Throughout the Bible, the theme of dealing with enemies is prevalent. However, one of the more challenging aspects is the concept of “household enemies,” individuals who arise from within our close circles, such as family members, friends, or those we trust. These enemies can be particularly difficult to confront because they are people we care about, and the betrayal or opposition feels especially painful.
The Bible speaks to the reality of household enemies in various ways. These “enemies” may not always refer to physical confrontations or battles but can also relate to spiritual struggles, misunderstandings, deceit, or opposition within families and close-knit communities. Whether it’s a situation where trust is broken or conflict arises from within, God’s Word provides wisdom, comfort, and guidance for handling these struggles.
The following verses explore the theme of household enemies, teaching believers how to navigate these challenges while trusting in God’s protection, wisdom, and sovereignty. From betrayal to strife within the family, these Scriptures encourage patience, forgiveness, and reliance on God’s strength to overcome the adversity posed by those close to us.
1. Matthew 10:36 (KJV)
“And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.”
This verse from the words of Jesus highlights the painful truth that conflict can arise even within the family. Jesus acknowledges that following Him may lead to division, even in the closest of relationships.
2. Micah 7:6 (KJV)
“For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own house.”
This Old Testament verse echoes the same sentiment, warning that betrayal and dishonor can even come from those closest to us. It underscores the disillusionment that may arise when family relationships are strained.
3. Psalm 55:12-14 (KJV)
“For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company.”
David‘s words in this Psalm reflect the pain of betrayal by a close friend or family member. He speaks of the anguish of being hurt by someone with whom he once had a close and trusting relationship.
4. Proverbs 27:6 (KJV)
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”
Sometimes, household enemies may come disguised as those who care about us. Proverbs teaches that while a true friend may hurt us with necessary correction, the actions of an enemy can be disguised as affection or kindness.
5. Luke 12:51-53 (KJV)
“Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.”
Jesus warns of division even within households as a consequence of following Him. Family members who may once have been united can become divided when there is a difference in beliefs, priorities, or loyalties.
6. Psalm 41:9 (KJV)
“Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.”
This verse speaks of betrayal by someone who was once considered a close companion. It mirrors the hurt that comes when betrayal occurs from within the family or close friends.
7. Matthew 10:22 (KJV)
“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.”
Although this verse refers to persecution in general, it also applies to household enemies. Sometimes, standing firm in faith may result in opposition from family members or loved ones.
8. John 13:18 (KJV)
“I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.”
Jesus quotes Psalm 41:9 here to speak of betrayal by someone who was close to Him. This verse reminds us that even within close relationships, betrayal can occur.
9. Romans 12:17-18 (KJV)
“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
This passage gives instructions on how to deal with enemies, including those in the household. It encourages believers to live peaceably, even with those who may oppose or hurt them.
10. 2 Samuel 15:12 (KJV)
“And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.”
Absalom’s betrayal of his father, King David, is a prime example of household enemies. The conspiracies within David’s family are a reminder that even those closest to us can turn against us.
11. Galatians 6:9 (KJV)
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
This verse serves as a reminder that, despite opposition, we must continue to do good and trust that God will reward us in due time. Household enemies may try to discourage or harm us, but God promises victory.
12. Luke 6:27-28 (KJV)
“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.”
Dealing with household enemies involves responding with love and grace. Jesus commands believers to love even those who oppose them, offering a higher standard of behavior.
13. Proverbs 16:7 (KJV)
“When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
When we live in alignment with God’s will, He can change the hearts of our enemies, even those in our own households, bringing peace where there was once conflict.
14. 2 Timothy 4:14-15 (KJV)
“Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.”
Paul speaks of Alexander the coppersmith as an enemy who caused harm. This reminds believers to be vigilant and aware of those who seek to hinder God’s work, including within the household.
15. 1 Peter 3:9 (KJV)
“Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”
This verse instructs Christians to respond to mistreatment not with retaliation, but with blessing. Even household enemies should be treated with grace, trusting in God’s justice.
16. Proverbs 3:31-32 (KJV)
“Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. For the froward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous.”
This verse warns against following the ways of those who oppress or harm us, including household enemies. It emphasizes the importance of choosing righteousness, despite the influence of others.
17. Psalm 35:11 (KJV)
“False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.”
David speaks of false accusations made against him, which often come from those within close proximity. This verse reflects the emotional toll of being slandered by household enemies.
18. Romans 8:31 (KJV)
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”
Even when we face opposition from household enemies, this verse reminds us that if God is on our side, no one can stand against us, including those who may try to harm us.
19. 1 Corinthians 16:22 (KJV)
“If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.”
Paul uses strong language to describe those who oppose Christ, including those within the Christian community. While this may not directly refer to household enemies, it underscores the importance of loyalty to God.
20. Psalm 27:10 (KJV)
“When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.”
Even in the deepest betrayals or abandonment by close family members, God promises to take care of us and offer His protection.
21. James 4:7-8 (KJV)
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”
This verse offers a path to peace amidst household enemies—submit to God, resist the devil, and draw near to God for help in times of conflict.
22. Psalm 55:16-18 (KJV)
“As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.”
David calls upon God for deliverance from enemies, including those within his own house. This verse encourages believers to seek God’s help in times of struggle.
23. Matthew 5:44 (KJV)
“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.”
This is another powerful reminder from Jesus that we must love even our enemies, especially those close to us, offering forgiveness and prayer.
24. 1 John 3:15 (KJV)
“Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.”
John warns against hatred in relationships, especially among those in the household. Hatred breeds division, but love brings unity.
25. Isaiah 59:19 (KJV)
“So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.”
When the floodgates of opposition and strife open, including from household enemies, God promises to raise a standard against them, offering protection and deliverance.
26. Psalm 109:5 (KJV)
“And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.”
This verse speaks to the betrayal and hurt that comes when evil is repaid for good, something that can happen even within households.
27. Luke 6:32-33 (KJV)
“For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.”
Jesus teaches that it is easy to love those who love us, but true Christian love reaches out to those who may oppose us, even household enemies.
28. John 15:12-13 (KJV)
“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Even when dealing with household enemies, Christians are called to love sacrificially, reflecting the love Christ showed for us.
29. Proverbs 18:24 (KJV)
“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”
While this verse speaks of friendship, it also highlights that God can provide friendships that endure even when family relationships are strained.
30. Romans 12:21 (KJV)
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Christians are called to combat evil, even from household enemies, with acts of goodness and righteousness.
31. Proverbs 14:11 (KJV)
“The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish.”
God promises that the homes of the righteous will stand strong, even when opposed by household enemies.
32. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (KJV)
“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”
Paul speaks of overcoming adversity and opposition, which can include opposition from those within the household, relying on God’s strength to persevere.
33. Psalm 34:19 (KJV)
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”
Even when faced with household enemies and their afflictions, God promises to deliver the righteous from every trial.
Conclusion
Dealing with enemies, especially those within our own households, can be one of the most challenging experiences in life. The Bible provides us with a wealth of wisdom and guidance to navigate these difficult relationships. From the calls for forgiveness, love, and prayer to the assurance of God’s protection and deliverance, the scriptures remind us that we are not alone in our struggles.
In moments of betrayal, conflict, or even when we feel isolated by those closest to us, we are encouraged to lean on God’s promises. We are called to rise above hatred and revenge, responding with love, kindness, and understanding. The ultimate example of sacrificial love is found in Jesus Christ, who showed us that loving even our enemies leads to peace and healing.
Ultimately, God promises that His presence will help us endure and that He will deliver us from the strife caused by household enemies. By embracing these biblical teachings, believers can cultivate peace in their hearts, protect their relationships, and trust in God’s power to bring about restoration. The battle may be difficult, but victory through God’s strength is assured.
Related topics:
