Romans 12:17
Romans 12:17 in Multiple Translations
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.
Do not give evil for evil to any man. Let all your business be well ordered in the eyes of all men.
Don't pay back anyone evil for evil. Make sure you show everybody that what you're doing is good,
Recompence to no man euill for euill: procure things honest in the sight of all men.
giving back to no one evil for evil; providing right things before all men.
Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
To no man rendering evil for evil. Providing good things, not only in the sight of God, but also in the sight of all men.
Do not do something evil to anyone who has done something evil to you. Act in a way that all people will recognize as good!
If people do some bad things to you, don’t do payback to them. You have to do good things, so that people will know that you are good.
Berean Amplified Bible — Romans 12:17
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Romans 12:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — Romans 12:17
Study Notes — Romans 12:17
- Context
- Cross References
- Romans 12:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Romans 12:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 12:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 12:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Romans 12:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 12:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 12:17
- Cambridge Bible on Romans 12:17
- Barnes' Notes on Romans 12:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Romans 12:17
- Sermons on Romans 12:17
Context — Forgiveness
17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.
18If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. 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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 20:22 | Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | Matthew 5:39 | But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 8:20–21 | We hope to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift. For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men. |
| 6 | Philippians 4:8–9 | Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. |
| 7 | Romans 12:19 | 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.” |
| 8 | 1 Peter 2:12 | Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us. |
| 9 | 1 Peter 3:16 | keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ. |
| 10 | 1 Thessalonians 5:22 | Abstain from every form of evil. |
Romans 12:17 Summary
This verse is telling us to not get revenge or try to get back at someone who has hurt us. Instead, we should think about how our actions will look to others and try to do what is right in their eyes. This is like what Jesus taught in the book of Matthew 5:38-42, where He said to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. By choosing to not repay evil for evil, we can show the love and kindness of God to those around us, and trust Him to take care of the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'not repay anyone evil for evil' in Romans 12:17?
This phrase means that we should not seek revenge or retaliate against someone who has wronged us, but instead choose to respond in a way that is pleasing to God, as seen in Matthew 5:38-42 and Luke 6:27-31.
How can I 'carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody' in my daily life?
This means being mindful of how our actions and words may be perceived by others, and seeking to act with integrity and kindness, as encouraged in Philippians 2:3-4 and Colossians 3:12-14.
Is it always possible to 'live at peace with everyone' as mentioned in the surrounding verses?
While it is not always possible to achieve peace with everyone, as noted in Romans 12:18, we are still called to strive for peace and to trust God to work out the circumstances, as seen in Psalms 37:3-7 and Jeremiah 29:11.
What happens if I do choose to repay evil for evil, and does God still forgive me?
Choosing to repay evil for evil can lead to a cycle of hurt and retaliation, but God is always ready to forgive us when we repent and turn to Him, as promised in 1 John 1:9 and Romans 8:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways have I recently repaid evil for evil, and how can I seek to change my response in the future?
- How can I balance the desire to stand up for myself with the command to not repay evil for evil?
- What are some practical ways I can 'carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody' in my interactions with others?
- How does trusting in God's sovereignty and justice help me to not seek revenge or retaliation when I am wronged?
- In what areas of my life do I need to seek God's help to respond in a way that is pleasing to Him, rather than seeking to repay evil for evil?
Gill's Exposition on Romans 12:17
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 12:17
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 12:17
Trapp's Commentary on Romans 12:17
Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 12:17
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 12:17
Cambridge Bible on Romans 12:17
Barnes' Notes on Romans 12:17
Whedon's Commentary on Romans 12:17
Sermons on Romans 12:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Christ Overcame Evil With Good, Do the Same by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of love and the need to overcome evil with good. He highlights the concept of giving water and food to one's enemies and wanti |
|
Forgiveness - Part 9 by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and love towards those who have wronged us, highlighting the need for God's grace to enable us to forgive effortlessly and show |
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Peter the Teacher by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the idea of loving life and seeing good days. He emphasizes that many people in the world may have good days, but they do not truly love lif |
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Do Not Avenge Yourselves, but Give Place to Wrath by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of a family tragedy where a father and two brothers were killed, leaving behind a 13-year-old daughter and their mother. The spe |
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When Is It Right to Repay Evil With Pain? by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker discusses five behaviors that go against the teachings of the Bible. These behaviors include punishing enemies, rewarding lack of learning, not paying w |
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We Have Been Called to Peace by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of allowing the peace of God to rule and govern our hearts. He compares it to a governor in an older vehicle that limits its s |
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Studies in Romans-08 by William MacDonald | The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of humility and unity within the body of Christ. It encourages believers to recognize their unique roles and functions within the ch |





