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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJohn Bengel Commentary - Romans 12:20 - 12:20
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Rom 12:20. Εὰν οὖν πεινᾷ-ψώμιζε-αὐτοῦ) LXX. Pro 25:21-22, εὰν πεινᾷ-τρέφε [ψώμιζε in LXX. ed. by Holmes and Bos] αὐτοῦ, ὁ δὲ Κύριος ΑΝΤΑΠΟΔΩΣΕΙ σοι ἀγαθά. If he hunger, feed him [his head], and the Lord will repay thy good deeds. The apostles applied the phrase, it is written more to doctrines, than to morals.-ἐχθρὸς, an enemy) This especially holds good of a bitter and violent enemy.-ψώμιζε, feed) with thy hand. So LXX., 2Sa 13:5. Thus will even thy iron-hearted enemy be softened.-ἄνθρακας πυρὸς, coals of fire) The end of all vengeance is that an enemy may be brought to repent, and that an enemy may deliver himself into the hands of the avenger. A man will very easily attain both objects, if he treat his enemy with kindness. Both are described in this remarkable phrase; for it is such a repentance as that, which in the greatest degree burns; 4 Esd. 16:53, and an enemy becomes willingly the property of his avenger; you will then have him entirely in your power [ready at your nod to obey].-ἐπὶ τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτοῦ, upon his head) i.e. upon himself, upon him wholly, in that part too where he will feel it most.