Romans 12:20

“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him, etc..] These words are taken from (<202521>Proverbs 25:21,22), and to be understood, as a Jewish f230 writer observes, w[mçmk, according to “their literal sense”; though some of the Rabbins explain them in an allegorical way, of the corruption of nature. The Alexandrian copy and some others, and the Vulgate Latin version, reads “but if”; so far should the saints be from meditating revenge upon their enemies, that they should do good unto them, as Christ directs, (<400544>Matthew 5:44), by feeding them when hungry, and giving drink unto them when thirsty: if he thirst give him drink; which includes all offices of humanity and beneficence to be…”

“if thine enemy hunger, &c.--This is taken from Pro 25:21-22, which without doubt supplied the basis of those lofty precepts on that subject which form the culminating point of the Sermon on the Mount. in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head--As the heaping of "coals of fire" is in the Old Testament the figurative expression of divine vengeance (Psa 140:10; Psa 11:6, &c.), the true sense of these words seems to be, "That will be the most effectual vengeance--a vengeance under which he will be fain to bend" (So ALFORD, HODGE, &c.). Rom 12:21 confirms this.”

“Therefore, if thine enemy hunger ... - This verse is taken almost literally from Proverbs 25:21-22. Hunger and thirst here are put for want in general. If thine enemy is needy in any way, do him good, and supply his needs. This is, in spirit, the same as the command of the Lord Jesus Matthew 5:44, “Do good to them that hate you,” etc. In so doing - It does not mean that we are to do this “for the sake” of heaping coals of fire on him, but that this will be the result. Thou shalt heap ... - Coals of fire are doubtless emblematical of “pain.” But the idea here is not that in so doing we shall call down divine vengeance on the man; but the apostle is speaking of the natural effect or result of…”

“Feed him - With your own hand: if it be needful, even put bread into his mouth. Heap coals of fire upon his head - That part which is most sensible. "So artists melt the sullen ore of lead, By heaping coals of fire upon its head; In the kind warmth the metal learns to glow, And pure from dross the silver runs below." Pro 25:21, &c. Romans 12:21”

“12:20-21 A simple act of Christian kindness can often bring a hostile person to repentance before God and restore fellowship between people.”

“if thine: Exo 23:4, Exo 23:5; Sa1 24:16-19, Sa1 26:21; Pro 25:21, Pro 25:22; Mat 5:44 coals: Psa 120:4, Psa 140:10; Sol 8:6, Sol 8:7 Romans 12:21”