kapto; the head, literally or figuratively.

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NT Letters: Romans 12:20 Therefore If your enemy is hungry feed (Rom. Ro)