Paul continues to tell the believers how to deal with those who do evil to them. This section began in [Romans 12:17](./17.md).

## Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay ##

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that God will avenge his people. AT: "I will certainly avenge you" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

## your enemy...feed him...give him a drink...if you do this, you will heap....Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil ##

All forms of "you" and "your" are addressed as to one person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

## But if your enemy is hungry...his head ##

In 12:20 Paul quotes another part of Scripture. AT: "But it is also written, 'If your enemy is hungry...his head'"

## feed him  ##

AT: "give him some food"

## heap coals of fire on his head ##

Paul compares the punishment that the enemies will receive to hot coals being poured on their heads. Possible meanings are 1) "make the person who harmed you feel badly about how he has mistreated you" or 2) "give God a reason to judge your enemy more harshly." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

## Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good ##

Paul describes "evil" as though it is a living being. AT: "Do not let those who are evil defeat you, but defeat those who are evil by doing what is good" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])