Meaning
Punishment or retaliation inflicted in response to a wrong, injury, or offense.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses vengeance for repayment or punishment in response to wrongdoing. The term can describe human actions seeking repayment for an injury, as well as judgment carried out by God.
The Bible distinguishes between personal retaliation and God’s execution of judgment. Scripture repeatedly presents vengeance as belonging to God and warns people against taking personal vengeance against others.
Key References
- Deuteronomy 32:35 — The LORD declares that vengeance and recompence belong to him.
- Deuteronomy 32:41 — Vengeance is described in connection with judgment.
- Leviticus 19:18 — Israel is commanded not to avenge or bear a grudge.
- Judges 16:28 — Samson asks God to remember him and avenge him against the Philistines.
- 1 Samuel 25:26 — Abigail speaks concerning David’s vengeance.
- 1 Samuel 25:33 — David acknowledges that Abigail kept him from taking vengeance.
- 1 Samuel 26:10 — David leaves the matter of Saul’s fate to the LORD.
- Psalm 94:1 — The psalmist calls upon the LORD as the God to whom vengeance belongs.
- Romans 12:19 — Believers are commanded not to avenge themselves.
- Hebrews 10:30 — The New Testament repeats that vengeance belongs to the Lord.
Related Terms
- Recompense
- Judgment
- Retribution
- Punishment
- Avenger