Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about not retaliating; it's a proactive call to deliberately plan for actions that are not only good but also appear good to everyone around you. The Greek word used for "give thought" or "provide" carries the idea of meticulous planning and forethought, urging believers to arrange their lives so that their integrity is evident to all observers.
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is laying out practical instructions for how believers should live within the community and in the world, following his theological arguments about God's mercy. This verse directly follows his exhortations to love one another sincerely and to be fervent in spirit, guiding believers on how to respond to those who wrong them. The immediate context emphasizes proactive, honorable conduct, setting the stage for the even more challenging instruction in the next verse to live peaceably with all, if possible.
When someone wrongs you, the natural instinct is to strike back. But Scripture calls us to a higher, harder path.
Paul directly commands: 'Repay no one evil for evil.' This isn't just about avoiding physical violence; it’s about refusing to let bitterness or anger dictate our responses.
Beyond just not doing evil, Paul calls us to actively pursue something else entirely.
The second half of the verse, 'give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all,' isn't passive. The word 'give thought' (or 'provide') implies planning and careful consideration.
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Understand the original words
kakos · Greek Adjective
Harmful actions or character; that which is morally corrupt and contrary to the nature and will of God.
kalos · Greek Adjective
That which is morally good, virtuous, or excellent in the eyes of God and humanity; actions that reflect Christian integrity.
Jesus directly commands not to resist an evildoer, echoing the sentiment of not repaying evil for evil with a powerful illustration.
1 Peter 3:9This passage similarly calls believers to not repay evil for evil, but instead to offer a blessing, aligning with Paul's directive for honorable conduct.
Proverbs 3:4The phrase 'do what is honorable in the sight of all' is a direct echo of this Old Testament proverb, highlighting the long-standing wisdom of seeking good repute through upright actions.
1 Thessalonians 5:15This verse provides a concise parallel, urging believers to 'see that no one repays evil for evil,' reinforcing the importance of this ethical principle within the Christian community.
2 Corinthians 8:21Paul mentions 'providing honorable things not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men,' which directly relates to the need for integrity and good conduct visible to everyone.
ellicottRomans 12:17: "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men."
(17) Provide things honest . . . —Let your purposes be such that all men shall recognise their complete integrity. Do not engage in enterprises of a doubtful character, that might bring not only yourselves but the Christian body into ill repute. (Comp. Matthew 5:14-16 ; 2Corinthians 8:21 .)
vincentRomans 12:17: "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men."
Provide (προνοούμενοι)The A.V. uses provide in its earlier and more literal meaning of taking thought in advance. This has been mostly merged in the later meaning of furnish, so that the translation conveys the sense of providing honestly for ourselves and our families. Better, as Rev., take thought for. The citation is from Proverbs 3:4, and varies from both Hebrew and Septuagint. Hebrew: And th…
This verse isn't just about not retaliating; it's a proactive call to deliberately plan for actions that are not only good but also appear good to everyone around you. The Greek word used for "give thought" or "provide" carries the idea of meticulous planning and forethought, urging believers to arrange their lives so that their integrity is evident to all observers.
Paul is laying out practical instructions for how believers should live within the community and in the world, following his theological arguments about God's mercy. This verse directly follows his exhortations to love one another sincerely and to be fervent in spirit, guiding believers on how to respond to those who wrong them. The immediate context emphasizes proactive, honorable conduct, setting the stage for the even more challenging instruction in the next verse to live peaceably with all, if possible.
Paul is laying out practical instructions for how believers should live within the community and in the world, following his theological arguments about God's mercy. This verse directly follows his exhortations to love one another sincerely and to be fervent in spirit, guiding believers on how to respond to those who wrong them. The immediate context emphasizes proactive, honorable conduct, setting the stage for the even more challenging instruction in the next verse to live peaceably with all, if possible.
"Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all." — This verse isn't just about not retaliating; it's a proactive call to deliberately plan for actions that are not only good but also appear good to everyone around you. The Greek word used for "give…
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Last reviewed October 2026