Overview
The Bible addresses good for evil across 15 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in Luke and Matthew. Closely related themes include Enemy, Poor, Adoption and Meekness.
Key Bible verses about good for evil
New Testament
Matthew
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Luke
But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.
Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.
And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying good for evil for yourself
- Begin with Matthew 5:44, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Luke and Matthew each treat the theme.
- Widen the study to related themes: Enemy, Poor, Adoption and Meekness.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about good for evil?
The Bible addresses good for evil across 15 verses, drawn from the New Testament. These passages cluster most in Luke and Matthew. Closely related themes include Enemy, Poor, Adoption and Meekness.
How many Bible verses are about good for evil?
The Bible references good for evil in 15 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention good for evil?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Matthew 5:44: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”
Preach & teach
Outline a sermon or build a study series on good for evil.
Preach a series on Good for Evil →