Matthew 5:39

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 (KJV)

Context

Matthew 5:39 appears in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus repeatedly uses the phrase “But I say unto you” to contrast His teaching with the common understanding of the Law among His contemporaries. This verse directly follows the quotation of the lex talionis, “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” (Matthew 5:38), which was rooted in Old Testament judicial law (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21). Jesus does not abolish that principle of fair punishment; rather, He redirects it away from personal vengeance.

Meaning

The Greek term for “resist” (anthistēmi) can mean to oppose or withstand. In this context, Jesus is not commanding passivity toward all evil. He is addressing personal retaliation against an injurious person. The command “resist not evil” forbids rendering evil for evil or seeking private revenge. It does not forbid lawful self-defense, nor does it forbid opposing sin, false doctrine, or Satan, who is to be resisted. The focus is on the heart’s attitude when we suffer personal wrong.

The image of being smitten on the right cheek is a proverbial expression for a personal insult or affront. In Jesus’ culture, a blow to the right cheek was typically seen as an insult rather than a life-threatening attack. By turning the other cheek, one refuses to engage in a cycle of violence or seek revenge. It demonstrates a commitment to nonviolence and a willingness to endure suffering for the sake of righteousness.

Biblical connections

This teaching is paralleled in Luke 6:29, where Jesus says, “And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other,” reinforcing the same principle of non-retaliation. The command is a call to a radical, counterintuitive response to personal wrongs that goes beyond natural human instinct. It is not a command that obliges one to literally offer oneself to be beaten in every circumstance, as neither Christ nor the Apostle Paul turned the other cheek when struck (John 18; Acts 23). The focus is on rejecting retaliation and embracing a willingness to suffer personal loss rather than to return harm for harm.

Application

The principle of non-retaliation, as taught by Jesus, can be challenging to live out in a world that often values power, retribution, and self-defense. However, it remains a fundamental aspect of the Christian ethic. Christians are called to emulate the love of Christ, seeking reconciliation and promoting peace even in the face of opposition. Jesus himself exemplified this teaching, responding to his persecutors with forgiveness and compassion, culminating in his crucifixion.

It’s important to note that this teaching does not negate the responsibility to protect oneself, others, or pursue justice through lawful means. Rather, it emphasizes the attitude and disposition of the heart when faced with personal offense. Turning the other cheek represents a willingness to absorb the impact of injustice while responding with Christ-like love.

Reflection

Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard than natural instinct. When we are insulted or wronged, the impulse is to strike back. But the way of the kingdom is different: it is the way of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. This verse invites us to examine our own hearts and to ask whether we are willing to surrender our right to revenge for the sake of the gospel.