Bible Verses

The Best 50+ Bible Verses About Enemies

Created:
January 15, 2025
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Updated:
January 23, 2025
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Author:
Joseph Cox

Ever found yourself grappling with the concept of enemies? You're not alone. The Bible offers a wealth of wisdom on how to navigate these challenging relationships.

Whether you're seeking solace, guidance, or a fresh perspective, these verses provide timeless insights. Let's explore what the scriptures have to say about dealing with those who oppose us.

50 Bible Verses About Enemies

10 Bible Verses on Loving Your Enemies

Matthew 5:44
  • "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." — Matthew 5:44
  • "But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you." — Luke 6:27
  • "Therefore 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.'" — Romans 12:20
  • "If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink." — Proverbs 25:21
  • "If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again. If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying under its burden, and you would refrain from helping it, you shall surely help him with it." — Exodus 23:4-5
  • "See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all." — 1 Thessalonians 5:15
  • "Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing." — 1 Peter 3:9
  • "But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil." — Luke 6:35
  • "For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?" — Matthew 5:46
  • "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse." — Romans 12:14

10 Bible Verses on Praying for Enemies

Matthew 5:44
  • "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." — Matthew 5:44
  • "Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you." — Luke 6:28
  • "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men." — 1 Timothy 2:1
  • "And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before." — Job 42:10
  • "Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, 'Lord, do not charge them with this sin.' And when he had said this, he fell asleep." — Acts 7:60
  • "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." — James 5:16
  • "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ." — Philippians 1:9-10
  • "For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." — Colossians 1:9
  • "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints." — Ephesians 6:18
  • "Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way." — 1 Samuel 12:23

10 Bible Verses on Overcoming Enemies

Romans 8:31
  • "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" — Romans 8:31
  • "Through You we will push down our enemies; Through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us." — Psalm 44:5
  • "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith." — 1 John 5:4
  • "And he said, 'Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: "Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s."'" — 2 Chronicles 20:15
  • "For the Lord your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." — Deuteronomy 20:4
  • "For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me." — Psalm 18:39
  • "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord." — Isaiah 54:17
  • "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." — 1 Corinthians 15:57
  • "The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." — Exodus 14:14
  • "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." — Joshua 1:9

10 Bible Verses on God's Justice on Enemies

Romans 12:19
  • "Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord." — Romans 12:19
  • "Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; Their foot shall slip in due time; For the day of their calamity is at hand, And the things to come hasten upon them." — Deuteronomy 32:35
  • "O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongs— O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth! Rise up, O Judge of the earth; Render punishment to the proud." — Psalm 94:1-2
  • "God is jealous, and the Lord avenges; The Lord avenges and is furious. The Lord will take vengeance on His adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His enemies." — Nahum 1:2
  • "Say to those who are fearful-hearted, 'Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you.'" — Isaiah 35:4
  • "For the Lord loves justice, And does not forsake His saints; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off." — Psalm 37:28
  • "Do not say, 'I will recompense evil'; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you." — Proverbs 20:22
  • "Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you." — 2 Thessalonians 1:6
  • "For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her." — Revelation 19:2
  • "God is a just judge, And God is angry with the wicked every day." — Psalm 7:11

10 Bible Verses on Forgiving Your Enemies

Matthew 6:14-15
  • "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." — Matthew 6:14-15
  • "Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." — Colossians 3:13
  • "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." — Ephesians 4:32
  • "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses." — Mark 11:25
  • "Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him." — Luke 17:3-4
  • "Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ." — 2 Corinthians 2:10
  • "Then Peter came to Him and said, 'Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.'" — Matthew 18:21-22
  • "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." — Luke 6:37
  • "He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends." — Proverbs 17:9
  • "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." — 1 John 1:9

What Does the Bible Say About Enemies

The Bible offers profound wisdom on how to deal with enemies, emphasizing love, prayer, and forgiveness. It encourages us to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us, as seen in Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27. This radical approach challenges us to rise above our natural inclinations and respond with kindness and compassion.

Prayer is another powerful tool the Bible advocates for when dealing with adversaries. Verses like 1 Timothy 2:1 and James 5:16 remind us of the importance of praying for everyone, including those who oppose us. Through prayer, we can find peace and strength, and even see transformations in our relationships.

Overcoming enemies is also a recurring theme. Romans 8:31 and Deuteronomy 20:4 assure us that with God on our side, we can face any opposition. These verses inspire confidence and courage, reminding us that we are never alone in our struggles.

Forgiveness is perhaps the most challenging yet liberating aspect of dealing with enemies. Matthew 6:14-15 and Colossians 3:13 highlight the necessity of forgiving others as God forgives us. By letting go of grudges, we free ourselves from the burden of resentment and open our hearts to healing and reconciliation.

Incorporating these teachings into our daily lives can transform our interactions and bring us closer to living a life of peace and love. The Bible's guidance on dealing with enemies is not just about enduring hardship but about fostering a spirit of compassion and hope.

How to Apply Enemies Bible Verses in Daily Life

Applying the Bible's teachings on dealing with enemies can start with small, intentional actions. Begin by practicing empathy. Try to understand the perspective of those who oppose you.

Next, incorporate prayer into your routine. Pray for your enemies, asking for their well-being and for the strength to forgive them.

  • Set aside a few minutes each day to pray specifically for those who have wronged you.
  • Keep a journal to track your prayers and any changes in your feelings or relationships.

Another step is to actively do good to those who dislike you. Simple acts of kindness can go a long way in transforming relationships.

  • Send a kind message or note to someone who has hurt you.
  • Offer help or support to an adversary in need.

Forgiveness is crucial. Make a conscious effort to let go of grudges and past hurts.

Finally, seek guidance from the Bible regularly. Reflect on verses that emphasize love, prayer, and forgiveness.

Explore more prayers and Bible verses on PrayersFor or use our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.

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