Vengeance is mine; I will repay.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The phrase "Vengeance is mine; I will repay" speaks to a profound and ancient principle that transcends specific cultures and epochs. It encapsulates the idea that justice and retribution are not the domain of the individual but should be left to a higher power or authority. This notion of deferring to a greater force for the execution of justice is both a call for restraint and an acknowledgment of the limits of human judgment.
At its core, this concept suggests that when wronged, individuals may feel a compelling urge to seek revenge. This impulse can be powerful, often driven by a desire for immediate satisfaction and a sense of balance. However, the phrase reminds us that acting on this impulse can lead to a cycle of retaliation that perpetuates conflict rather than resolving it. By stating that vengeance belongs to a higher authority, it encourages people to step back from personal retribution and trust that a broader, perhaps more impartial, system will address grievances.
Imagine a society where everyone took matters into their own hands. The result would be a chaotic landscape where personal vendettas fuel continuous cycles of violence and animosity. Each act of revenge could spark further retaliation, creating an environment where resolution is elusive and harmony is consistently undermined. The phrase underscores the importance of a structured system for addressing wrongs, one that transcends personal biases and emotions.
This principle can be likened to a referee in a sports game. If players were to make their own calls and enforce rules independently, the game would become chaotic, with constant disputes and unresolved conflicts. The referee, however, acts as a neutral authority whose decisions aim to be fair and unbiased. Similarly, the idea of a higher power or authority handling retribution serves to maintain order and impartiality, preventing personal grievances from spiraling out of control.
Furthermore, this perspective aligns with the notion that there are forces or systems beyond our understanding that can address wrongs more effectively than we might in our limited human capacity. This does not mean that justice will be served in the exact manner or timeframe we desire, but it implies a faith that a greater sense of justice exists and will eventually prevail. It encourages a form of patience and trust in a process that is beyond our immediate grasp.
The emphasis on "I will repay" signifies that while individuals might seek to take control of their own justice, they are ultimately reminded that there is a mechanism or force responsible for addressing such matters. This can be seen as a call to let go of personal grudges and frustrations, trusting that the resolution will come from a higher or more equitable source. It is an invitation to move beyond immediate anger and find peace in the belief that a greater justice will be served.
In essence, this phrase champions the virtue of restraint and the importance of trusting larger systems of justice. It calls for individuals to relinquish the desire for personal retribution and to accept that true justice is best handled by an authority capable of impartiality and fairness. This can be a difficult practice, especially when the urge for immediate retribution is strong. However, by embracing this principle, individuals can contribute to a more just and harmonious society where conflicts are resolved not through endless cycles of retaliation but through a trusted and balanced system of justice.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." is often attributed to Leo Tolstoy (Quotes). Leo Tolstoy is a classic Russian author famous for his epic novels, including "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina."
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
