Romans 12:20 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Instead of revenge, believers are to meet their enemy's needs, leaving the outcome to God.
What Does Romans 12:20 Mean?
Having forbidden revenge, Paul shows the positive alternative, quoting the wisdom of Proverbs. The enemy who hungers is to be fed, the one who thirsts given drink. Love answers hostility with practical kindness rather than retaliation.
The coals of fire picture an active goodness meant to melt and awaken the enemy's heart, not to wound it. Unexpected mercy can shame an opponent into a change no vengeance could ever produce. This is the way of Christ, who returns good for evil and overcomes hardness with love, inviting even the hostile to be reconciled.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romans 12:20
What does Romans 12:20 mean?
Instead of revenge, believers are to meet their enemy's needs, leaving the outcome to God.