Devine Scripture

Romans 12:17

What does Romans 12:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 12:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 12:17 means

Believers must not repay evil with evil. Instead, they should aim to do what is honorable before all—actions that even outsiders can recognize as upright. This restrains vengeance and commends the gospel. Repaying evil only multiplies wrong; doing good interrupts the cycle. Honor here means integrity, fairness, and grace in response to injury. It includes forethought—“take thought”—planning to respond in ways that reflect Christ’s character rather than reacting from hurt. Such preparation helps believers bear injustice without compromise, trusting God to judge rightly while seeking to maintain a public witness that adorns the truth.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Do not give evil for evil to any man. Let all your business be well ordered in the eyes of all men.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

giving back to no one evil for evil; providing right things before all men.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

To no man rendering evil for evil. Providing good things, not only in the sight of God but also in the sight of all men.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

recompensing to no one evil for evil: providing things honest before all men:

Context

Following the call to humility and harmony, Paul directly forbids retaliation and sets a positive aim: conduct that is visibly honorable. Verse 18 will add the pursuit of peace as far as possible, and verses 19–21 will ground non-retaliation in God’s justice and the power of good to overcome evil. The flow tightens the focus from inner attitudes to external responses when wronged, showing how transformed minds act under pressure.

v.16Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.

v.17This passage

v.18If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Peter 2:12

    having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

  • 1 Peter 3:16

    having a good conscience; that, wherein ye are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ.

  • Titus 2:4

    that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,

  • 1 Corinthians 6:6

    but brother goeth to law with brother, and that before unbelievers?

  • 1 Peter 3:9

    not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

  • Romans 12:19

    Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.

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