| King James Version | Worldwide English Version | New International Version |
| 17. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. | 17. When people do wrong things to you, do not do wrong things to them also. But try to do good things for all people. | 17. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. |
| 18. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. | 18. As much as you can, live in peace with everyone. | 18. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. |
| 19. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. | 19. My dear brothers, do not punish people who do wrong to you. But let God's anger punish them. In the holy writings the Lord says, `I myself will punish people. If they have done wrong things, I will do wrong things to them also.' | 19. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. |
| 20. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. | 20. But, `If your enemy is hungry, give him food. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. When you do that, it will be as if you put a pile of coals from the fire on his head.' | 20. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." |
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21. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. |
21. Do not let wrong things win a victory over you. But win a victory over wrong things by the good things you do. | 21. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. |
John Calvin's comments on Romans 12:17-21
Cross-References to other texts on vengeance
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