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NASB | Romans 12:19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God's wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. [Deut 32:35] |
Bible Question: what is meant by heaping coals of fire on your enemies head? |
Bible Answer: Romans 12:20 tells us (Life Application Study Bible, New International Version (NIV), "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." So what does "heaping burning coals on his head" suggest? Well, it could refer to an Egyptian tradition of carrying a pan of burning coals on one's head as a public act of repentance. I think Paul was saying that we should treat our enmies with kindness (which isn't always easy to do as most of us know), so that they will become ashamed and turn from their sins. Centurian |