Romans 12:21

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good...." — Romans 12:21 reveals truths about God's character and His purposes. This passage has been a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for believers across generations.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Romans 12:21 (NIV)

Compare NIV, KJV, ESV, NLT, MSG, and NASB side by side →

Surrounding verses

Read Romans 12:21 with the verses next to it, then open Romans 12 in full.

Romans 12:20

On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Romans 13:1

Submission to the Authorities Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

When people use this verse

People often open Romans 12:21 when they are looking for Scripture on love your enemies, evil.

Get another verse

Same randomizer as the rest of the site — tap for another NIV verse from this book, a related topic, or the priority collection.

Romans · NIV

John

“The Word Became FleshIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

— John 1:1

What is this verse about?

Romans 12:21 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Romans. This verse comes from chapter 12, which can be read in full at the Romans chapter 12 page. Understanding the surrounding passages helps illuminate the deeper meaning of this verse.

How people apply it

As you reflect on Romans 12:21, consider how God's truth applies to your current circumstances. Scripture is living and active — it speaks into every season of life. Let this verse shape your thoughts, decisions, and relationships as you walk in faith.

Related verses

Curated from this site's topic lists — not a keyword scan of the verse text.

Matthew 5:43

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

Matthew 5:44

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Matthew 5:45

that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Matthew 5:46

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?

Matthew 5:47

And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

Matthew 5:48

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Luke 6:27

“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

Luke 6:28

bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

A short prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth revealed in Romans 12:21. Open my heart to receive Your Word and transform my life. Help me apply this Scripture faithfully and share its hope with others. In Jesus' name, Amen.