Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Your Enemies?
15 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Your Enemies in the Bible
Explore what the Bible says about your enemies. This collection of 15 key Scripture passages reveals God's wisdom and guidance on this important theme.
Top 10 Verses About Your Enemies
- 1Exodus 23:4
“If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.”
KJV - 2Psalms 138:7
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.”
KJV - 3Proverbs 16:7
“When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
KJV - 4Proverbs 24:17
“Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:”
KJV - 5Proverbs 25:21
“If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:”
KJV - 6Matthew 5:1
“And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:”
KJV - 7
- 8Matthew 5:43
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.”
KJV - 9Matthew 5:44
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”
KJV - 10
Subtopics of Your Enemies
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Your Enemies? (5 Verses)
“If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.”
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.”
“When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
“Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:”
“If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:”
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Your Enemies? (10 Verses)
“And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:”
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:”
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.”
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”
“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,”
“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.”
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.”
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.”
“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Your Enemies
- 1
Begin by reading through every verse listed on this page, noting which ones speak most directly to your current season of life. Write them down and revisit them throughout the week.
- 2
Use a concordance or the search tools on this site to find additional passages about your enemies. Look for patterns across both the Old and New Testaments to gain a complete picture of what God reveals on this subject.
- 3
Study the context of each verse. Read the surrounding chapter to understand who was speaking, who the audience was, and what circumstances prompted the passage. Context prevents misapplication.
- 4
Memorise at least one key verse about your enemies and meditate on it daily. Scripture memory transforms thinking and equips you to apply God's Word in real-time situations.
Practical Application
Studying what the Bible says about your enemies is only the beginning. Scripture is meant to be lived out in daily obedience and faith. Here are practical steps to apply these truths:
Identify one area of your life where the biblical teaching on your enemies needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about your enemies with a fellow believer or in a small group setting. Teaching others solidifies your own understanding and encourages mutual growth.
Pray through the key verses about your enemies, asking God to reveal how His Word applies to your relationships, decisions, and daily habits.
How Well Do You Know What the Bible Says About Your Enemies?
You have studied 15 verses about your enemies. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.