Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
Parallel translations
- WEB Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.
- KJV Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
- BSB Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.
- NKJV Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
- NASB Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Never repay evil with evil; aim to do what is honorable in everyone's sight.
Overview
Paul forbids retaliation and calls believers to conduct that is visibly honorable before all people. The concern for what is 'honorable in the sight of all men' guards the church's witness in a watching world. This continues the theme of overcoming evil with good rather than returning it.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 17
- Prov 20:22Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.” Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you.
- 1 Th 5:15See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good, for one another, and for all.
- Matt 5:39But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
- 1 Pet 3:9not rendering evil for evil, or insult for insult; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing.
- 2 Cor 8:20–21We are avoiding this, that any man should blame us concerning this abundance which is administered by us.
- Phil 4:8–9Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.
- Rom 12:19Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.”
- 1 Pet 3:16having a good conscience; that, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse your good way of life in Christ.
- 1 Pet 2:12having good behavior among the nations, so in that of which they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they see, glorify God in the day of visitation.
- Rom 14:16Then don’t let your good be slandered,
- 1 Th 5:22Abstain from every form of evil.
- Col 4:5Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
- 1 Cor 13:4–5Love is patient and is kind; love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud,
- Titus 2:4–5that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,
- 1 Th 4:12that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and may have need of nothing.
- 1 Tim 5:14I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for insulting.
- 1 Cor 6:6–7But brother goes to law with brother, and that before unbelievers!
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Paul unfolds the gospel in full: Christ our righteousness received by faith, the second Adam in whom many are made righteous, in whose death and resurrection we are buried and raised.
How Romans 12:17 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.