CategoryDoctrine / Judgment and Justice Term
Modern Equivalentrighteous judgment; repayment; divine justice.
KJV Word TypeTheological noun / justice term
DefinitionRepayment, judgment, or justice carried out against wrongdoing. In the KJV, vengeance often belongs to God as righteous recompense rather than personal revenge.
Key Verses"To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time." (Deuteronomy 32:35); "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." (Romans 12:19)
KJV Usage NoteUsually emphasizes God’s righteous judgment and repayment, not uncontrolled human retaliation.
Common MisunderstandingIt does not mean sinful personal revenge when attributed to God; it means righteous judgment and recompense.
EtymologyFrom Latin vindicare, meaning to claim, avenge, or punish.