Bible Verses About Enemies

Bible verses about loving enemies, responding to opposition, and overcoming evil with good. Scripture's radical teaching calls believers to bless those who curse them and pray for those who mistreat them.

King James Version
44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Matthew 5:44
20Therefore 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.
Romans 12:20
21If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: 22For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.
Proverbs 25:21-22
27But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, 28Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
Luke 6:27-28
17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Romans 12:17-19
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Psalms 23:5
4If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. 5If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.
Exodus 23:4-5
38Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Matthew 5:38-39
9Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:9
7When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Proverbs 16:7

Recommended reading

Study Bibles & devotionals

Go deeper than a single verse. These study Bibles and daily devotionals pair well with the topics here — adding context, commentary, and a rhythm for daily reading.

As an Amazon Associate this site earns from qualifying purchases. Links are sponsored. Browse all topics →

Related Topics

ForgivenessLoveKindness

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bible say about loving enemies?

Jesus gave one of His most radical commands in Matthew 5:44: 'Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.' Romans 12:20 says to feed your enemy when hungry and give drink when thirsty. This teaching set Christianity apart from the surrounding culture.

How can Christians practically love their enemies?

Romans 12:17-21 provides a practical framework: never repay evil for evil, live peaceably with all people as much as possible, leave vengeance to God, meet your enemy's physical needs, and overcome evil with good. 1 Peter 3:9 says to respond to insults with blessing. Prayer for enemies (Matthew 5:44) is often the first step toward genuine love.

Does loving enemies mean allowing abuse or injustice?

Loving enemies does not require becoming a doormat. Jesus overturned tables (John 2:15), Paul asserted his rights (Acts 16:37), and Scripture calls for justice (Micah 6:8). Love for enemies means refusing personal revenge and desiring their ultimate good, while still maintaining appropriate boundaries and pursuing justice for the vulnerable. It is a posture of the heart, not passive acceptance of evil.