Romans 12:19-20 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:18-21

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto wrath . The thought in Romans 12:19 seems to follow from what precedes. It may sometimes be impossible to he at peace with all; but at any rate, do not increase bitterness by avenging yourselves. Give place unto wrath ( τῇ ὀργῇ ) , has been taken by some to mean that we are to give scope to the wrath of our enemy, instead of being exasperated to resist... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 12:19

Dearly beloved - This expression of tenderness was especially appropriate in an exhortation to peace. It reminded them of the affection and friendship which ought to subsist among them as brethren.Avenge not yourselves - To “avenge” is to take satisfaction for an injury by inflicting punishment on the offender. To take such satisfaction for injuries done to society, is lawful and proper for a magistrate; Romans 13:4. And to take satisfaction for injuries done by sin to the universe, is the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 12:20

Therefore, if thine enemy hunger ... - This verse is taken almost literally from Proverbs 25:21-22. Hunger and thirst here are put for want in general. If thine enemy is needy in any way, do him good, and supply his needs. This is, in spirit, the same as the command of the Lord Jesus Matthew 5:44, “Do good to them that hate you,” etc.In so doing - It does not mean that we are to do this “for the sake” of heaping coals of fire on him, but that this will be the result.Thou shalt heap ... - Coals... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Romans 12:19-20

Romans 12:19-20. Dearly beloved So he softens the rugged spirit; avenge not yourselves On those that have injured you, whatever wrongs you may receive; but rather give place unto wrath Yield to the wrath of the enemy: for it is written, Vengeance is mine It properly belongs to me; and I will repay The deserved punishment; saith the Lord Or perhaps the original expression, δοτε τοπον τη οργη , might be more properly rendered, leave room for wrath; that is, the wrath of God, to... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Romans 12:1-21

12:1-15:13 CHRISTIAN FAITH IN PRACTICEResponsibilities and relationships (12:1-21)For eleven chapters Paul has been explaining what God in his mercy has done, and will yet do, for repentant sinners. Now he reminds those who have experienced this mercy that the most fitting act of worship by which they can show their thanks is to offer themselves as living sacrifices to God. No longer are they to think and act like non-Christians. Their minds must be changed so that they see issues from a... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Romans 12:19

Dearly . Omit. beloved . App-135 . avenge = revenge. See Luke 18:3 . rather . Omit. unto = to. wrath = the wrath (i.e. of God). See Romans 1:18 . Vengeance . Greek. ekdikesis. See Acts 7:24 . repay = recompense. Greek. antapodidomi. See Deuteronomy 32:35 . Lord . App-98 . read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Romans 12:20

if, if. App-118 . feed . Greek. psomizo. Only here and 1 Corinthians 13:3 . The noun only in John 13:26 , John 13:27 . drink = to drink. heap . Greek. soreuo. Only here and 2 Timothy 3:6 . on . App-104 . Quoted from Proverbs 25:21 , Proverbs 25:22 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Romans 12:19

Avenge not yourselves, beloved; but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.The child of God may not collect a blood debt, to borrow the euphemism of the North Vietnamese who murdered 9,000 civilians in one of their Tet offensives. Vengeance is not a Christian prerogative, this being true for a number of reasons, such as: (1) God has forbidden it; (2) it is illegal in any civilized state; and (3) it is contrary to the... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Romans 12:20

But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.This is an amazing scripture. The writer once heard of a woman involved in bitter quarrels with her husband. Seeking counsel, she was asked, "Have you tried heaping coals of fire on his head?" She replied, "No, but I tried a skillet of hot grease!" She, like many others, failed to realize that Paul here used a figure of speech, a style of rhetoric often found in the... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Romans 12:19

Romans 12:19. Avenge not yourselves— The emperor Claudius, by his decree, banished all Jews from Rome, Acts 18:2. Upon this occasion Aquila and Priscilla removed to Corinth, where St. Paul found them, and dwelt with them a considerable time. No doubt they gave him a full account of the state of the Christian church at Rome, and every thing relating to the late persecution under Claudius. That emperor's edict died with him in about two years time. Then the Jews and Christians [if the Christians... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 12:18-21

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 12:19

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 12:20

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Romans 12:19-20

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Romans 12:1-21

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Romans 12:19

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Romans 12:20

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Romans 12:19

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Romans 12:20

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Romans 12:19

Group of Brands