our enemies
What does the Bible say about our enemies? These are the passages readers found most helpful — tap any citation to read it in context.
14 passages · most helpful first
44‘The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool?’
27But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. 28Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who slander you. 29And to him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your coat, do not withhold even your tunic. 30But distribute to all who ask of you. And do not ask again of him who takes away what is yours. 31And exactly as you would want people to treat you, treat them also the same. 32And if you love those who love you, what credit is due to you? For even sinners love those who love them.
20So if an enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in doing so, you will heap burning coals upon his head.
1A Psalm of David. The Lord directs me, and nothing will be lacking to me. 2He has settled me here, in a place of pasture. He has led me out to the water of refreshment. 3He has converted my soul. He has led me away on the paths of justice, for the sake of his name. 4For, even if I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils. For you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they have given me consolation. 5You have prepared a table in my sight, opposite those who trouble me. You have anointed my head with oil, and my cup, which inebriates me, how brilliant it is! 6And your mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and so may I dwell in the house of the Lord for length of days.
1But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be among you lying teachers, who will introduce divisions of perdition, and they will deny him who bought them, the Lord, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
1“Do not let your heart be troubled. You believe in God. Believe in me also.
11Blessed are you when they have slandered you, and persecuted you, and spoken all kinds of evil against you, falsely, for my sake:
1The Praise of a Canticle, of David. Whoever dwells with the assistance of the Most High will abide in the protection of the God of heaven. 2He will say to the Lord, “You are my supporter and my refuge.” My God, I will hope in him. 3For he has freed me from the snare of those who go hunting, and from the harsh word. 4He will overshadow you with his shoulders, and you will hope under his wings. 5His truth will surround you with a shield. You will not be afraid: before the terror of the night, 6before the arrow flying in the day, before the troubles that wander in the darkness, nor of invasion and the midday demon.
14Bless those who are persecuting you: bless, and do not curse.
21If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
7If I wander into the midst of tribulation, you will revive me. For you extended your hand against the wrath of my enemies. And your right hand has accomplished my salvation.
9And he was thrown out, that great dragon, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, who seduces the whole world. And he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him.
19Do not defend yourselves, dearest ones. Instead, step aside from wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is mine. I shall give retribution, says the Lord.”
34Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them. For they know not what they do.” And truly, dividing his garments, they cast lots.