Romans 12:21

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Romans 12:21 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

King James Version KJV

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

American Standard Version ASV

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Do not let evil overcome you, but overcome evil by good.

Free Bible Version FBV

Don't be defeated by evil—conquer evil with good.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Bee not ouercome of euill, but ouercome euill with goodnesse.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Be not overcome by the evil, but overcome, in the good, the evil.

World English Bible WEB

Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil by good.

Translation for Translators T4T

Do not let evil things that others have done to you overcome you (sg) by making you do evil things to them! [PRS] Instead, overcome the evil things that they have done by doing good deeds to them!

Plain English Version PEV

So don’t do payback to anybody. Don’t do bad things to them. If you do that payback, it is like you let that bad part of you win. But instead, you have to be good to everybody. That’s how you properly win against bad things.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Romans 12:21

BAB

Word Study

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Romans 12:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK μη νικω υπο του κακου αλλα νικα εν τω αγαθω το κακον

μη mē G3361 not Particle-N

νικω nikaō G3528 to conquer Verb-PPM-2S

υπο hupo G5259 by/under: by Prep

του ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GSN

κακου kakos G2556 evil/harm: evil Adj-GSN

αλλα alla G235 but Conj

νικα nikaō G3528 to conquer Verb-PAM-2S

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

τω ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSN

αγαθω agathos G18 good Adj-DSN

το ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASN

κακον kakos G2556 evil/harm: evil Adj-ASN

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Romans 12:21

μη mē G3361 "not" Particle-N

Not is a word used to show that something is not true or is not happening, like in phrases that say 'lest' or 'God forbid', as seen in various parts of the New Testament.

Definition: μή, subjective negative particle, used where the negation depends on a condition or hypothesis, expressed or understood, as distinct from οὐ, which denies absolutely. μή is used where one thinks a thing is not, as distinct from an absolute negation. As a general rule, οὐ negatives the indic, μή the other moods, incl, ptcp. [In LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,אַל ] __I. As a neg. adv., not; __1. with ref. to thought or opinion: Jhn.3:18, Tit.1:11, 2Pe.1:9. __2. In delib. questions, with subjc. (M, Pr., 185): Mrk.12:14, Rom.3:8. __3. In conditional and final sentences, after εἰ, ἐάν, ἄν, ἵνα, ὅπως: Mat.10:14, Mrk.6:11 12:19, Luk.9:5, Jhn.6:50, Rom.11:25, al. __4. C. inf. (see M, Pr., 234f., 239, 255), __(a) after verbs of saying, etc.: Mat.2:12 5:34, Mrk.12:18, Act.15:38, Rom.2:21, al.; __(b) with artic. inf.: after a prep., Mat.13:5, Mrk.4:5, Act.7:19, 1Co.10:6, al.; without a prep., Rom.14:13, 2Co.2:1, 13 1Th 4:6; __(with) in sentences expressing consequence, after ὥστε: Mat.8:28, Mrk.3:20, 1Co.1:7, 2Co.3:7, al. __5. C. ptcp. (see M, Pr., 231f., 239), in hypothetical references to persons of a certain character or description: Mat.10:28 12:30, Luk.6:49, Jhn.3:18, Rom.4:5, 1Co.7:38, 1Jn.3:10, al.; where the person or thing being definite, the denial is a matter of opinion: Jhn.6:64, 1Co.1:28 4:7, 18, 2Co.5:21, al.; where the ptcp. has a concessive, causal or conditional force, if, though, because not: Mat.18:25, Luk.2:45, Jhn.7:49, Act.9:26, Rom.2:14 5:13, 2Co.3:14, Gal.6:9, Ju 5; where the ptcp. has a descriptive force (being such as), not: Act.9:9, Rom.1:28, 1Co.10:33, Gal.4:8, Heb.12:27, al. __6. μή prohibitive, in indep. sentences, __(a) with subjc. praes., 1 of person(s) pl.: Gal.5:26 6:9, 1Th.5:6, 1Jn.3:18; __(b) with imperat. praes., usually where one is bidden to desist from what has already begun (cf. M, Pr., 122ff.): Mat.7:1, Mrk.5:36, Luk.6:30, Jhn.2:16 5:45, Act.10:15, Rom.11:18, Jas.2:1, Rev.5:5, al.; __(with) forbidding that which is still future: with imperat. aor., 3 of person(s), Mat.24:18, Mrk.13:15, Luk.17:31, al.; with subjc. aor., 2 of person(s), Mat.3:9 10:26, Mrk.5:7, Luk.6:29, Jhn.3:7, Rom.10:6, al.; __(d) with optative, in wishes: 2Ti.4:16 (LXX); μὴ γένοιτο (see M, Pr., 194; Bl., §66, 1), Luk.20:16, Rom.3:3, al.; μή τις, Mrk.13:5, al. __II. As a conj., __1. after verbs of fearing, caution, etc., that, lest, perhaps (M, Pr., 192f.): with subjc. praes., Heb.12:15; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:4, Mrk.13:5, Luk.21:8, Act.13:40, Gal.5:15, al.; ὅρα μή (see M, Pr., 124, 178), elliptically, Rev.19:10 22:9; with indic, fut. (M, Pr., l.with), Col.2:8. __2. in order that not: with subjc. aor., Mrk.13:36, 2Co.8:20 12:6. __III. Interrogative, in hesitant questions (M, Pr., 170), or where a negative answer is expected: Mat.7:9, 10, Mrk.2:19, Jhn.3:4, Rom.3:3 10:18, 19, 1Co.1:13, al.; μή τις, Luk.22:35, al.; before οὐ (Rom.10:17, al. in Pl.), expecting an affirm, ans.; οὐ μή, Luk.18:7, Jhn.18:11. __IV. οὐ μή as emphatic negation (cf. M, Pr., 188, 190ff.; Bl. §64, 5), not at all, by no means: with indic, fut., Mat.16:22, Jhn.6:35, Heb.10:17, al.; with subjc. aor., Mat.24:2, Mrk.13:2, Luk.6:37, Jhn.13:8, 1Co.8:13, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 910 NT verses. KJV: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without See also: 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:16; 1 Peter 1:8.

νικω nikaō G3528 "to conquer" Verb-PPM-2S

To conquer in the Bible means to subdue or overcome, as seen in Revelation 2:7 and 1 John 5:4, where believers are called to overcome the world through faith. It involves trusting in God's power to overcome challenges.

Definition: νικἀω, -ῶ (νίκη), [in LXX: Psa.51:4 (זָכָה), Pro.6:25 frequently (חָמַד); in 4Mac ;] to conquer, prevail: absol., of Christ, Rev.3:21 6:2; C. inf., Rev.5:5; of Christians, Rev.2:7, 11 2:17, 26 3:5, 12 3:21 21:7; before ἐκ (RV, come victorious from), Rev.15:2; as law-term (cl.), Rom.3:4 (LXX); with accusative of person(s), Luk.11:22, Rev.11:7 13:7 ([WH], R, mg., om.); of Christ, Jhn.16:33 (τ. κόσμον), Rev.17:14; of Christians, 1Jn.4:4; τ. πονηρόν, 1Jn.2:13-14; αὐτόν (ref. to ὁ κατήγωρ, 1Jn.2:10), Rev.12:11; with accusative of thing(s), τὸν κόσμον, Jhn.16:33, 1Jn.5:4-5; τὸ κακόν, Rom.12:21; pass., μὴ νικῶ ὑπὸ τ. κακοῦ, ib. (cf. ὑπερ-νικάω).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 24 NT verses. KJV: conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory See also: 1 John 2:13; Revelation 3:12; Revelation 2:7.

υπο hupo G5259 "by/under: by" Prep

Under or by something, like under a person's authority, as in Matthew 8:9, or under a place, as in Luke 7:8.

Definition: ὑπό (before smooth breathing ὑπ᾽, Mat.8:9b, Luk.7:8b; before rough breathing ὑφ᾽, Rom.3:9; on the neglect of elision in Mt, Lk, ll. witha, Gal.3:22, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., iv), prep. with genitive, dative (not in NT), accusative __I. C. genitive, primarily of place, under, hence, metaphorically, of the efficient cause, by: after passive verbs, with genitive of person(s), Mat.1:22, Mrk.1:5, Luk.2:18, Jhn.14:21, Act.4:11, 1Co.1:11, Heb.3:4, al.; with genitive of thing(s), Mat.8:24, Luk.7:24, Rom.3:21, al.; with neut. verbs and verbs with pass, meaning, Mat.17:12, Mrk.5:26, 1Co.10:9, 10 1Th.2:14, al. __II. C. accusative, under; __1. of motion: Mat.5:15 8:8, Mrk.4:21, Luk.13:34; hence, metaphorically, of subjection, Rom.7:14, 1Co.15:27, Gal.3:22, 1Pe.5:6, al. __2. Of position: Jhn.1:49, Act.4:12, Rom.3:13, 1Co.10:1, al.; hence, metaphorically, under, subject to, Mat.8:9, Rom.3:9, 1Co.9:20, Gal.4:5, al. __3. Of time, about: Act.5:21. __III. In composition: under (ὑποδέω), hence, of subjection (ὑποτάσσω), compliance (ὑπακούω), secrecy (ὑποβάλλω), diminution (ὑποπνέω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 209 NT verses. KJV: among, by, from, in, of, under, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; Hebrews 2:3; 1 Peter 2:4.

του ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GSN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

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.

αλλα alla G235 "but" Conj

But is a strong opposing word, used in Matthew 5:15 and John 7:16. It shows contrast or surprise, like in the phrase 'but God' in Romans 3:31.

Definition: ἀλλά (ἀλλ᾽ usually bef. α and υ, often bef. ε and η, rarely bef. ο and ω, never bef. ι; Tdf., Pr., 93 f.; WH, App., 146), adversative particle, stronger than δέ; prop. neuter pl. of ἄλλος, used adverbially, with changed accent; hence prop. otherwise, on the other hand (cf. Rom.3:31); __1. opposing a previous negation, but: οὐ (μὴ) . . . ἀ., Mat.5:15, 17 Mrk.5:39, Jhn.7:16, al.; rhetorically subordinating but not entirely negativing what precedes, οὐ . . . ἀ., not so much . . . as, Mrk.9:37, Mat.10:20, Jhn.12:44, al.; with ellipse of the negation, Mat.11:7-9, Act.19:2, 1Co.3:6 6:11 7:7, 2Co.7:1, Gal.2:3, al.; in opposition to a foregoing pos. sentence, ἀ. οὐ, Mat.24:6, 1Co.10:23; οὐ μόνον . . . ἀ. καί, Jhn.5:18, Rom.1:32, al.; elliptically, after a negation, ἀ. ἵνα, Mrk.14:49, Jhn.1:8 9:3, al.; = εἰ μή (Bl., §77, 13; M, Pr., 241; but cf. WM, §iii, 10), Mat.20:23, Mrk.4:22. __2. Without previous negation, to express opposition, interruption, transition, etc., but: Jhn.16:20 12:27, Gal.2:14; before commands or requests, Act.10:20 26:16, Mat.9:18, Mrk.9:22, al.; to introduce an accessory idea, 2Co.7:11; in the apodosis after a condition or concession with εἰ, ἐάν, εἴπερ, yet, still, at least, Mrk.14:29, 1Co.9:2, 2Co.4:16, Col.2:5, al.; after μέν, Act.4:17, Rom.14:20, 1Co.14:17; giving emphasis to the following clause, ἀλλ᾽ ἔρχεται ὥρα, yea, etc., Jhn.16:2; so with neg., ἀλλ᾽ οὐδέ, nay, nor yet, Luk.23:15. __3. Joined with other particles (a practice which increases in late writers; Simcox, LNT, 166), ἀ. γε, yet at least, Luk.24:21, 1Co.9:2; ἄ ἤ., save only, except, Luk.12:51, 2Co.1:13; ἀ. μὲν οὖν, Php.3:8 (on this usage, see MM, VGT, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Peter 1:15.

νικα nikaō G3528 "to conquer" Verb-PAM-2S

Usage: Occurs in 24 NT verses. KJV: conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory See also: 1 John 2:13; Revelation 3:12; Revelation 2:7.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.

Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.

τω ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

αγαθω agathos G18 "good" Adj-DSN

Good or beneficial, as seen in Luke 8:8 where it describes good soil producing a good crop. This word means something that is pleasant, useful, or morally good. In the Bible, it is used to describe things that are pleasing to God and beneficial to people.

Definition: ἀγαθός, -ή, -όν, [in LXX chiefly for טוֹב ;] in general, good, in physical and in moral sense, used of persons, things, acts, conditions, etc., applied to that which is regarded as "perfect in its kind, so as to produce pleasure and satisfaction, . . . that which, in itself good, is also at once for the good and the advantage of him who comes in contact with it" (Cremer, 3): γῆ, Luk.8:8; δένδρον, Mat.7:18; καρδία, Luk.8:15; δόσις, Jas.1:17; μέρις, Luk.10:42; ἔργον (frequently in Pl.), Php.1:6; ἐλπίς, 2Th.2:16; θησαυρός, Mat.12:35; μνεία, 1Th.3:6 (cf. 2Ma.7:20); as subst., τὸ ἀ, that which is morally good, beneficial, acceptable to God, Rom.12:2; ἐργάζεσθαι τὸ ἀ, Rom.2:10, Eph.4:28; πράσσειν, Rom.9:11, 2Co.5:10; διώκειν, 1Th.5:15; μιμεῖσθαι, III Jo 11; κολλᾶσθαι τῷ ἀ, Rom.12:9; ερωτᾶν περὶ τοῦ ἀ., Mat.19:17; διάκονος εἰς τὸ ἀ., Rom.13:4; τὸ ἀ. σου, thy favour, benefit, Phm 14; pl., τὰ ἀ., of goods, possessions, Luk.12:18; of spiritual benefits, Rom.10:15, Heb.9:11, 10:1. ἀ is opposite to πονηρός, Mat.5:45, 20:5; κακός, Rom.7:19; φαῦλος, Rom.9:11, 2Co.5:10 (cf. MM, VGT, see word). SYN.: καλός, δίκαιος. κ. properly refers to goodliness as manifested in form: ἀ. to inner excellence (cf. the cl. καλὸς κἀγαθός and ἐν καρδία κ. καὶ ἀ., Luk.8:15). In Rom.5:7, where it is contrasted with δ., ἀ. implies a kindliness and attractiveness not necessarily possessed by the δίκαιος, who merely measures up to a high standard of rectitude (cf. ἀγαθωσύνη). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 90 NT verses. KJV: benefit, good(-s, things), well See also: 1 Peter 2:18; Luke 16:25; 1 Peter 3:10.

το ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

κακον kakos G2556 "evil/harm: evil" Adj-ASN

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.

Study Notes — Romans 12:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Romans 12:21 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Romans 12:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 12:21
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 12:21
Trapp's Commentary on Romans 12:21
Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 12:21
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 12:21
Cambridge Bible on Romans 12:21
Barnes' Notes on Romans 12:21
Whedon's Commentary on Romans 12:21
Sermons on Romans 12:21

Context — Forgiveness

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.” 20On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	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.
2	Luke 6:27–30	But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what is yours, do not demand it back.
3	Proverbs 16:32	He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.

Romans 12:21 Summary

This verse means that when someone does something bad to us, we shouldn't let their bad behavior control how we respond. Instead, we should choose to respond with kindness and love, which is a powerful way to show God's love to others, as seen in Romans 12:20, where we are told to feed our enemy if he is hungry. By doing so, we can trust that God will take care of the situation and bring about justice in His time, as promised in Deuteronomy 32:35, where it says, 'Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay,' and in Hebrews 10:30, where it says, 'The Lord will judge His people.'

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be overcome by evil?

To be overcome by evil means to let the evil actions of others control our responses, leading us to react in kind, rather than responding in a godly manner, as seen in Romans 12:21, and as warned against in 1 Peter 2:20-21, where we are called to follow Christ's example in suffering.

How can we overcome evil with good?

We overcome evil with good by choosing to respond to evil actions with kindness, forgiveness, and love, as taught in Matthew 5:44, where Jesus instructs us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, and in Luke 6:27-28, where we are told to bless those who curse us.

Is overcoming evil with good a sign of weakness?

No, overcoming evil with good is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 12:19, where we are told not to avenge ourselves, but to leave room for God's wrath, and in Proverbs 24:29, where we are warned against saying, 'I'll do to him as he has done to me,'

What is the ultimate goal of overcoming evil with good?

The ultimate goal of overcoming evil with good is to glorify God and to demonstrate His love and character to a world in need, as seen in Matthew 5:16, where we are told to let our light shine before men, so that they may see our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven, and in 1 Peter 2:12, where we are instructed to live such good lives among the pagans that they may see our good deeds and glorify God.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I have allowed evil to overcome me in the past, and how can I respond differently in the future?
How can I demonstrate the love of Christ to someone who has wronged me, and what might be the impact on our relationship?
What are some practical ways I can overcome evil with good in my daily life, such as in my interactions with coworkers, family members, or neighbors?
How can I trust God's sovereignty and leave room for His wrath, rather than taking matters into my own hands, and what Bible verses can I turn to for encouragement and guidance?
What might be the long-term effects of choosing to overcome evil with good, both in my own life and in the lives of those around me?

Gill's Exposition on Romans 12:21

Be not overcome of evil,.... Neither of the evil one, Satan, who is very busy to stir up the corruption of nature to an hatred of enemies, and to seek revenge; but give no place nor heed unto him,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 12:21

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Be not overcome of evil - for then you are the conquered party, But overcome evil with good - and then the victory is yours; you have subdued your enemy in the noblest sense.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 12:21

This verse is a Divine aphorism: therein the apostle anticipates an objection. Some might be ready to say, If we should follow this advice we should be counted cowards and dastards, &c. To this he answers, that it is the ready way to be triumphers and conquerors. By evil, here, he means, the wrongs and injuries of men; and to be overcome of evil, is to be moved and provoked thereby to impatience or malice. When it is thus with a man, he is overcome, or conquered: in revenge of injuries, he is a loser that gets the better. Therefore he exhorts us, rather to overcome evil with good; that is a noble victory indeed: this is the way, not to be even with him that wrongs us, but to be above him. Thus David overcame Saul, and Elisha the bands of Syria. This is the way to overcome ourselves, and our adversaries too: ourselves, in denying our lusts that egg us on to revenge; our adversaries, in winning them to relent and acknowledge their miscarriages.

Trapp's Commentary on Romans 12:21

21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Ver. 21. Be not overcome] In rixa is inferior est, qui victor est, saith Basil. In revenge of injuries, he is the loser that gets the better. Hence the apostle disgraceth it, by a word that signifieth disgrace or loss of victory, ηττημα, 1 Corinthians 6:7. When any one provokes us, we use to say, We will be even with him. There is a way whereby we may be, not even with him, but above him; that is, forgive him, feed him with the best morsels, feed him indulgently (so the apostle’ s word ψωμιζε in the former verse signifies), feast him, as Elisha did his persecutors; providing a table for them, who had provided a grave for him. "Set bread and water before them," saith he, and mark what followed; "The bands of Syria came no more after that time," by way of ambush or inroad, "into the bounds of Israel," 2 Kings 6:22-23. In doing some good to our enemies (saith a grave divine hereupon) we do most to ourselves: God cannot but love in us that imitation of his mercy, who bids his sun to shine on the wicked and unthankful also; and his love is never fruitless. It is not like the winter sun that gives little heat, but like the sun in his strength, that warms and works effectually upon the rest of the creatures. But overcome evil] This is the most noble victory. Thus David overcame Saul, and Henry VII, emperor of Germany, overcame the priest that poisoned him at the sacrament; for he pardoned him, and bade him be packing. (Fanc. Chron.) So did not Jacup the Persian king, who perceiving himself poisoned by his adulterous wife, enforced her to drink of the same cup; and because he would be sure she should not escape, with his own hand he struck off her head. (Turkish Hist.) But this (to say truth) was not revenge, but justice. Henry IV of France was wont to say, that he made all the days of those golden, who had most offended him; that so, the lead of their wickedness might be darkened by the gold of his goodness.

Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 12:21

(21) Be not overcome of evil, but . . .—A fine sentiment. The infliction of vengeance is not a sign of strength, but of weakness. To repress the desire for revenge is to gain a victory over self, which is not only nobler in itself, but will also be much more effectual. It will disarm the enemy, and turn him into a friend.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 12:21

Verse 21. Be not overcome of evil] Do not, by giving place to evil, become precisely the same character which thou condemnest in another. Overcome evil with good - however frequently he may grieve and injure thee, always repay him with kindness; thy good-will, in the end, may overcome his evil. 1. THOMAS AQUINAS has properly said: Vincitur a malo qui vult peccare in alium, quia ille peccavit in ipsum. "He is overcome of evil who sins against another, because he sins against him." A moral enemy is more easily overcome by kindness than by hostility. Against the latter he arms himself; and all the evil passions of his heart concentrate themselves in opposition to him who is striving to retaliate, by violence, the injurious acts which he has received from him. But where the injured man is labouring to do him good for his evil - to repay his curses with blessings and prayers, his evil passions have no longer any motive, any incentive; his mind relaxes; the turbulence of his passions is calmed; reason and conscience are permitted to speak; he is disarmed, or, in other words, he finds that he has no use for his weapons; he beholds in the injured man a magnanimous friend whose mind is superior to all the insults and injuries which he has received, and who is determined never to permit the heavenly principle that influences his soul to bow itself before the miserable, mean, and wretched spirit of revenge. This amiable man views in his enemy a spirit which he beholds with horror, and he cannot consent to receive into his own bosom a disposition which he sees to be so destructive to another; and he knows that as soon as he begins to avenge himself, he places himself on a par with the unprincipled man whose conduct he has so much reason to blame, and whose spirit he has so much cause to abominate. He who avenges himself receives into his own heart all the evil and disgraceful passions by which his enemy is rendered both wretched and contemptible. There is the voice of eternal reason in "Avenge not yourselves: - overcome evil with good;" as well as the high authority and command of the living God. 2. The reader will, no doubt, have observed with pleasure the skill and address, as well as the Divine wisdom, with which the apostle has handled the important subjects which he has brought forth to view in the preceding chapters. Nothing can be more regular or judicious than his plan of proceeding. He first shows the miserable, wretched, fallen, degraded state of man; next, the merciful provision which God has made for his salvation, and lastly, the use which man should make of the mercies of his God. He shows us, in a most pointed manner, the connection that subsists between the doctrines of the Gospel and practical piety.

Cambridge Bible on Romans 12:21

21. Be not overcome, &c.] The verbs are in the singular; individualizing the appeal. The verse runs, lit., Be not thou overcome by the evil, but overcome the evil in the good.—“The evil,” “the good;”—that of the evil-doer and the sufferer respectively. Q. d., “Do not let his evil principles and acts conquer the better mind that is in thee by grace, but use ‘the good’ given to thee—the good of Divine peace and love shed abroad in thy heart—to subdue the evil in him.”—“In the good:” = under its influence.Out of countless examples in Christian history we quote a recent one, from the Native Church in China. In 1878 a small and new Christian community was severely persecuted, and some of the converts, grownup men, were cruelly ill-used by a petty official, without the least resistance on their part. Some time after, this official was summoned before a superior officer, and sentenced to severe punishment. But one of his former victims, who meanwhile had not been his accusers, interposed and procured his pardon; and their enemy was turned forthwith into a grateful and cordial friend. (A. E. Moule’s Story of the Chehkiang Mission, ed. 2, p. 120.)

Barnes' Notes on Romans 12:21

Be not overcome of evil - Be not “vanquished” or “subdued” by injury received from others.

Whedon's Commentary on Romans 12:21

21. Overcome evil with good—And so you will not only become a true Christian avenger, but a true Christian conqueror.

Sermons on Romans 12:21

	Sermon	Description
	Be My Witnesses (Compilation) by Compilations	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making a difference in the world and not living a self-consumed life. They urge listeners to not let the sun go down withou
	A House of Prayer by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the preacher shares various anecdotes and experiences to emphasize the importance of committing our causes to God. He tells a story about a preacher from Argentina
	After God's Heart by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not despising or turning away from the preaching of the word of God. He warns that those who do so are the biggest fools i
	Paul's Hymn of Love by J. Oswald Sanders	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of love and patience in our lives. He uses examples from the Bible, such as Peter's question about forgiveness, to illustrate
	The Weapons of Our Warfare by Otto Koning	In this sermon, the speaker shares his experiences as a missionary in a foreign culture. He describes the challenges of communicating the gospel to people who have different belief
	Lifting Up Jesus in the Gates by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of lifting up Jesus in the gates. He emphasizes the need for believers to seek resources from God in order to fulfill their ca
	The Decree of Judgment by Aaron Dunlop	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of judgment and the decree of judgment as prescribed by the Lord. The sermon explores the idea that what we sow, we will reap, a