The Hebrew verb naqam means to avenge, to take vengeance, or to punish wrongdoing on behalf of the wronged party. The related noun naqam (H5359) means vengeance or retribution. In Hebrew, vengeance is primarily God's prerogative — a function of His justice and covenant faithfulness rather than mere retaliation.
Naqam is one of the most misunderstood words in biblical theology. The famous declaration 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord' (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19) does not mean God is vindictive — it means that ultimate justice belongs to God alone and must not be taken into human hands. God's vengeance is the flip side of His covenant faithfulness: when His people are oppressed, His justice responds. The Psalms of vengeance (imprecatory psalms) entrust judgment to God rather than pursuing self-justice. Revelation uses naqam imagery for God's final vindication of the martyrs (Revelation 6:10) — showing that the cry for justice will ultimately be answered.