Romans 12:19

Dearly beloved (Greek: agapetoi). The KJV sometimes translates this word literally, “beloved” (see Romans 1:7; 9:25; 11:28; 16:12; Ephesians 1:6; etc.) and sometimes adds a qualifying “dearly” (see 1 Corinthians 10:14; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 12:19; Philippians 4:1; etc.).

Avenge not. The word order in the Greek is “do not avenge yourselves, beloved.”

Give place unto wrath. Literally, “give place unto the wrath.” The definite article before “wrath” indicates that the reference is to the wrath of God (cf. on chapter 5:9). This interpretation is confirmed by the following words, “vengeance is mine; I will repay.” “Give place” means “give room” for the avenging wrath of God to work. Christians are never to attempt to seek revenge upon those who treat them unjustly. They should leave the matter with God. Only a perfect, all-knowing, all-loving God can rightly judge and justly punish evildoers. Both the language and the thought of this injunction are illustrated by Ephesians 4:27, where Paul explains that by avenging ourselves we “give place to the devil.” Those who are filled with thoughts of revenge are giving opportunity for Satan to inspire anger, hatred, and bitterness, whereas they should be encouraging the growth of the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and long-suffering (Galatians 5:22).

Two other interpretations of this passage have sometimes been held. One is, “Allow time or space for your own anger to cool.” The other is, “give room for, that is, yield to, the anger of your opponent.” However, neither of these interpretations suits the Greek or the context.

It is written. The quotation is from Deuteronomy 32:35. Compare Hebrews 10:30. In Deuteronomy this statement is a warning to God’s people. In Hebrews it is directed to apostates. But here in Romans it is used as a consolation to God’s unjustly persecuted people. God will avenge them in due time, for “shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him?” (Luke 18:7; cf. Deuteronomy 32:40-43; 2 Thessalonians 1:6–10; Revelation 6:9-11).

Vengeance (Greek: ekdikēsis), “vindication,” “retribution,” “punishment” (cf. Acts 7:24; 2 Corinthians 7:11; 1 Peter 7:14). The idea of personal vindictiveness must be eliminated from the word as used here of God’s avenging justice. It means rather the full meting out of justice to all parties. In the day of God’s vengeance the wicked will receive the inevitable consequences of their own choice. By their lives of rebellion they have placed themselves so out of harmony with God that His very presence is to them a consuming fire (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; Revelation 6:15-17). “The glory of Him who is love will destroy them” (Desire of Ages, p. 764).