Romans 12:21 net — Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:21 in the NET Bible reads: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Romans 12:21 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Romans, chapter 12, verse 21.

Romans is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle. It was written c. AD 56–57.

Romans is Paul's most systematic exposition of the gospel — the universal need for salvation, justification by faith in Christ, the new life of the Spirit, the place of Israel in God's plan, and the practical shape of a transformed community. The most influential letter in church history.

Romans explores themes including Righteousness by Faith, Sin, Grace, Spirit-Filled Life, Israel, Christian Living. These themes shape the meaning and context of Romans 12:21.

Romans 12:21 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.

Romans 12:21 reads (NET): “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.