Devine Scripture

Romans 12:20

What does Romans 12:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 12:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 12:20 means

Instead of harming an enemy, the believer should meet his immediate needs—feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty. Such kindness “heaps coals of fire” on the enemy’s head, a vivid picture of awakening shame and conviction that may lead to repentance. The goal is not to hurt but to heal, overcoming hostility with generosity. Practical mercy disarms animosity and displays the character of Christ, who did good to those who opposed Him. This approach entrusts ultimate justice to God while seeking the enemy’s good in concrete ways, leaving open the possibility of reconciliation under God’s hand.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But if one who has hate for you is in need of food or of drink, give it to him, for in so doing you will put coals of fire on his head.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I will recompense again, saith the Lord;' if, then, thine enemy doth hunger, feed him; if he doth thirst, give him drink; for this doing, coals of fire thou shalt heap upon his head;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But if the enemy be hungry, give him to eat; if he thirst, give him to drink. For, doing this, thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

If therefore thine enemy should hunger, feed him; if he should thirst, give him drink; for, so doing, thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.

Context

Grounded in verse 19’s assurance of divine justice, Paul now commands active benevolence toward enemies. The imagery underscores the moral effect kindness can have on a hostile heart. Verse 21 will summarize the principle behind this behavior: do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good. The movement from refusing vengeance to doing good shows that Christian non-retaliation is not passive; it is purposeful and redemptive, seeking to transform the situation by embodying God’s mercy.

v.19Avenge 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.

v.20This passage

v.21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Cross references

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

  • Proverbs 25:21

    If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

  • Psalms 120:4

    Sharp arrows of the mighty, With coals of juniper.

  • 1 Samuel 24:16

    And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept.

  • 2 Kings 6:22

    And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.

  • Exodus 23:4

    If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.

  • Luke 6:27

    But I say unto you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you,

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