As humans, we often wrestle with intense emotions, especially when wronged by others.
The feeling of wanting to harm or even kill an enemy in times of deep hurt or betrayal is real, and the Bible doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the raw emotions of its characters.
While many passages reflect the desire for vengeance or punishment, the Bible ultimately guides us toward forgiveness, love, and mercy, despite these natural inclinations.
These 31 Bible verses highlight the struggles of dealing with enemies, the justice of God, and the transformation that comes from choosing God’s way over our desire for revenge.
Bible Verses About Wanting to Kill Your Enemies
1. Psalm 35:1-3 – David’s Plea for Vindication
“Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help. Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.”
David calls on God to fight for him, reflecting his desire for divine retribution against those who oppose him.
In his pain and distress, David pleads with God to act on his behalf, seeking justice over personal revenge.
This passage demonstrates the emotional turmoil of feeling wronged by enemies and seeking God’s intervention for deliverance.
2. Psalm 69:22-23 – A Desire for Justice
“Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap. Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake.”
In times of deep anger and hurt, David speaks of wanting justice for his enemies.
He prays for their downfall, hoping that the consequences of their actions will lead them to experience the harm they’ve inflicted on others.
This passage reflects the natural human desire for those who cause harm to face their own punishment.
3. Psalm 109:6-7 – David’s Importunity for Retribution
“Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand. When he shall be judged, let him be condemned: and let his prayer become sin.”
David expresses the deep pain and frustration of being mistreated by his enemies, asking God to bring swift and just judgment upon them.
This passage is filled with a sense of urgency, calling for consequences for the enemies’ actions.
David’s plea for justice is a reflection of how we, too, can sometimes feel overwhelmed with anger and desire for retribution when wronged.
4. Matthew 5:44 – Jesus’ Command to Love Our Enemies
“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.”
Jesus turns the desire for vengeance on its head, calling us to respond to our enemies with love, not hate.
Rather than seeking harm for those who oppose us, we are called to pray for them and bless them.
This command challenges our natural instincts, guiding us toward a higher standard of behavior—one that reflects God’s love.
5. Romans 12:19 – Leaving Room for God’s Justice
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
God’s justice is assured, and He commands us not to take vengeance into our own hands.
This verse reassures us that even though the desire for revenge is natural, God will handle the punishment of wrongdoers in His perfect timing.
Instead of focusing on our enemies, we are encouraged to trust God to deal with them justly.
6. Proverbs 24:17-18 – Don’t Rejoice in Your Enemy’s Downfall
“Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.”
This passage speaks to the temptation of delighting in the downfall of our enemies.
God warns against such reactions, as He desires that we act in a way that pleases Him, showing mercy rather than joy in others’ misfortunes.
It teaches us the importance of maintaining a heart of compassion, even toward those who wrong us.
7. Luke 6:27-28 – Love and Bless Your Enemies
“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.”
Jesus further emphasizes the radical love we are called to have toward our enemies.
Instead of reacting with hatred or violence, we are instructed to bless and pray for those who mistreat us.
These verses challenge us to resist our natural instincts of retaliation and instead reflect God’s unconditional love.
8. Exodus 23:4-5 – Helping Your Enemy
“If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.”
The law commands us to help even those who oppose us, showing compassion even toward our enemies.
In the same way that we are called to help our enemy’s animals, we are reminded to extend kindness and care even when it is hard.
This passage teaches that our actions toward others should reflect God’s mercy, even when they’ve wronged us.
9. Proverbs 25:21-22 – Giving to Your Enemy
“If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.”
Instead of seeking harm for our enemies, we are instructed to bless them with kindness.
This act of kindness can bring about transformation and even cause our enemies to reflect on their actions.
By showing love to our enemies, we mirror God’s heart for reconciliation and peace.
10. Romans 12:20 – Overcoming Evil with Good
“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.”
By showing kindness and love to those who have wronged us, we demonstrate a powerful form of overcoming evil.
Rather than retaliating, we are called to respond with good, which has the potential to change hearts.
This verse emphasizes that vengeance belongs to God, and our role is to act in love, allowing God to handle the rest.
11. Psalm 3:7 – Calling on God Against Enemies
“Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.”
David, in his distress, calls upon God to fight for him against his enemies.
Though he expresses his desire for God to punish his enemies, this is ultimately a cry for God’s deliverance.
This verse reflects the natural instinct to seek retribution but also a trust in God’s power to protect and deliver.
12. Psalm 7:9 – God’s Judgment on the Wicked
“Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.”
David asks God to bring an end to the wickedness of his enemies and to establish justice.
This verse speaks to the desire for justice and the prayer for God to act on behalf of the righteous.
While we may feel the urge to take justice into our own hands, the Bible reminds us that God alone is the true judge.
13. Matthew 5:39 – Turn the Other Cheek
“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.”
Jesus teaches us to respond to personal offense with humility rather than retaliation.
Instead of seeking revenge, we are called to respond to wrongs with grace and patience, allowing God to handle justice.
Turning the other cheek goes against our natural desire for retaliation but is a powerful expression of Christlike love.
14. James 1:19-20 – Slow to Anger, Quick to Listen
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”
This verse teaches us to control our anger and act thoughtfully, especially when wronged by others.
Rather than letting anger fuel a desire for revenge, we are called to respond with patience and understanding.
By doing so, we reflect the righteousness of God in our actions.
15. Matthew 18:21-22 – Forgiveness Over Revenge
“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”
Jesus teaches that forgiveness should have no limits, even toward those who harm us repeatedly.
Instead of holding grudges or seeking revenge, we are called to forgive, reflecting God’s endless grace.
This passage challenges us to let go of any desire for harm toward our enemies, choosing forgiveness instead.
16. Psalm 18:47-48 – God’s Protection Against Enemies
“It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me. He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.”
David acknowledges that vengeance belongs to God and that He is the one who delivers from enemies.
This passage shows the trust David places in God to deal with his enemies, rather than seeking revenge himself.
It reassures us that God is our protector, and He will take care of those who rise against us.
17. Romans 12:14 – Blessing Your Persecutors
“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.”
Rather than desiring harm or death for our enemies, this verse calls us to bless those who persecute us.
It flips the desire for revenge on its head, urging us to respond to hate with love.
Blessing those who oppose us aligns us with Christ’s example, showing grace instead of seeking judgment.
18. Psalm 109:4-5 – A Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies
“For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer. And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.”
David expresses deep anguish, as his enemies have repaid his kindness with hatred.
He turns to God in prayer, trusting that God will handle the injustice, even though his feelings lean toward wanting revenge.
This passage highlights the emotional conflict between hurt and the desire for justice.
19. 1 Samuel 24:12 – Entrusting Vengeance to God
“The Lord judge between me and thee, and the Lord avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.”
David faces the temptation to take matters into his own hands against King Saul, but he chooses to leave judgment to God.
This verse demonstrates trust in God’s justice, rather than taking vengeance on one’s own enemies.
David’s restraint teaches us the importance of leaving vengeance to God, who judges justly.
20. Psalm 58:10-11 – Desire for Justice
“The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked. So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.”
The psalmist desires justice for the wicked, hoping that God’s vengeance will prevail.
This passage speaks to the natural longing for justice in the face of wrongs, but also acknowledges that God is the true judge.
The righteous desire to see God’s justice done but must trust in His timing and ways.
21. 2 Timothy 4:14 – Calling for God’s Justice
“Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works.”
Paul, having been wronged by Alexander, calls on God to repay him according to his deeds.
This verse demonstrates Paul’s trust in God’s ability to bring justice, without seeking vengeance himself.
Even in moments of personal betrayal, we are reminded to leave the punishment to God and trust Him for justice.
22. Psalm 35:8 – Desiring Justice for the Wicked
“Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.”
David expresses a deep desire for God to bring justice upon his enemies, asking that their own traps fall upon them.
This verse illustrates the raw emotions of wanting to see enemies face the consequences of their actions.
While it reflects human emotions, it also serves as a reminder that God will judge with perfect justice.
23. Matthew 5:38-39 – Turning the Other Cheek
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 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.”
Jesus challenges the principle of retribution with His command to turn the other cheek, teaching us to resist retaliation.
This passage calls us to break the cycle of vengeance and trust God to handle all wrongs.
Jesus’ words highlight that forgiveness, not violence, is the path to peace and healing.
24. Luke 23:34 – Jesus’ Example of Forgiveness
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
In the midst of His crucifixion, Jesus forgives those who are causing Him suffering.
This verse is the ultimate example of choosing forgiveness over revenge, even in the face of extreme injustice.
Jesus’ prayer for His enemies teaches us that we, too, are called to forgive, no matter the depth of the wrongs done to us.
25. Romans 12:21 – Overcoming Evil with Good
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Instead of seeking vengeance or desiring harm for our enemies, we are called to overcome evil by responding with good.
This verse encourages us to choose kindness, humility, and peace, even when faced with hostility.
By doing so, we reflect God’s character and break the cycle of hatred and violence.
26. Psalm 37:1-2 – Trusting God with Justice
“Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.”
Rather than being consumed by anger at the wrongs of others, we are encouraged to trust that God will deal with the wicked.
This passage reassures us that those who do evil will eventually face justice, and we are not called to worry about it.
God will handle our enemies and make things right in His perfect timing.
27. 1 Peter 3:9 – Responding to Evil with Blessing
“Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”
Instead of retaliating when wronged, we are called to bless those who harm us.
This verse echoes Jesus’ teaching to love and pray for our enemies, turning the natural instinct of revenge into an opportunity for grace.
By blessing others, we reflect God’s heart and position ourselves to receive His blessings.
28. Matthew 5:44 – Blessing Those Who Curse Us
“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.”
Jesus commands us to love our enemies and pray for those who harm us, showing that forgiveness is far superior to seeking vengeance.
This verse directly contradicts the human desire for revenge, guiding us toward a response of grace and compassion.
Loving our enemies allows us to grow closer to Christ and reflect His love in the world.
29. 1 Corinthians 4:12-13 – Responding to Persecution
“And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.”
Paul teaches that, even in the face of persecution, we are called to respond with kindness and patience.
This verse shows that our Christian witness involves suffering without retaliation, trusting that God will honor our response.
Instead of desiring to harm our enemies, we are called to endure hardship and bless those who mistreat us.
30. Proverbs 24:29 – Seeking Justice, Not Revenge
“Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.”
While it’s natural to want to pay back those who wrong us, this verse warns against taking justice into our own hands.
We are reminded that only God can rightly judge the actions of others, and we are not called to seek personal revenge.
This passage encourages us to trust in God’s justice and let go of any desire to harm others in return for their wrongs.
31. Psalm 54:5 – Calling on God for Retribution
“He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth.”
David calls upon God to handle the punishment of his enemies, trusting that God will deal justly with them.
This verse speaks to the desire for justice but also acknowledges that ultimate judgment belongs to God.
We are encouraged to leave vengeance to God and trust His wisdom in handling the wicked.
Our Thoughts on What the Bible Says About Wanting to Kill Your Enemies
The Bible acknowledges the reality of anger and frustration toward those who wrong us, but it continually calls us to rise above our natural instincts.
While the desire for vengeance is real, Scripture teaches that revenge belongs to God alone.
Instead of seeking to harm our enemies, we are urged to forgive, love, and show kindness, reflecting the heart of God.
The transformation from wanting revenge to offering grace is a powerful witness of God’s work in our lives.
Ultimately, the Bible calls us to trust God to handle justice, while we choose the higher road of mercy and forgiveness.
Say This Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, acknowledging the pain and anger we feel toward those who have wronged us.
We confess that at times, we desire revenge, but we ask You to help us release these feelings and embrace forgiveness.
Teach us to love our enemies and bless those who hurt us, just as You have shown us mercy.
Help us to trust You with our pain and to know that Your justice will prevail. May we reflect Your grace and kindness in all our actions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.