A.T. Robertson Commentary Romans 12:19

"Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath [of God]: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord." — Romans 12:19 (ASV)

Avenge not (μη εκδικουντες). Independent participle again of late verb εκδικεω from εκδικος, exacting justice (13:4). See already Lu 18:5; 2 Corinthians 10:6.

But give place unto wrath (αλλα δοτε τοπον τη οργη). Second aorist active imperative of διδωμ, to give. "Give room for the (note article as in 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 2:16) wrath" of God instead of taking vengeance in your own hands. See Eph 4:27 for διδοτε τοπον. Paul quotes De 32:35 (the Hebrew rather than the LXX). So have Heb 10:30 and the Targum of Onkelos, but the relation between them and Paul we cannot tell. Socrates and Epictetus condemned personal vindictiveness as Paul does here.

I will recompense (ανταποδωσω). Future active of the double compound verb quoted also in 11:35.