What is the difference between revenge and vengeance?

Thomas R. Valletta

Revenge consists of inflicting “pain or injury in return for an injury received.” Vengeance is similarly defined. However, “when such infliction proceeds from a mere love of justice, and the necessity of punishing offenders for the support of the laws, it is vengeance, and is warrantable and just. In this case, vengeance is a just retribution, recompense or punishment. In this latter sense the word is used in Scripture, and frequently applied to the punishments inflicted by God on sinners” (Webster, American Dictionary).

The Book of Mormon Study Guide: Start to Finish

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