Topical Encyclopedia
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 ContextIn 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 TeachingsThe 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 VengeanceWhile 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.
ConclusionThe 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.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Revenge.
Library
Whether we Ought to Pray for Our Enemies?
... Objection 2: Further, to berevenged on one's enemies is harmful to them. But holy
men seek vengeance of their enemies according to Apoc.6:10, "How long . . ....
The Voice of the Blood of Christ
... at the hands of God. Surely, if Abel berevenged seven fold, then must
Christ berevenged seventy times seven. If the earth would...
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, andrevenged by his...
Knox in St. Andrews Castle: the Galleys: 1547-1549
... especially to wanton widows. His death must berevenged." {23a} Knox avers
that the besiegers of St. Andrews Castle, despairing...
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 berevenged, accept them as helpers....
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....
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 berevenged on her...
Manasseh
... He had become reckless in his habits, and treated the islanders with such barbarity
and cruelty, that theyrevenged his conduct upon the next white man who put...
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 theyrevenged themselves by...
Priestly Plottings
... The pure religion that He taught had condemned their hollow professions of piety.
They thirsted to berevenged upon Him for His pointed rebukes....
Thesaurus
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.
...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, andrevenged himself on them...
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, andrevenged himself on them...
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, andrevenged himself upon...
Revengeful (3 Occurrences)
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, andrevenged himself on them...
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, andrevenged himself on them...
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, andrevenged himself on them...
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, andrevenged himself on them...
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, andrevenged himself on them...
Resources
Who was Nimrod in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgRevenged: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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