Scripture · New Testament
Romans 12:20
Romans 12:20 is verse 20 of Romans chapter 12, shown here in the Berean Standard Bible.
Berean Standard Bible
On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Proverbs 25:21–22 (see also LXX)
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.
World English Bible
Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
Read in context
Romans 12:18–21 · Berean Standard Bible
18 If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.
19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”
20 On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Read all of Romans 12Greek words
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Cross-references
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge lists these related verses. Scripture text comes from the Berean Standard Bible.
Exodus 23:4If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him.
Exodus 23:5If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it.
1 Samuel 24:16When David had finished saying these things, Saul called back, “Is that your voice, David my son?” Then Saul wept aloud
1 Samuel 24:17and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil.
1 Samuel 24:18And you have shown this day how well you have dealt with me; for when the LORD delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me.
1 Samuel 24:19When a man finds his enemy, does he let him go away unharmed? May the LORD reward you with good for what you have done for me this day.
1 Samuel 26:21Then Saul replied, “I have sinned. Come back, David my son. I will never harm you again, because today you considered my life precious. I have played the fool and have committed a grave error!”
Proverbs 25:21If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
Proverbs 25:22For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
Matthew 5:44But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Psalms 120:4Sharp arrows will come from the warrior, with burning coals of the broom tree!
Psalms 140:10May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into the miry pits, never to rise again.
Song of Solomon 8:6Set me as a seal over your heart, as a seal upon your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as unrelenting as Sheol. Its sparks are fiery flames, the fiercest blaze of all.
Song of Solomon 8:7Mighty waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If a man were to give all the wealth of his house for love, his offer would be utterly scorned.