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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.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Romans 12:17

BAB
Word Study

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Romans 12:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK μηδενι κακον αντι κακου αποδιδοντες προνοουμενοι καλα ενωπιον παντων ανθρωπων
μηδενι mēdeis G3367 nothing Adj-DSM-N
κακον kakos G2556 evil/harm: evil Adj-ASN
αντι anti G473 for Prep
κακου kakos G2556 evil/harm: evil Adj-GSN
αποδιδοντες apodidōmi G591 to pay Verb-PAP-NPM
προνοουμενοι pronoeō G4306 to care for Verb-PMP-NPM
καλα kalos G2570 Fair (Havens) Adj-APN
ενωπιον enōpion G1799 before Prep
παντων pas G3956 all Adj-GPM
ανθρωπων anthrōpos G444 a human Noun-GPM
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Romans 12:17

μηδενι mēdeis G3367 "nothing" Adj-DSM-N
Means nothing or no one, used in the Bible to emphasize the absence of something, like in Matthew 16:20 where Jesus tells his disciples to tell no one about him.
Definition: μηδείς, -δεμία, -δέν (and -θέν, Act.27:33, a Hellenistic form; see Bl., 6, 7; Thackeray, Gr., 58) related to οὐδείς as μή to οὐ, no, none, no one; neut., nothing: Mat.16:20, Mrk.5:43 6:8, Luk.3:14, Act.8:24, Rom.13:8, al.; with genitive, Act.4:17 24:23; neut. accusative, μηδέν, adverbially, in no respect, Act.10:20 11:12; as accusative obj. after verb, βλάπτειν, Luk.4:35; ὠφελεῖσθαι, Mrk.5:26; ὑστερεῖν, 2Co.11:5; μεριμνᾶν, Php.4:6; in double negation, strengthening the denial, μηκέτι μ., Mrk.11:14, Act.4:17; μὴ . . . μηδέν (μηδένα, μηδεμίαν), 2Co.13:7, 2Th.2:3, 1Pe.3:6 μηθείς, see. μηδείς (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 88 NT verses. KJV: any (man, thing), no (man), none, not (at all, any man, a whit), nothing, + without delay See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; Acts 28:6; 1 Peter 3:6.
κακον kakos G2556 "evil/harm: evil" Adj-ASN
This word means evil or worthless, describing something or someone as bad or depraved. It appears in Matthew 21:41 and Romans 13:3, contrasting with what is good. It is often translated as 'evil' or 'wicked'.
Definition: κακός, -ή, -όν [in LXX chiefly for רַע ;] __1. in general, opposite to ἀγαθός, καλός, in various senses, bad, mean, base, worthless (cl.). __2. In ethical sense, base, evil, wicked: of persons, Mat.21:41 24:48, Php.3:2, Rev.2:2; διαλογισμοί, Mrk.7:21; ὁμιλίαι, 1Co.15:33; ἐπιθυμία (Pro.12:12), Col.3:5; ἔργον, Rom.13:3; neut., κακόν, τὸ κ., evil: Jhn.18:23, Act.23:9, Rom.7:21 14:20 16:19, 1Co.13:5, Heb.5:14, 1Pe.3:10-11, 3Jn.11; pl., Rom.1:30, 1Co.10:6, 1Ti.6:10, Jas.1:13; κ. (τὸ, τὰ κ.) ποιεῖν (πράσσειν), Mat.27:23, Mrk.15:14, Luk.23:22, Jhn.18:30, Rom.3:8 7:19 13:4, 2Co.13:7, 1Pe.3:12; κατεργάζεσθαι, Rom.2:9; of wrongs inflicted, Act.9:13, Rom.12:17, 21 13:10, 1Th.5:15, 2Ti.4:14, 1Pe.3:9. __3. pernicious, harmful, evil: Luk.16:25, Act.16:28 28:5, Tit.1:12, Jas.3:8, Rev.16:2 (Cremer, 325, 741). † SYN.: see: (ἄθεσμος) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 46 NT verses. KJV: bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked See also: 1 Corinthians 10:6; Luke 23:22; 1 Peter 3:9.
αντι anti G473 "for" Prep
For means instead of or in place of something, like when Jesus says to give someone your cloak if they ask for your shirt in Matthew 5:38. It can also show succession or exchange, as in Matthew 2:22.
Definition: ἀντί (the ι is elided only in ἀνθ᾽ ὧν), prep. with genitive (cf. MM, VGT, see word); __1. prop, in local sense, over against, opposite, hence __2. instead of, in place of, for (Hom., etc.): Mat.5:38 17:27, Luk.11:11, 1Co.11:15, Heb.12:2; with artic. inf. (cl.), Jas.4:15; of succession, Mat.2:22; χάριν ἀ. χάριτος, Jhn.1:16 (M, Pr., 100); of price in exchange, Heb.12:16; λύτρον ἀ. πολλῶν, Mat.20:28, Mrk.10:45 (M, Pr., 105); of requital, Rom.12:17, 1Th.5:16, 1Pe.3:9 (cf. Wis.11:15); ἀνθ᾽ ὧν, because, Luk.1:20 19:44, Act.12:23, 2Th.2:10 (cl., LXX for אֲשֶׁר תַּחַת); id. therefore (cl., LXX), Luk.12:3; ἀ. τούτου (LXX for כֵּן נַעֲרָה)Eph.5:31. As a prefix, ἀντι- (before vowels ἀντ-, ἀνθ᾽-), denotes __(a) over against, ἀντιπέραν; __(b) co-operation, ἀντιβάλλειν; __(with) requital, ἀντιμισθία; __(d) opposition, ἀντίχριστος; __(e) substitution, ἀνθύπατος. Compounds of ἀ. usually govern dative (B1., § 37, 7).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 20 NT verses. KJV: for, in the room of See also: 1 Corinthians 11:15; Luke 1:20; 1 Peter 3:9.
κακου kakos G2556 "evil/harm: evil" Adj-GSN
This word means evil or worthless, describing something or someone as bad or depraved. It appears in Matthew 21:41 and Romans 13:3, contrasting with what is good. It is often translated as 'evil' or 'wicked'.
Definition: κακός, -ή, -όν [in LXX chiefly for רַע ;] __1. in general, opposite to ἀγαθός, καλός, in various senses, bad, mean, base, worthless (cl.). __2. In ethical sense, base, evil, wicked: of persons, Mat.21:41 24:48, Php.3:2, Rev.2:2; διαλογισμοί, Mrk.7:21; ὁμιλίαι, 1Co.15:33; ἐπιθυμία (Pro.12:12), Col.3:5; ἔργον, Rom.13:3; neut., κακόν, τὸ κ., evil: Jhn.18:23, Act.23:9, Rom.7:21 14:20 16:19, 1Co.13:5, Heb.5:14, 1Pe.3:10-11, 3Jn.11; pl., Rom.1:30, 1Co.10:6, 1Ti.6:10, Jas.1:13; κ. (τὸ, τὰ κ.) ποιεῖν (πράσσειν), Mat.27:23, Mrk.15:14, Luk.23:22, Jhn.18:30, Rom.3:8 7:19 13:4, 2Co.13:7, 1Pe.3:12; κατεργάζεσθαι, Rom.2:9; of wrongs inflicted, Act.9:13, Rom.12:17, 21 13:10, 1Th.5:15, 2Ti.4:14, 1Pe.3:9. __3. pernicious, harmful, evil: Luk.16:25, Act.16:28 28:5, Tit.1:12, Jas.3:8, Rev.16:2 (Cremer, 325, 741). † SYN.: see: (ἄθεσμος) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 46 NT verses. KJV: bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked See also: 1 Corinthians 10:6; Luke 23:22; 1 Peter 3:9.
αποδιδοντες apodidōmi G591 "to pay" Verb-PAP-NPM
In the Bible, this word means to give or pay something back, like a debt or wages, as seen in Matthew 18:25 and Luke 7:42. It's about returning what is owed. This concept is also found in Romans 13:7 and Revelation 22:2.
Definition: ἀπο-δίδωμι [in LXX for מָכַר, שׁוּב hi., נָתַן, שָׁלֵם pi., etc. ;] to give up or back, restore, return: Mat.27:58, Luk.4:20 9:42 19:8; esp. of wages, debts, oaths, etc. (MM, see word), to render what is due, to pay (Deiss., LAE, 334 f.): absol., Mat.18:25, 28, Luk.7:42. with accusative, Mat.5:26 18:29-30, 34 20:8 21:41 22:21, Mrk.12:17, Luk.10:35 12:59 20:25, Rom.13:7, Heb.12:11, Rev.22:2; ὅρκους, Mat.5:33 (cf. Num.30:3, Deu.23:21 al.); of conjugal duty, τ. ὀφειλήν, 1Co.7:3; ἀμοιβάς, 1Ti.5:4; μαρτύριον, to give (as in duty bound) testimony, Act.4:33; λόγον, to render account, Mat.12:36, Luk.16:2, Act.19:40, Heb.13:17, 1Pe.4:5; hence of requital, recompense, both in good and bad sense, Mat.6:4, 6 6:18 16:27, Rom.2:6, 2Ti.4:8 4:14 Rev.18:6 22:12; κακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ, Rom.12:17, 1Th.5:15, 1Pe.3:9. Mid., to give up of one's own, hence to sell (fr. Hdt. on): with accusative of thing(s), Act.5:8, Heb.12:16; with accusative of person(s), Act.7:9 (cf. ἀνταποδίδωμι) .† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 45 NT verses. KJV: deliver (again), give (again), (re-)pay(-ment be made), perform, recompense, render, requite, restore, reward, sell, yield See also: 1 Corinthians 7:3; Matthew 5:26; 1 Peter 3:9.
προνοουμενοι pronoeō G4306 "to care for" Verb-PMP-NPM
To care for something or someone means to think about their needs and provide for them. In Romans 12:17 and 2 Corinthians 8:21, it means to take care of others and provide for their needs.
Definition: προ-μοέω, -ῶ and depon. -έομαι, οῦμαι, [in LXX: Dan LXX 11:37 (בִּין), Wis.6:7, al. ;] __1. to foresee. __2. to provide (RV, take thought for): with accusative of thing(s), καλά, Rom.12:17 (-ούμενοι), 2Co.8:21 (-οῦμεν). __3. to provide for (before περί, Wis, l.with): with genitive of person(s), 1Ti.5:8 (-εῖ, WH, mg., -εῖται).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: provide (for) See also: 1 Timothy 5:8; 2 Corinthians 8:21; Romans 12:17.
καλα kalos G2570 "Fair (Havens)" Adj-APN
Something or someone that is kalos is fair, beautiful, or good, like the stones in Luke 21:5 or the fish in Matthew 13:48.
Definition: καλός, -ή, -όν, [in LXX chiefly for טוֹבָה ,טוֹב, also for יָפֶה, etc. ;] __1. primarily, of outward form ("related to . . . ἀγαθός as the appearance to the essence," Cremer, 339), fair, beautiful: λίθοι (BV, goodly), Luk.21:5. __2. In reference to use, of that which is well adapted to its ends, good, excellent: of fish, τ. καλά (opposite to σαπρά), Mat.13:48; σπέρμα, Mat.13:24, 27, 37, 38; καρπός, Mat.3:10 7:17-19 12:33, Luk.3:9 [WH] 6:43; δένδρον (opposite to σαρπόν), Mat.12:33, Luk.6:43; γῆ, Mat.13:8, 23 Mrk.4:8, 20 Luk.8:15; τ. ἅλας, Mrk.9:50, Luk.14:34; ὁ νόμος, Rom.7:16, 1Ti.1:8; διδασκαλία, 1Ti.4:6; καρδία κ. καὶ ἀγαθή, Luk.8:15; παραθήκη, 2Ti.1:14; μέτρον, Luk.6:38; βαθμός, 1Ti.3:13; θεμέλιος, 1Ti.6:19; τὸ κ., 1Th.5:21; μαργαρίται, Mat.13:45; οἶνος, Jhn.2:10; ποιμήν, Jhn.10:11, 14; διάκονος, 1Ti.4:6; οἰκονόμος, 1Pe.4:10; στρατιώτης, 2Ti.2:3; στρατεία, 1Ti.1:18; ἀγών, 1Ti.6:12, 2Ti.4:7; ὁμολογία, 1Ti.6:12, 13; ἔργον, Mat.26:10, Mrk.14:6, Jhn.10:33, 1Ti.3:1; pl., Jhn.10:32; καλόν, with inf. and dative, Mat.18:8, 9 1Co.7:1, 26 9:15; id. with accusative and inf., Mat.17:4, Mrk.9:5, 43, 45, 47, Luk.9:33, Heb.13:9; before εἰ, Mat.26:24, Mrk.9:42 14:21; ἐάν, 1Co.7:8. __3. Ethically, good, in the sense of right, fair, noble, honourable: Gal.4:18, Heb.5:14; ἔργα, Mat.5:16, 1Ti.5:10, 25 6:18, Tit.2:7, 14 3:8, 14 (Field, Notes, 223f.), Heb.10:24, 1Pe.2:12; ἀναστροφή, Jas.3:13, 1Pe.2:12; συνείδησις, Heb.13:18; before ἐνώπιον, Rom.12:17, 2Co.8:21, 1Ti.2:3; το] κ. ποιεῖν (κατεργάζεσθαι), Rom.7:18, 21 2Co.13:7, Gal.6:9, Jas.4:17; καλόν ἐστιν, with inf., Mat.15:26 (T, ἔξεστιν), Mrk.7:27, Rom.14:21, Gal.4:18; μαρτυρία, 1Ti.3:7; ὄνομα, Jas.2:7; καύχημα, 1Co.5:6 (neg.); θεοῦ ῥῆμα, Heb.6:5. κ. does not occur in Re.† SYN.: see: ἀγαθός. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 90 NT verses. KJV: X better, fair, good(-ly), honest, meet, well, worthy See also: 1 Corinthians 5:6; Luke 6:43; 1 Peter 2:12.
ενωπιον enōpion G1799 "before" Prep
In the presence of or before someone, as seen in Luke 1:19 where the angel Gabriel appears before Zechariah. This word means being in someone's sight or presence. In the New Testament, it is often used to describe being in God's presence.
Definition: ἐνώπιος, -ον (ὤψ), [in LXX for פָּנִים, etc. ;] face to face, in sight (Theocr.; ἄρτοι ἐ., Exo.25:29): neut., ἐνώπιον, in vernacular, with force of prep. with genitive [in LXX for פָּנִים, עַיִן, etc., cf. Dalman, Words, 31 f., 209 f., and Deiss., BS., 213], in NT, most frequently in Lk, Ac, Re, never in Mt, Mk, before, in the presence of: Luk.1:19 Luk.4:7, Act.4:10 Act.6:5, Rev.1:4 2:14, al.; esp. ἐ. Κυρίου (θεοῦ), in the sight of God, or with God as witness or as judge, Rom.14:22, 1Co.1:29, 1Ti.2:3, Jas.4:10, 1Pe.3:4, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 88 NT verses. KJV: before, in the presence (sight) of, to See also: 1 Corinthians 1:29; Luke 12:6; 1 Peter 3:4.
παντων pas G3956 "all" Adj-GPM
This word means all or every, as in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 7:8, where it refers to everything or all people, emphasizing the universal nature of God's message.
Definition: πᾶς, πᾶσα, πᾶν, genitive, παντός, πάσης, παντός, [in LXX chiefly for כֹּל ;] all, every. __I. As adj., __1. with subst. anarth., all, every, of every kind: Mat.3:10 4:23, Mrk.9:49, Luk.4:37, Jhn.2:1o, Act.27:20, Rom.7:8, Rev.18:17, al. mult.; pl., all, Act.22:15, Rom.5:12, Heb.1:6, al.; of the highest degree, π. ἐξουσία (προθυμία, χαρά), Mat.28:18, Act.17:11, Phi 2:29, al.; also the whole (though in this sense more frequently with art.), Mat.2:3, Act.2:36, Rom.11:26. __2. C. art. (before the art., after the noun, or, denoting totality, between the art. and noun), all, whole: Mat.8:32 13:2, Mrk.5:33, Luk.1:10, Act.7:14, Rom.3:19, Gal.5:14, Eph.4:16, al.; pl., Mat.2:4, Mrk.4:13, Rom.1:5, al. __II. As pron., __1. masc. and fem., every one: Mrk.9:49, Luk.16:16, Heb.2:9; before rel. pron., Mat.7:24, Act.2:21, Gal.3:10, al.; with ptcp. (anarth.), Mat.13:19, Luk.11:4; with ptcp. (with art.), Mat.5:22, Mrk.7:8, Luk.6:47, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:16, al.; pl., πάντες, absol., all, all men, Mat.10:22, Mrk.13:13, Luk.20:38, Jhn.1:7 3:26, 1Co.8:1, al.; οἱ π. (collectively, as a definite whole), Rom.11:32, 1Co.1:17, Eph.4:13, al.; π. οἱ (ὅσοι), Mat.4:24, Mrk.1:32, Luk.4:40, al. __2. Neut., __(a) sing., πᾶν, everything, all: πᾶν τό, with ptcp., 1Co.10:25, 27, Eph.5:13, 1Jn.2:16 5:4 (sc. ὄν); πᾶν ὅ, Jhn.17:2, Rom.14:23; collectively, of persons (Westc., in l.), Jhn.6:37, 39; with prep., in adverbial phrases, διὰ παντός, always, Mat.18:10, al.; ἐν παντί, in everything, in every way, 2Co.4:8, Phi 4:6, al.; __(b) pl., πάτνα, all things: absol., Jhn.1:3, 1Co.2:10, Heb.2:8, al.; of certain specified things, Mrk.4:34, Luk.1:3, Rom.8:28, 1Th.5:21, al.; accusative, πάντα, adverbially, wholly, in all things, in all respects, Act.20:35, 1Co.9:25, al.; with art., τὰ π., all things (a totality, as distinct from anarth. πάντα, all things severally; cf. Westc, Eph., 186f.), absol.: Rom.11:36, 1Co.8:6, Eph.3:9, Heb.1:3, al.; relatively, Mrk.4:11, Act.17:25, Rom.8:32, al.; πάντα, with ptcp., Mat.18:31, al.; πάντα ταῦτα (ταῦτα π.), Mat.6:32, 33, al.; πάντα, with prep, in adverbial phrases, πρὸ πάντων, above all things, Jas.5:12, 1Pe.4:8; ἐν π́, in all things, in all ways, 1Ti.3:11, 1Pe.4:11, al.; κατὰ πάντα, in all respects, Act.17:22, al. __3. C. neg., πᾶς οὐ (μή) = οὐδείς, see: οὐ and μή, and cf. M, Pr., 245f. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1080 NT verses. KJV: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Peter 1:15.
ανθρωπων anthrōpos G444 "a human" Noun-GPM
This word means a human being, and is used in the Bible to describe people, like in John 16:21 and Romans 7:1.
Definition: ἄνθρωπος, -ου, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly for אִישׁ ,אָדָם, also for אֱנוֹשׁ, etc. ;] man: __1. generically, a human being, male or female (Lat. homo): Jhn.16:21; with art., Mat.4:4 12:35, Mrk.2:27, Jhn.2:25, Rom.7:1, al; disting. from God, Mat.19:6, Jhn.10:33, Col.3:23, al.; from animals, etc., Mat.4:19, Luk.5:10, Rev.9:4, al.; implying human frailty and imperfection, 1Co.3:4; σοφία ἀνθρώπων, 1Co.2:5; ἀνθρώπων ἐπιθυμίαι, 1Pe.4:2; κατὰ ἄνθρωπον περιπατεῖν, 1Co.3:3; κατὰ ἄ. λέγειν (λαλεῖν), Rom.3:5, 1Co.9:8; κατὰ ἄ- λέγειν, Gal.3:15 (cf. 1Co.15:32, Gal.1:11); by meton., of man's nature or condition, ὁ ἔσω (ἔξω) ἄ., Rom.7:22, Eph.3:16, 2Co.4:16 (cf. 1Pe.3:4); ὁ παλαιὸς, καινὸς, νέος ἄ., Rom.6:6, Eph.2:15 4:22, 24 Col.3:9, 10; joined with another subst., ἄ. ἔμπορος, a merchant, Mat.13:45 (WH, txt. om. ἄ.); οἰκοδεσπότης, Mat.13:52; βασιλεύς, 18:23; φάγος, 11:19; with name of nation, Κυρηναῖος, Mat.27:32; Ἰουδαῖος, Act.21:39; Ῥωμαῖος, Act.16:37; pl. οἱ ἄ., men, people: Mat.5:13, 16 Mrk.8:24, Jhn.4:28; οὐδεὶς ἀνθρώπων, Mrk.11:2, 1Ti.6:16. __2. Indef., ἄ. = τις, some one, a man: Mat.17:14, Mrk.12:1, al.; τις ἄ., Mat.18:12, Jhn.5:5, al.; indef. one (Fr. on), Rom.3:28, Gal.2:16, al.; opposite to women, servants, etc., Mat.10:36 19:10, Jhn.7:22, 23. __3. Definitely, with art., of some particular person; Mat.12:13, Mrk.3:5, al.; οὗτος ὁ ἄ., Luk.14:30; ὁ ἄ οὗτος, ἐκεῖνος, Mrk.14:71, Mat.12:45; ὁ ἄ. τ. ἀνομίας, 2Th.2:3; ἄ τ. θεοῦ (of Heb. אִישׁ אֱלֹהִים), 1Ti.6:11, 2Ti.3:17, 2Pe.1:21; ὁ υἰὸς τοῦ ἀ., see: υἱός. SYN.: ἀνήρ, which see (and cf. MM, VGT, 44; Cremer, 103, 635). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 503 NT verses. KJV: certain, man See also: 1 Corinthians 1:25; Acts 22:25; 1 Peter 1:24.

Study Notes — Romans 12:17

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Cross References

ReferenceText (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

  1. In what ways have I recently repaid evil for evil, and how can I seek to change my response in the future?
  2. How can I balance the desire to stand up for myself with the command to not repay evil for evil?
  3. What are some practical ways I can 'carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody' in my interactions with others?
  4. How does trusting in God's sovereignty and justice help me to not seek revenge or retaliation when I am wronged?
  5. 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

Recompence to no man evil for evil,.... Neither evil words for evil words, railing for railing; nor evil deeds for evil deeds, one ill turn for another; nor the evil of punishment for the evil of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 12:17

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. Recompense ('Recompensing') to no man evil for evil (see the note at Romans 12:14).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 12:17

Recompense to no man evil for evil; our Saviour teacheth the same doctrine in other words, ,40: see parallel places in . See more against retaliating injuries and private revenge in the three last verses of this chapter. Revenge is so sweet to flesh and blood, that men are very hardly dissuaded from it. Provide things honest in the sight of all men: q.d. Look carefully, as to your conscience before God, so to your honour and reputation with men. Let all your words and actions be justifiable, and unexceptionable, that evil men may have no occasion to reproach you as evil-doers. See a parallel place, . See also .

Trapp's Commentary on Romans 12:17

17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. Ver. 17. Recompense to no man] In reason, revenge is but justice; Aristotle commends it, the world calls it manhood; it is doghood rather. The manlier any man is, the milder and more merciful, as David, 2 Samuel 1:12, and Julius Caesar, who wept over Pompey’ s head presented to him, and said, Non mihi placet vindicta, sed victoria, I seek not revenge, but victory.

Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 12:17

(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; 2 Corinthians 8:21.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 12:17

Verse 17. Recompense, c.] Do not take notice of every little injury you may sustain. Do not be litigious. Beware of too nice a sense of your own honour intolerable pride is at the bottom of this. The motto of the royal arms of Scotland is in direct opposition to this Divine direction-Nemo me impune lacesset, of which "I render evil for evil to every man," is a pretty literal translation. This is both antichristian and abominable, whether in a state or in an individual. Provide things honest] Be prudent, be cautious, neither eat, drink, nor wear, but as you pay for every thing. "Live not on trust, for that is the way to pay double;" and by this means the poor are still kept poor. He who takes credit, even for food or raiment, when he has no probable means of defraying the debt, is a dishonest man. It is no sin to die through lack of the necessaries of life when the providence of God has denied the means of support; but it is a sin to take up goods without the probability of being able to pay for them. Poor man! suffer poverty a little; perhaps God is only trying thee for a time; and who can tell if he will not turn again thy captivity. Labour hard to live honestly; if God still appear to withhold his providential blessing, do not despair; leave it all to him; do not make a sinful choice; he cannot err. He will bless thy poverty, while he curses the ungodly man's blessings.

Cambridge Bible on Romans 12:17

17. Recompense to no man, &c.] Matthew 5:39; 1 Thessalonians 5:15, (a pregnant parallel to this context;) 1 Peter 3:9.Provide things honest] Lit. thinking beforehand honourable things; using forethought so as to secure the reality and the appearance of rectitude in your life and its surroundings.in the sight of all men] i.e. so that all shall see the results of the forethought, in the absence of all fair ground for scandal; in your well-ordered household, avoidance of debt, attention to civil duties, &c.—“All men:”—here, no doubt, the “all” suggests the duty of avoiding just reproach from without as well as within the Church.—This watchfulness about the opinion of others is anything but a slavery to opinion. It is an anxiety to “adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.” (Titus 2:10.) It is the very opposite of the tendency to make concessions of principle, or to adopt fashions of opinion as a standard of duty.

Barnes' Notes on Romans 12:17

Recompense - Render, give, or return; see the note at Matthew 5:39. This is probably one of the most difficult precepts of Christianity; but the law of Christ on the subject is unyielding.

Whedon's Commentary on Romans 12:17

17. Provide—Premeditate. Be careful to present your Christian character before the world as to win its moral respect. Honest—Rather, fair, honourable. Study to make Christianity appear honourable in your character.

Sermons on Romans 12:17

SermonDescription
John Piper 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
Keith Daniel 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
Willie Mullan 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
John Piper 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
John Piper 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
Alan Martin 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
William MacDonald 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

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