New Testament
Romans 12:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Repay no one evil for evil. Give thought to what is honorable in the sight of everyone.
Compare translations
Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
What Romans 12:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Romans 12:17, Paul instructs believers not to retaliate against those who do wrong to them. Instead of seeking revenge or responding with evil, Christians are encouraged to think carefully about how their actions will be perceived by others. This means acting in a way that is honorable and respectful, not just in the eyes of fellow believers but in the sight of everyone, including non-believers. The verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity and a good reputation, as our actions reflect our faith. By choosing to respond with kindness and honor, we can demonstrate the love of Christ and potentially influence others positively. This teaching aligns with the broader message of Romans 12, which calls for a transformed life that reflects God's character and love, even in difficult situations.
How to apply Romans 12:17 to your life
To apply this verse, focus on responding to negativity with kindness. When faced with conflict or wrongdoing, choose to act honorably and consider how your response will affect your witness to others. This can help foster peace and understanding in relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Romans 12:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Fuller verse explanations
Explore what a verse means, what was happening around it, and how it connects to other Bible passages.
Plain Meaning
This verse gives two commands. First, do not pay back wrong with wrong — if someone hurts you, do not hurt them back. Second, "provide things honest in the sight of all men" means live in a way that looks right to everyone watching, not just to people who already know you well.
Read It in Context
Paul is giving a list of practical instructions on how to treat others. The verses around this one tell readers to bless those who persecute them, not to take revenge, and to overcome evil with good. Verse 17 sits in the middle of that teaching.
The full Clear view adds what to notice, common misreadings, and the passage that best explains this one — for Romans 12:17 and any verse in the Bible.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Romans 12:17
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Romans
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 57
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Christians in Rome
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Romans 12:17 mean?
Romans 12:17 advises believers not to retaliate against those who wrong them. Instead, it encourages them to act honorably and consider how their actions are perceived by others.
What is the meaning of 'repay no one evil for evil' in Romans 12:17?
The phrase 'repay no one evil for evil' means that Christians should avoid seeking revenge or responding negatively to wrongdoing. It emphasizes the importance of responding with kindness instead.
How can I apply Romans 12:17 in my life?
To apply Romans 12:17, focus on responding to negativity with kindness and integrity. Consider how your actions affect your relationships and witness to others.
What themes are present in Romans 12:17?
Key themes in Romans 12:17 include non-retaliation, honor, integrity, Christian conduct, and the importance of maintaining a good reputation.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.