Romans 12 – question 6
« Heap Burning Coals on His Head »: Origin and Interpretation
In Romans 12:20, Paul exhorts believers to respond to evil with kindness, using a striking metaphor:
Romans 12:20 – “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” (NASB)
This expression has sparked various interpretations: does it symbolize punishment, or is it meant to lead the enemy to Repentance?
1. The Origin of the Expression: A Citation from the Old Testament
Paul is quoting Proverbs 25:21-22, which teaches kindness toward enemies:
Proverbs 25:21-22 – “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”
In the Old Testament, the image of burning coals appears several times, notably in Isaiah 6:6-7, where a burning coal purifies the prophet’s lips, symbolizing spiritual purification and transformation.
Paul’s use of this expression aligns with a biblical theme of transformation rather than destruction.
2. The Main Interpretations
There are two predominant interpretations of this phrase:
A. An Image of Shame and Conviction of Sin
According to this view, the « burning coals » represent the moral burden placed on the enemy’s conscience when they are treated with kindness instead of expected retaliation.
- Jesus taught a similar principle in Matthew 5:44-45: “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you.”
- The idea is that responding with kindness can awaken an enemy’s conscience and lead them to Repentance.
- Example of Joseph in Genesis 45
- Joseph could have taken revenge on his brothers, but instead, he showed them Grace and forgiveness, leading to their humility and repentance.
- Paul parallels this idea with the rejection of vengeance in Romans 12:19: “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath; for it is written: ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
- This suggests that kindness toward an enemy is not hidden revenge but an invitation to transformation.
B. A Reference to an Egyptian Repentance Ritual
Some commentators suggest that this phrase refers to an ancient Egyptian custom: when a person realized their wrongdoing and wanted to express repentance, they would carry a pan of burning coals on their head as a sign of remorse.
- If this interpretation is correct, Paul implies that treating an enemy kindly might lead them to self-awareness and repentance, much like this ancient practice.
- However, this hypothesis remains uncertain, as there is little historical evidence supporting it.
3. Testimonies from Evangelical Commentators
- John Stott (The Message of Romans): “The image of burning coals does not imply subtle revenge but the possibility of awakening the enemy’s conscience toward repentance.”
- Douglas J. Moo (The Epistle to the Romans): “The metaphor suggests that doing good to an enemy may cause a sense of shame that leads to a change of attitude.”
- Thomas R. Schreiner (Romans – Baker Exegetical Commentary): “The act of kindness toward an enemy is a way to demonstrate Christ’s love and hope that such an attitude will lead them to recognize their Sin and repent.”
4. Practical Application: How to Live According to Romans 12:20?
- Do good to our enemies, even when it’s difficult
- If a coworker treats us unfairly, we can choose to respond with kindness rather than resentment.
- Leave justice in God’s hands
- Instead of seeking revenge, we can pray for those who harm us and extend unexpected Grace.
- Not seek to shame others, but to change them
- The goal is not to humiliate but to awaken the enemy’s conscience and lead them to transformation.
Conclusion: An Exhortation to Grace and Transformation
The expression “heap burning coals on his head” in Romans 12:20 does not mean a hidden form of revenge but rather an invitation to repentance through acts of undeserved kindness.
Instead of responding to evil with evil, Paul calls us to imitate Christ, who forgave even those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). The victory of good over evil is not achieved through retribution but through love and mercy, which can soften even the hardest heart.