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What the Bible Says About Retaliation

Overview

The Bible addresses retaliation across 38 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Matthew, Leviticus and Luke. Closely related themes include Revenge, Strife, Meekness and Judaism. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Elijah.

Key Bible verses about retaliation

Old Testament

Leviticus

Leviticus 19:18

Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.

Leviticus 24:17

And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death. killeth: Heb. smiteth the life of a man

Leviticus 24:18

And he that killeth a beast shall make it good; beast for beast. beast for: Heb. life for life

Leviticus 24:19

And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him;

Leviticus 24:20

Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again.

Leviticus 24:21

And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death.

Leviticus 24:22

Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the LORD your God.

New Testament

Matthew

Matthew 5:38

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

Matthew 5:39

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Matthew 5:40

And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.

Matthew 5:41

And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

Matthew 5:42

Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Matthew 5:43

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

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;

Matthew 7:1

Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Matthew 7:2

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

People in the Bible and retaliation

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying retaliation for yourself

  • Begin with Exodus 21:23, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how Matthew, Leviticus and Luke each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Elijah and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Revenge, Strife, Meekness and Judaism.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about retaliation?

The Bible addresses retaliation across 38 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Matthew, Leviticus and Luke. Closely related themes include Revenge, Strife, Meekness and Judaism. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Elijah.

How many Bible verses are about retaliation?

The Bible references retaliation in 38 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention retaliation?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Exodus 21:23: “And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,”

Which people in the Bible are associated with retaliation?

Elijah.

Preach & teach

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