The phrase “Vengeance is Mine, says the Lord” is one of the most powerful reminders in Scripture that justice belongs to God, not to us. It calls believers to trust God’s timing and authority rather than seeking to settle matters on their own. This message shows up both in the Old and New Testaments, reminding us that God sees all, knows all, and acts with perfect justice.
The Biblical Foundation
The phrase comes from the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy:
“Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.” (Deuteronomy 32:35, ESV)
Here, God reminds His people that He alone carries the right to bring judgment. Israel was often tempted to repay enemies in their own way, but the Lord makes it clear that judgment and repayment belong to Him alone.
This theme is repeated in the New Testament:
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” (Romans 12:19, ESV)
Paul quotes directly from Deuteronomy, teaching Christians to resist the natural desire to strike back and instead trust God to bring justice in His way and in His time.
Why Vengeance Belongs to God
Only God has the full picture of every situation. Human anger often comes from wounded pride, but God’s justice flows from His holiness and love. Seeking revenge usually leads to more harm, but trusting in the Lord brings peace.
- God’s justice is perfect.
- Human anger is often short-sighted.
- Trust in God frees us from bitterness.
The prophet Nahum also echoes this truth:
“The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord is avenging and wrathful; the Lord takes vengeance on his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies.” (Nahum 1:2, ESV)
Living Out This Truth
Choosing not to seek vengeance doesn’t mean ignoring wrongs or allowing injustice to go unchecked. It means we trust God to handle what we cannot. We are called to forgive, to pray for our enemies, and to overcome evil with good.
Jesus taught this in the Sermon on the Mount:
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44, ESV)
Instead of plotting revenge, the Christian response is to show mercy. This doesn’t erase the pain, but it does open the door to healing and reflects the heart of Christ.
Practical Examples
- When betrayed by a friend, instead of seeking to harm them in return, we can release the situation to God and ask Him to work in their heart.
- In family conflicts, rather than escalating the fight, we can choose peace, knowing God will handle the deeper matters of justice.
- In workplace struggles, instead of gossip or retaliation, we can continue to walk with integrity, letting God be our defender.
A Promise to Rest In
God’s promise that vengeance is His is not meant to scare us but to comfort us. It reassures us that nothing goes unseen and no evil will go unpunished. His justice is sure, even if it seems delayed from our perspective.
The psalmist reminds us:
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!” (Psalm 37:7, ESV)
Waiting is hard, but God’s timing is always right.
