Romans 12:21 (ASV)

Passage

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Nearby Context

Romans 12:19 Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath [of God]: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.

Romans 12:20 But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.

Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "overcome", "evil", and "good". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "overcome" and "evil", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The prior verse says "But if thine enemy hunger feed him...", giving immediate footing for "overcome" and "evil". In Romans context, the local focus is righteousness by faith, union with Christ, life in the Spirit, and God's covenant faithfulness.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "overcome" and "evil" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.