Throughout the Bible, the theme of enemies is prevalent, reflecting the complex nature of human relationships and the spiritual battles we face. As followers of Christ, we are encouraged to seek peace and love, even toward those who oppose or persecute us. The teachings of Jesus and the wisdom found in Scripture remind us of God’s overarching plan for reconciliation and forgiveness.
In our journey of faith, we must understand how to respond to adversities and enmity with grace and love, emulating Christ’s example.
Below is a collection of Bible verses that address the concept of enemies, offering guidance, wisdom, and encouragement in times of conflict and strife.
Bible Verses About Enemies
Matthew 5:44 – Love Your Enemies
“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
Luke 6:27 – Do Good to Your Enemies
“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,” – Luke 6:27
Romans 12:20 – Overcome Evil with Good
“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
Proverbs 24:17 – Do Not Rejoice Over Your Enemy’s Fall
“Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles,” – Proverbs 24:17
Proverbs 25:21 – A Cup of Kindness
“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.” – Proverbs 25:21
1 Peter 3:9 – Responding to Evil
“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
Psalm 23:5 – A Table for Your Enemies
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.” – Psalm 23:5
Exodus 14:14 – The Lord Will Fight for You
“The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” – Exodus 14:14
Psalms 138:7 – Walking in the Midst of Trouble
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me.” – Psalms 138:7
Isaiah 54:17 – No Weapon Formed Against You
“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn.” – Isaiah 54:17
Psalms 27:2 – Enemies Stumbling and Falling
“When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell.” – Psalms 27:2
Nehemiah 4:15 – Enemies Were Confounded
“And it happened, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had brought their plot to nothing, that all of us returned to the wall, everyone to his work.” – Nehemiah 4:15
James 4:7 – Submit to God
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
Matthew 10:36 – A Man’s Enemies
“And a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.” – Matthew 10:36
Proverbs enemies 16:7 – When a Man’s Ways Please the Lord
“When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” – Proverbs 16:7
Matthew 5:39 – Turn the Other Cheek
“But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” – Matthew 5:39
2 Timothy 4:14 – Alexander the Coppersmith
“Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works.” – 2 Timothy 4:14
Psalms 109:5 – They Have Rewarded Me Evil for Good
“Thus they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.” – Psalms 109:5
Proverbs 18:19 – A Brother Offended
“A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a castle.” – Proverbs 18:19
1 John 3:13 – Do Not Marvel If the World Hates You
“Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you.” – 1 John 3:13
Luke 9:55 – Jesus Rebuked the Disciples
“But He turned and rebuked them, and said, ‘You do not know what manner of spirit you are of.’” – Luke 9:55
Philippians 1:28 – Not Terrified by Your Adversaries
“And not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.” – Philippians 1:28
Psalms 18:40 – Their Voices Were Silenced
“You have also given me the necks of my enemies, so that I destroyed those who hated me.” – Psalms 18:40
Proverbs 10:12 – Hatred Stirs Up Strife
“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.” – Proverbs 10:12
Psalms 41:5 – My Enemies Speak Evil
“My enemies speak evil of me: ‘When will he die, and his name perish?’” – Psalms 41:5
Psalms 59:2 – Deliver Me from the Workers of Iniquity
“Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloodthirsty men.” – Psalms 59:2
Micah 7:8 – Rejoice Not Against Me
“Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; when I fall, I will arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.” – Micah 7:8
Romans 5:10 – Enemies of God Reconciled
“For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” – Romans 5:10
Proverbs 12:26 – Righteous Choose Their Friends Carefully
“The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.” – Proverbs 12:26
Psalms 63:11 – Those Who Seek My Life Shall Go into the Lower Parts of the Earth
“But the king shall rejoice in God; everyone who swears by Him shall glory; but the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.” – Psalms 63:11
Matthew 10:16 – Wise as Serpents, Harmless as Doves
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” – Matthew 10:16
1 Corinthians 15:25 – He Must Reign Till He Has Put All Enemies Under His Feet
“For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.” – 1 Corinthians 15:25
Psalms 56:9 – My Enemies Will Turn Back
“When I cry out to You, then my enemies will turn back; this I know, because God is for me.” – Psalms 56:9
Luke 19:27 – Bring Them Here and Slay Them Before Me
“But those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slay them before me.” – Luke 19:27
Psalms 119:157 – Many Are My Persecutors and My Enemies
“Many are my persecutors and my enemies, yet I do not turn from Your testimonies.” – Psalms 119:157
Psalms 21:8 – Your Hand Will Find All Your Enemies
“Your hand will find all Your enemies; Your right hand will find those who hate You.” – Psalms 21:8
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on the many verses related to enemies, we see a profound call to love, humility, and faithfulness. The struggle against adversaries is not just a physical one but often a spiritual battle as well. Our response to enemies should not be fueled by vengeance or anger but by a commitment to live out the teachings of Jesus—offering love and forgiveness instead of hatred and retribution. Each verse serves as a reminder that we are never alone in facing our enemies; God promises to fight for us and deliver us from those who wish us harm.
Let us strive to turn our challenges into opportunities for growth and reconciliation, extending God’s grace even to those who oppose us. After all, it is through love that we can truly overcome enmity, reflecting the heart of Christ in a world that desperately needs His light.