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Bible Verses About Enemies

“If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.”

— Exodus 23:4

Jesus raised the ceiling on enemy-love: pray for them, do good to them, leave vengeance to God. These verses are the hardest and most distinctive teaching in his portfolio. The fifteen verses below are the Bible's direct address to that situation, shown in full KJV text from Exodus 23:4 to Psalms 27:12.

Quick answer: The best-known verse about enemies here is Exodus 23:4: "If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again." Psalms 23:5 follows close behind: "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." Both are public-domain translations, shown in full on the cards below with a modern-English toggle.

The 15 verses, in full text

01 · King James Version

If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.

Exodus 23:4

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02 · King James Version

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Psalms 23:5

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03 · King James Version

By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.

Psalms 41:11

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04 · King James Version

For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies.

Psalms 54:7

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05 · King James Version

Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

Psalms 60:12

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06 · King James Version

For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer.

Psalms 109:4

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07 · King James Version

He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.

Psalms 18:48

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08 · King James Version

When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Proverbs 16:7

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09 · King James Version

If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

Proverbs 25:21

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10 · King James Version

For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

Proverbs 25:22

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11 · King James Version

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;

Matthew 5:44

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12 · King James Version

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

Luke 6:27

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13 · King James Version

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

Romans 12:14

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14 · King James Version

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.

Romans 12:20

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15 · King James Version

Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

Psalms 27:12

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When to read these verses

Read these before the hard conversation rather than after — the Bible's relationship material works best as preventive care. They are also read in reconciliation seasons, where the forgiveness page pairs naturally with this one.

How to use this list

Each card toggles between the King James Version and the World English Bible — worth doing before quoting a verse at someone, since modern wording sometimes sharpens the duty you were about to assign. Copy the verse you will actually use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Bible verse about enemies?
Exodus 23:4 is the one most readers land on: "If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again." Psalms 23:5 is the usual second: "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." The full list of fifteen is on this page — there is no single required verse, and different seasons call for different texts.
Do these verses apply to enemies today, or only to their original culture?
The verses on this page are presented as they read — in context, without retrofitting. The underlying principles (covenant faithfulness, self-giving love, honesty, honor) are stated by the texts themselves as broadly applicable, while some first-century household details obviously require translation across cultures. Reading the full verse text, rather than a phrase pulled loose, is the built-in safeguard.
Where in the Bible does it talk about enemies?
The verses on this page come from 6 books of the Bible — most notably Exodus, Psalms, Proverbs and 3 more — spanning both Old and New Testaments. The distribution itself is worth noticing: Scripture addresses enemies in more than one voice, which is why the page shows whole verses rather than a single proof text.
How do I use a list of verses about enemies?
Read the list once slowly, then keep the one verse that fits your situation close — the copy button places it wherever you will actually see it. Every card can be switched to the World English Bible for modern wording, and the random verse tool at the top of the page can draw one verse from this theme at a time if the whole list is more than today needs.

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