“‘Vengeance is mine,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19)

You’ve probably heard that verse quoted when someone’s trying to calm down or trying not to lose it after being hurt. Maybe you're the one holding onto it, trying to make sense of it. 

This phrase, straight from Romans 12:19, sounds simple on the surface. But the more you sit with it, the more layered it becomes.“Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord” (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19) is both a comfort and a caution, affirming that ultimate justice belongs to God alone.

As someone who’s studied theology at a master’s level, this verse came up a lot. It touches a raw spot in people. And rightly so. Because trusting God with justice isn’t easy. It asks something from us, something personal.

If you’re wrestling with resentment or waiting for justice that hasn’t come, there’s something here for you. Don’t miss the deeper message hidden in this verse. It might speak directly to where you are right now.

In this article, we’ll break down what “Vengeance is mine” really means, biblically, emotionally, and practically. We’ll look at what God says about justice, why letting go doesn’t mean letting someone off the hook, and what it truly means to hand your pain over to a higher power.