Romans 12:20

If those who hate you are hungry, give them food; if they're thirsty, give them a drink; for by doing so you pile fiery coals on their heads.

Free Bible Version

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

19My dear friends, don't seek revenge, but leave it to God to execute judgment —as Scripture points out, “‘It's for me to dispense justice, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

21Don't be defeated by evil—conquer evil with good.

Read all of Romans 12

Cross References

1 Samuel 24:16After David finished saying this, Saul asked, “Is that you speaking, David my son?” and he wept out loud.

2 Kings 6:22“No, don't you kill them!” he replied. “Would you kill prisoners you captured with your own sword or bow? Give them some food and water so that they may eat and drink, and then let them go back to their master.”

Psalms 140:10Let burning coals rain down on them! Let them be thrown into the fire, or into bottomless pits, never to rise again.

Song of Solomon 8:6Stamp my name as a seal on your heart, like a seal on your arm, for love is strong as death, passion as unyielding as the grave—its arrows flash like fire, a blazing flame of the Lord.

Luke 6:27But I say to those of you who are listening: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you.

Matthew Henry on Romans 12:2-21

Consecration to God; Duty towards God; Duty towards Ourselves; Due Exercise of Spiritual Gifts; Duty towards Our Brethren; Brotherly Love; Love to Enemies. ( a. d. 58.) 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say,… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Romans 12:20