Romans 12:17-19
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just tell us not to retaliate, but to actively plan for honorable actions. This means intentionally considering how our conduct appears to others, aiming for integrity that all can recognize, not just what we feel is right in the moment. It’s about proactive goodness, not just reactive restraint.
Paul is urging believers to live out their transformed lives in practical ways, following his instruction not to conform to the world but to be distinct by the renewing of their minds. This leads into instructions for how they should interact with each other and, importantly, with those outside the faith, especially when wronged. The context emphasizes godly living, love, and a distinct Christian witness in the world, setting the stage for how to handle conflict and maintain integrity.
Ever been wronged and felt that burning desire to strike back? Paul gives a direct, challenging command here that cuts against our natural instincts.
Paul’s instruction to 'repay no one evil for evil' is a cornerstone of Christian ethics, and frankly, one of the hardest commands to live out.
The Challenge of Retaliation
Our default setting when hurt is to hurt back. We want to balance the scales, to make the offender feel what we feel. But Jesus and Paul are calling us to a higher way. This isn't about being a doormat; it's about trusting that God's justice is perfect and ultimately sufficient.
A Higher Purpose
By refusing to retaliate, we break the cycle of violence and bitterness. We show that our hope isn't in human retribution but in God’s sovereign hand. It’s a radical act of faith that declares, 'My worth and my vindication are not determined by how I’m treated, but by my relationship with God.'
It’s not enough to simply not do evil. Paul calls us to actively pursue something positive, something that shines for everyone to see.
The second part of the verse, 'give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all,' shifts the focus from reaction to proactive living.
The Meaning of 'Honorable'
This isn't just about being 'nice.' The original word carries a sense of beauty, excellence, and integrity. It means conducting ourselves in such a way that is not only morally right but also commendable and attractive. It's about demonstrating the character of God in our daily lives.
The Purpose of Visibility
Why 'in the sight of all'? It's not for self-glory, but for the sake of the Gospel. Our conduct, when it consistently reflects God's goodness, serves as a powerful testimony. It leaves no room for just criticism and can even draw others to admire the source of such behavior – God Himself.
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.
eirēneuō · Greek Verb
The state of tranquility, reconciliation, and absence of conflict, especially in relationships; a central fruit of the Spirit.
agapētos · Greek Adjective
Dearly loved ones; a term of endearment used by apostles to address fellow believers as objects of God's love.
Jesus directly commands His followers not to resist an evildoer, which is a foundational teaching for understanding Paul's instruction here not to repay evil for evil.
1 Peter 3:9This passage echoes Paul's command by urging believers not to repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but instead to bless, aligning with the honorable conduct described in Romans 12:17.
Proverbs 3:4The phrase 'honorable in the sight of all' is drawn from this Old Testament passage, highlighting the long-standing biblical emphasis on conducting oneself in a way that earns good repute and favor with both God and people.
2 Corinthians 8:21Paul uses similar language here, advising to provide 'honestly' not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of men, reinforcing the idea that Christian conduct should be above reproach to all observers.
Galatians 6:10This verse encourages doing good to everyone, especially fellow believers, which complements the call in Romans 12:17 to 'do what is honorable,' suggesting a proactive and positive approach to interactions.
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…
The verse doesn't just tell us not to retaliate, but to actively plan for honorable actions. This means intentionally considering how our conduct appears to others, aiming for integrity that all can recognize, not just what we feel is right in the moment. It’s about proactive goodness, not just reactive restraint.
Paul is urging believers to live out their transformed lives in practical ways, following his instruction not to conform to the world but to be distinct by the renewing of their minds. This leads into instructions for how they should interact with each other and, importantly, with those outside the faith, especially when wronged. The context emphasizes godly living, love, and a distinct Christian witness in the world, setting the stage for how to handle conflict and maintain integrity.
Paul is urging believers to live out their transformed lives in practical ways, following his instruction not to conform to the world but to be distinct by the renewing of their minds. This leads into instructions for how they should interact with each other and, importantly, with those outside the faith, especially when wronged. The context emphasizes godly living, love, and a distinct Christian witness in the world, setting the stage for how to handle conflict and maintain integrity.
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Strategic Intentionality
The word translated 'give thought' implies planning and intentionality. We're not to stumble into honorable conduct; we are to purposefully plan for it. This means considering how our actions, especially in difficult situations, will be perceived and how they reflect God.
ekdikeō · Greek Verb
The act of taking justice or retribution into one's own hands, which is forbidden to believers because it usurps God's prerogative.
orgē · Greek Noun
The settled, righteous indignation of God against sin and evil; the divine execution of justice.
ekdikēsis · Greek Noun
The right and power of God to execute justice and retribution; humans are forbidden from exercising it because they lack perfect knowledge and righteousness.
"Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is writ…" — The verse doesn't just tell us not to retaliate, but to actively plan for honorable actions. This means intentionally considering how our conduct appears to others, aiming for integrity that all…
