Romans 12:17

Translations

Modern

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.

Traditional

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Literal

…repaying to no one evil for evil, giving forethought to right things before all men;

Latin

…nulli malum pro malo reddentes: providentes bona non tantum coram Deo, sed etiam coram omnibus hominibus.

Original

Greek

English

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.

Notes

Romans 12:9–21

The many instructions in these verses are not arranged in a strict or orderly pattern. The main theme, stated at the beginning, is sincere love.

Paul explains how believers should show love to people inside the church (12:10, 13, 15–16). He also explains how they should show love to people outside the church (12:14, 17–21).

Romans 12:1–15:13

This section of Romans explains the moral and ethical demands of the gospel. God’s gift of salvation in Christ calls for a response from believers.

God not only forgives sin. He also wants to transform how people live.

Much of what Paul teaches here about the moral duties of believers also appears in his other letters. However, Paul also addresses issues that were especially important for the church in Rome. One key issue was the disagreement between people who were weak in faith and people who were strong in faith(14:1–15:13).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Dealing with Conflict Tolerance

Related verses

Proverbs 20:22
Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.
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.
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.
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;
2 Corinthians 8:20–21
We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift.
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.”
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.
1 Thessalonians 5:22
Abstain from every form of evil.
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.
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.
Romans 14:16
Do not allow what you consider good, then, to be spoken of as evil.
1 Corinthians 13:4–5
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

Romans 12:17

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