Matthew 5 39

Matthew 5:39 kjv

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Matthew 5:39 nkjv

But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.

Matthew 5:39 niv

But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.

Matthew 5:39 esv

But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Matthew 5:39 nlt

But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.

Matthew 5 verses

Matthew 5 39 Meaning

This verse conveys a radical teaching of Jesus, calling his followers to respond to personal affronts and malicious acts with non-retaliation and a proactive posture of love, rather than resistance or an "eye-for-an-eye" mentality. It encourages believers to absorb insults and injuries willingly, turning the aggression back on the perpetrator not with violence, but with an act of humble, redemptive love that exposes the nature of the aggression and potentially disarms it.

Matthew 5 39 Context

This verse is an integral part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, found within Matthew chapter 5, which introduces the principles of Kingdom living. It stands in direct contrast to the popular legalistic interpretation of the lex talionis ("eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth") stated in the preceding verse (Matt 5:38). While the lex talionis in the Old Testament served to limit retaliation to the exact measure of injury, Jesus elevates the standard beyond mere proportionate justice to an ethic of radical non-retaliation for personal affronts. The historical context indicates that some groups within Judaism applied "an eye for an eye" literally, or held a zealous attitude towards self-defense and vengeance, particularly in light of Roman occupation. Jesus here offers a polemic against such a mindset, not by negating justice entirely, but by establishing a higher kingdom ethic for personal conduct, emphasizing redemptive love over retaliatory harm, and urging his disciples to move beyond worldly retribution.

Matthew 5 39 Word analysis

• But I tell you: (Greek: Egō de legō hymin) This phrase signals Jesus' divine authority and intentional contrast with existing teachings or common understanding, as seen frequently in the Sermon on the Mount ("You have heard it said... but I tell you"). It sets his new, higher standard.
• do not resist: (Greek: mē antistēnai) The Greek word antistēnai combines anti (against) and histēmi (to stand), meaning "to stand against," "oppose," or "resist." Jesus' command is not passive resignation to evil, but a conscious, deliberate refusal to oppose evil with a reciprocating evil. It's a non-violent counter-action, breaking the cycle of aggression rather than participating in it. It indicates a readiness to absorb evil without returning it in kind.
• an evil person: (Greek: tō ponērō) This can be translated as "the evil one" (referring to Satan, as in the Lord's Prayer) or, more likely in this context, "an evil person." It points to an individual who intends harm or injustice, highlighting that Jesus' teaching applies directly to those who perpetrate malicious acts.
• If anyone slaps you on the right cheek: (Greek: rapisei epi tēn dexian siagnona)
  • rapisei: The verb means "to strike with a rod or the flat hand." However, combined with "right cheek," it suggests a specific, degrading form of assault.
  • right cheek: As most people are right-handed, striking the right cheek with the aggressor's right hand implies a backhanded blow. In ancient Middle Eastern culture, a backhand slap was a profound insult, a public shaming, meant to demean and dishonor someone, much more than a simple physical blow or punch. It was a calculated act of humiliation.
• turn to them the other cheek also: (Greek: strepson autō kai tēn allēn) This is the iconic image of the verse. It is not an invitation to further abuse but an active, symbolic, and moral challenge. By offering the other cheek, the victim seizes the initiative, denying the aggressor the satisfaction of successful humiliation. It implies an internal spiritual strength that transcends personal offense and potentially leads the aggressor to reflection, shifting the moral burden onto the perpetrator. It demonstrates that the disciple's dignity is not dependent on societal recognition or vengeance but on Christ.

• Words-group analysis:
• "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.": This initial phrase establishes Jesus' core revolutionary principle. He challenges the deeply ingrained human instinct for self-preservation and justice based on retribution. It’s a call to a radically different posture in the face of malice, moving from reactive resistance to proactive spiritual and ethical engagement.
• "If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.": This vivid example concretizes the abstract principle. It addresses not merely physical violence but, more critically, the deep insult and dehumanization conveyed by such an act. The disciple's response is an act of humble yet profound defiance of the oppressor's intent, denying them the power to fully shame. It is a posture that embraces self-sacrifice and aims for redemptive interaction over retaliatory conflict.

Matthew 5 39 Bonus section

This command of "turning the other cheek" is best understood not as an endorsement of being a doormat or enabling abuse in contexts of systemic injustice or violent threat, but rather as an active, courageous, and strategic posture in specific interpersonal contexts where insult or minor personal injury occurs. It is about renouncing one's "right" to demand an exact equivalent payment for an injury (as per lex talionis) and choosing instead a path that seeks to diffuse aggression and express the transforming power of redemptive love. The aim is not simply self-suffering, but a proactive display of Kingdom values that reflect the character of God, who pours out blessings on the just and unjust (Matt 5:45). This radical humility and non-resistance serve as a powerful witness to the aggressor and a demonstration of faith that God is the ultimate judge and protector.

Matthew 5 39 Commentary

Matthew 5:39 represents a foundational principle of Jesus' kingdom ethics, profoundly challenging the common understanding of justice and retaliation. It does not advocate for complete passivity in the face of all evil, nor does it negate the legitimate role of civil authorities in maintaining justice and order (Rom 13:1-7). Instead, it primarily addresses the individual's response to personal injury and insult, especially in interpersonal relations. Jesus calls his followers to break the cycle of aggression and resentment by refusing to meet evil with evil. This radical non-retaliation is not weakness but a powerful act of spiritual defiance rooted in love and faith. It disarms the aggressor by refusing to play their game, exposes their wrongdoing, and often creates an opportunity for repentance or dialogue, putting the moral high ground firmly with the one who endures the slight. This act requires deep humility and trust in God for ultimate vindication, echoing Christ's own example of enduring suffering without reviling (1 Pet 2:23). It teaches disciples to overcome evil with good (Rom 12:21).

Examples for practical usage:

• Interpersonal Conflict: When someone slanders or insults you, instead of returning harsh words or seeking to humiliate them in return, choose to respond with quiet dignity, prayer, or a kind word.
• Minor Wrongs: If someone cuts you off in traffic or unfairly criticizes you at work, rather than reacting with anger or plotting small acts of vengeance, choose to let it go and offer patience or understanding.