Romans 12:17

Romans 12:17, in plain English

Don't pay someone back with harm when they've hurt you. Instead, be careful to do what's right in everyone's eyes—including the people watching to see how you'll respond.

Why it's here

In a culture where honor and revenge were deeply tied together, this was countercultural. But Paul is saying your concern should be what's actually right and what everyone can recognize as good, not settling your score.

Who's speaking

Paul, addressing the temptation to retaliate

Where it sits in the story

This echoes both the Old Testament law of love and Jesus's teaching about turning the other cheek. The pattern is consistent: God calls his people to transcend revenge.

The scholarly reading

Believers must refuse the retaliatory impulse and instead carefully consider what is right and honorable in the eyes of everyone, maintaining moral integrity even in conflict.

Language and setting

Antapodidōmi (repay) literally means 'pay back in return'—precisely what the lex talionis (law of retaliation) permitted and the honor-shame system demanded. Paul forbids it absolutely. The phrase 'carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody' (pronooumenoi kala enōpion pantōn anthrōpōn) indicates both prudential wisdom and moral transparency: believers should conduct themselves so that even potential critics cannot legitimately fault their behavior. Ambrose saw this as requiring believers to maintain reputation not for pride but for the gospel's credibility. This verse pivots from personal revenge to public witness.

Voice

Paul, establishing the fundamental principle that must govern response to injustice.

Significance

This extends Jesus' teaching against retaliation and echoes the suffering servant passages of Isaiah, where vindication comes through acceptance rather than assertion of rights.

15Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.

16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.

18If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.

19Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

Read all of Romans 12 — Paul shifts from theology to practice. Offer your whole self. Be transformed. Love genuinely. Overcome evil with good.