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If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. <a href="/nlt/matthew/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. <a href="/esv/matthew/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; <a href="/blb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But I tell you not to resist the evil person. Instead, whoever shall strike you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. <a href="/kjv/matthew/5.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/5.htm">New King James Version</a> But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But I say to you, do not show opposition against an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other toward him also. <a href="/nasb/matthew/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “But I say to you, do not resist him who is evil; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. <a href="/lsb/matthew/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. <a href="/amp/matthew/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But I say to you, do not resist an evil person [who insults you or violates your rights]; but whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other toward him also [simply ignore insignificant insults or trivial losses and do not bother to retaliate—maintain your dignity, your self-respect, your poise]. <a href="/csb/matthew/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But I tell you, don&#8217t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. <a href="/asv/matthew/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> but I say unto you, Resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. <a href="/cev/matthew/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But I tell you not to try to get even with a person who has done something to you. When someone slaps your right cheek, turn and let that person slap your other cheek. <a href="/erv/matthew/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> but I say unto you, Resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. <a href="/gwt/matthew/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But I tell you not to oppose an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn your other cheek to him as well. <a href="/gnt/matthew/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> But now I tell you: do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, let him slap your left cheek too. <a href="/isv/matthew/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> But I tell you not to resist an evildoer. On the contrary, whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well. <a href="/msb/matthew/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; <a href="/net/matthew/5.htm">NET Bible</a> But I say to you, do not resist the evildoer. But whoever strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well. <a href="/nheb/matthew/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But I tell you, do not set yourself against the one who is evil. But whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. <a href="/wbt/matthew/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But I say to you, That ye resist not evil: but whoever shall strike thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. <a href="/wey/matthew/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But I tell you not to resist a wicked man, but if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well. <a href="/web/matthew/5.htm">World English Bible</a> But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> but I say to you not to resist the evil, but whoever will slap you on your right cheek, turn to him also the other; <a href="/blb/matthew/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But I tell you not to resist the evil person. Instead, whoever shall strike you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. <a href="/ylt/matthew/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> but I -- I say to you, not to resist the evil, but whoever shall slap thee on thy right cheek, turn to him also the other; <a href="/slt/matthew/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> But I say to you, not to resist evil: but whosoever shall smite thee with a rod upon thy right cheek, turn to him also the other.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But I say to you not to resist evil: but if one strike thee on thy right cheek, turn to him also the other: <a href="/cpdv/matthew/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But I say to you, do not resist one who is evil, but if anyone will have struck you on your right cheek, offer to him the other also. <a href="/nabre/matthew/5.htm">New American Bible</a> But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on [your] right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But I say to you, that you should not resist evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But I am saying to you, you shall not rise up against an evil person, but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him also the other.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But I say to you, Resist not the injurious. But whoever will smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. <a href="/godbey/matthew/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>But I say unto you, Resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smites thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also:<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> but I say unto you, Resist not an injurious act; but whosoever shall smite thee on the right cheek, turn to him also the other. <a href="/mace/matthew/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but I say unto you, don't return evil for evil; on the contrary, if any one strike thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other likewise. <a href="/wey/matthew/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But I tell you not to resist a wicked man, but if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well. <a href="/worrell/matthew/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>but I say to you, Resist not the evil man; but whosoever smites you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>but I say unto you, Set not yourselves against him that injures you, but if any <Fr>one<FR> smite thee on thy right cheek, <Fr>rather<FR> turn to him the other also:<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/5-39.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=1143" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/5.htm">Love Your Enemies</a> 38You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ 39<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">tell</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">not</a> <a href="/greek/436.htm" title="436: antistēnai (V-ANA) -- To set against; I withstand, resist, oppose. From anti and histemi; to stand against, i.e. Oppose.">to resist</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">an</a> <a href="/greek/4190.htm" title="4190: ponērō (Adj-DNS) -- Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful. ">evil person.</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise."></a> <a href="/greek/3748.htm" title="3748: hostis (RelPro-NMS) -- Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. ">If someone</a> <a href="/greek/4474.htm" title="4474: rhapizei (V-PIA-3S) -- To slap, strike, smite with the hand. From a derivative of a primary rhepo; to slap.">slaps</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: se (PPro-A2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">on</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/1188.htm" title="1188: dexian (Adj-AFS) -- On the right hand, right hand, right. From dechomai; the right side or hand.">right</a> <a href="/greek/4600.htm" title="4600: siagona (N-AFS) -- The jawbone, cheek, jaw. Of uncertain derivation; the jaw-bone, i.e. the cheek or side of the face.">cheek,</a> <a href="/greek/4762.htm" title="4762: strepson (V-AMA-2S) -- Strengthened from the base of trope; to twist, i.e. Turn quite around or reverse.">turn</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">to him</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/243.htm" title="243: allēn (Adj-AFS) -- Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; else, i.e. Different.">other</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">also;</a> 40if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well;…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/luke/6-29.htm">Luke 6:29</a> If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well. <a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17-21</a> Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. / If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” ... <a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a> Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. <a href="/proverbs/20-22.htm">Proverbs 20:22</a> Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-15.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:15</a> Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-7.htm">1 Corinthians 6:7</a> The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means that you are thoroughly defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? <a href="/proverbs/24-29.htm">Proverbs 24:29</a> Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.” <a href="/james/5-6.htm">James 5:6</a> You have condemned and murdered the righteous, who did not resist you. <a href="/isaiah/50-6.htm">Isaiah 50:6</a> I offered My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle. <a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">1 Peter 2:23</a> When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. <a href="/exodus/21-24.htm">Exodus 21:24</a> eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, <a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a> Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. <a href="/deuteronomy/32-35.htm">Deuteronomy 32:35</a> Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.” <a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Proverbs 25:21-22</a> If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. / For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. <a href="/lamentations/3-30.htm">Lamentations 3:30</a> Let him offer his cheek to the one who would strike him; let him be filled with reproach.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But I say to you, That you resist not evil: but whoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.That.<a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a> Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.<a href="/1_samuel/24-10.htm">1 Samuel 24:10-15</a> Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed… <a href="/1_samuel/25-31.htm">1 Samuel 25:31-34</a> That this shall be no grief unto thee, nor offence of heart unto my lord, either that thou hast shed blood causeless, or that my lord hath avenged himself: but when the LORD shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember thine handmaid… whosoever.<a href="/1_kings/22-24.htm">1 Kings 22:24</a> But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near, and smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?<a href="/job/16-10.htm">Job 16:10</a> They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me.<a href="/isaiah/50-6.htm">Isaiah 50:6</a> I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/zechariah/9-14.htm">Blow</a> <a href="/micah/5-1.htm">Cheek</a> <a href="/matthew/5-37.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/matthew/4-9.htm">Face</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-14.htm">Force</a> <a href="/matthew/5-15.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/esther/9-16.htm">Other</a> <a href="/zechariah/3-1.htm">Resist</a> <a href="/matthew/5-30.htm">Right</a> <a href="/matthew/4-25.htm">Side</a> <a href="/john/18-22.htm">Slap</a> <a href="/john/19-3.htm">Slaps</a> <a href="/malachi/4-6.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/jonah/4-7.htm">Smiteth</a> <a href="/zechariah/13-6.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/matthew/4-6.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/ezekiel/17-10.htm">Strikes</a> <a href="/matthew/4-3.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/matthew/5-28.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/malachi/3-14.htm">Use</a> <a href="/matthew/5-11.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Blow</a> <a href="/luke/6-29.htm">Cheek</a> <a href="/matthew/5-45.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Face</a> <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Force</a> <a href="/matthew/5-45.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/mark/7-4.htm">Other</a> <a href="/luke/21-15.htm">Resist</a> <a href="/matthew/5-45.htm">Right</a> <a href="/matthew/8-18.htm">Side</a> <a href="/matthew/26-67.htm">Slap</a> <a href="/john/19-3.htm">Slaps</a> <a href="/matthew/11-17.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/luke/6-29.htm">Smiteth</a> <a href="/matthew/5-40.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/matthew/26-31.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/luke/6-29.htm">Strikes</a> <a href="/matthew/5-42.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/matthew/5-42.htm">Use</a> <a href="/matthew/5-45.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 5</div>1. <a href="/matthew/5-1.htm">Jesus' sermon on the mount:</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">The Beattitudes;</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/5-13.htm">the salt of the earth;</a> 14. <a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">the light of the world.</a> 17. <a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">He came to fulfill the law.</a> 21. <a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">What it is to kill;</a> 27. <a href="/matthew/5-27.htm">to commit adultery;</a> 33. <a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">to swear.</a> 38. <a href="/matthew/5-38.htm">He exhorts to forgive wrong,</a> 43. <a href="/matthew/5-43.htm">to love our enemies;</a> 48. <a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">and to labor after perfection.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But I tell you not to resist an evil person. In this phrase, Jesus contrasts His teaching with the prevailing interpretations of the Law. The context is the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus redefines righteousness. The phrase challenges the natural human inclination towards retaliation and self-defense. Historically, the Jewish law allowed for "an eye for an eye" (<a href="/exodus/21-24.htm">Exodus 21:24</a>), which was meant to limit vengeance, not encourage it. Jesus, however, calls for a radical response of non-resistance, which aligns with His teachings on love and forgiveness. This principle is echoed in <a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17-21</a>, where Paul advises believers to overcome evil with good.If someone slaps you on your right cheek, The act of slapping someone on the right cheek in the cultural context of Jesus' time was considered a severe insult, often delivered with the back of the hand. This was not just a physical attack but a challenge to one's honor and dignity. The right cheek is specifically mentioned, suggesting a backhanded slap from a right-handed person, which was more insulting than a direct slap. This reflects the cultural importance of honor and shame in the ancient Near East. Jesus' instruction here is not about physical violence but about responding to personal insults and affronts.turn to him the other also; Turning the other cheek is a metaphor for non-retaliation and the willingness to endure further insult rather than seek revenge. This action symbolizes the rejection of the cycle of violence and retaliation. It reflects the character of Jesus Himself, who, when reviled, did not retaliate (<a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">1 Peter 2:23</a>). This teaching is a call to embody the kingdom values of humility, patience, and love, even towards one's enemies. It challenges believers to trust in God's justice rather than taking matters into their own hands, aligning with the broader biblical theme of leaving vengeance to God (<a href="/deuteronomy/32-35.htm">Deuteronomy 32:35</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, delivering the Sermon on the Mount, a foundational teaching moment in His ministry. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_disciples_and_the_crowd.htm">The Disciples and the Crowd</a> The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing both His followers and the broader public. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_sermon_on_the_mount.htm">The Sermon on the Mount</a> A significant event where Jesus outlines the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven, emphasizing righteousness and moral conduct. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_roman_occupation.htm">The Roman Occupation</a> The socio-political context of the time, where Roman authority and oppression were prevalent, influencing the understanding of Jesus' teachings. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_jewish_law.htm">The Jewish Law</a> The backdrop of the Mosaic Law, which included principles of justice and retribution, such as "an eye for an eye."<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_non-retaliation.htm">Understanding Non-Retaliation</a> Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of love and forgiveness, moving beyond the natural human inclination for revenge. <a href="/topical/t/the_heart_of_the_law.htm">The Heart of the Law</a> This teaching reflects the heart of the Law, which is love and mercy, rather than strict retribution. <a href="/topical/p/practical_peacemaking.htm">Practical Peacemaking</a> Turning the other cheek is a practical demonstration of peacemaking, showing strength through restraint and love. <a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_justice.htm">Trusting God's Justice</a> Believers are encouraged to trust in God's ultimate justice rather than taking matters into their own hands. <a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ's_character.htm">Reflecting Christ's Character</a> By responding with grace and forgiveness, Christians reflect the character of Christ, who exemplified this principle in His own life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 5</a> <a href="/q/how_to_biblically_respond_to_insults.htm">How should we respond to insults biblically?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'turn_the_other_cheek'_mean.htm">What is the meaning of "turn the other cheek"?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_jesus_both_forgive_and_whip.htm">Why does Jesus say "turn the other cheek" (Matthew 5:39) but then violently cleanse the temple with a whip (John 2:15)?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_jesus_use_a_whip_in_the_temple.htm">Why would Jesus, allegedly teaching nonviolence, use a whip to drive merchants out of the temple (John 2:14–15)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(39) Resist not evil.--The Greek, as before in <a href="/matthew/5-37.htm" title="But let your communication be, Yes, yes; No, no: for whatever is more than these comes of evil.">Matthew 5:37</a>, may be either masculine or neuter, and followed as it is by "whosoever," the former seems preferable; only here it is not "the evil one," with the emphasis of pre-eminence, but, as in <a href="/1_corinthians/5-13.htm" title="But them that are without God judges. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.">1Corinthians 5:13</a>, the human evil-doer. Of that mightier "evil one" we are emphatically told that it is our duty to resist him (<a href="/james/4-7.htm" title="Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.">James 4:7</a>).Shall smite.--The word was used of blows with the hand or with a stick, and for such blows fines from a shekel upwards were imposed by Jewish courts.Turn to him the other also.--We all quote and admire the words as painting an ideal meekness. But most men feel also that they cannot act on them literally; that to make the attempt, as has been done by some whom the world calls dreamers or fanatics, would throw society into confusion and make the meek the victims. The question meets us, therefore, Were they meant to be obeyed in the letter; and if not, what do they command? And the answer is found (l) in remembering that our Lord Himself, when smitten by the servant of the high priest, protested, though He did not resist (<a href="/context/john/18-22.htm" title="And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answer you the high priest so?">John 18:22-23</a>), and that St. Paul, under like outrage, was vehement in his rebuke (<a href="/acts/23-3.htm" title="Then said Paul to him, God shall smite you, you white washed wall: for sit you to judge me after the law, and command me to be smitten contrary to the law?">Acts 23:3</a>); and (2) in the fact that the whole context shows that the Sermon on the Mount is not a code of laws, but the assertion of principles. And the principle in this matter is clearly and simply this, that the disciple of Christ, when he has suffered wrong, is to eliminate altogether from his motives the natural desire to retaliate or accuse. As far as he himself is concerned, he must be prepared, in language which, because it is above our common human strain, has stamped itself on the hearts and memories of men, to turn the left cheek when the right has been smitten. But the man who has been wronged has other duties which he cannot rightly ignore. The law of the Eternal has to be asserted, society to be protected, the offender to be reclaimed, and these may well justify--though personal animosity does not--protest, prosecution, punishment. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 39. - But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee, etc. The first clause comes here only; the second is found also in <a href="/luke/6-29.htm">Luke 6:29</a> (for the principle, cf. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-7.htm">1 Corinthians 6:7</a>). We may notice that, while our Lord most perfectly observed the spirit of this command, he did not slavishly follow the letter of it (cf. <a href="/john/18-22.htm">John 18:22, 23</a>). Nor did St. Paul (cf. <a href="/acts/16-35.htm">Acts 16:35</a>ff; Acts 22:25; 23:3; 25:9,10). We must remember that, while he clothes his teaching with the form of concrete examples, these are only parabolic representations of principles eternal in themselves, but in practice to be modified according to each separate occasion. "This offering of the other cheek may be done outwardly; but only inwardly can it be always right" (Trench, 'Sermon on the Mount'). We must further remember the distinction brought out here by Luther between what the Christian has to do as a Christian, and what he has to do as, perhaps an official, member of the state. The Lord leaves to the state its own jurisdiction (<a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21</a>: vide Meyer). That ye resist not; Revised Version, resist not, thus avoiding all possibility of the English reader taking the words as a statement of fact. Evil. So the Revised Version margin; but Revised Version, him that is evil (cf. ver. 37; <a href="/matthew/6-13.htm">Matthew 6:13</a>, note). The masculine here, in the sense of the wicked man who does the wrong, is clearly preferable; Wickliffe, "a yuel man." (For a very careful defence of Chrysostom's opinion that even here τῷ πονηρῷ refers to the devil and not to man. see Chase, 'The Lord's Prayer in the Early Church'). Shall smite; Revised Version, smiteth, The right reading gives the more vivid present. Ῥαπίζω comes in the New Testament here and <a href="/matthew/26-67.htm">Matthew 26:67</a> only. It is properly used of a stroke with a rod. (For "smiting on the cheeks," cf. the curious rendering of <a href="/hosea/11-4.htm">Hosea 11:4</a> in the LXX; cf. also <a href="/isaiah/50-6.htm">Isaiah 50:6</a>.) Thee on thy right. Matthew only. Although it is more natural that the left cheek would be hit first (Meyer), the right is named, since it is in common parle, nee held to be the worthier (cf. ver. 29). Cheek. Σιαγών, though properly jaw, is here equivalent to" cheek," as certainly in <a href="/songs/1-10.htm">Song of Solomon 1:10</a>; <a href="/songs/5-13.htm">Song of Solomon 5:13</a>. Turn. The action seen; Luke's "offer" regards the mental condition necessary for the action. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/5-39.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. I ἐγὼ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. tell λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. you ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. not μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. to resist ἀντιστῆναι (antistēnai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_436.htm">Strong's 436: </a> To set against; I withstand, resist, oppose. From anti and histemi; to stand against, i.e. Oppose. an τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. evil [person]. πονηρῷ (ponērō) Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4190.htm">Strong's 4190: </a> Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful. [If] someone ὅστις (hostis) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3748.htm">Strong's 3748: </a> Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. slaps ῥαπίζει (rhapizei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4474.htm">Strong's 4474: </a> To slap, strike, smite with the hand. From a derivative of a primary rhepo; to slap. you σε (se) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. on εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. right δεξιὰν (dexian) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1188.htm">Strong's 1188: </a> On the right hand, right hand, right. From dechomai; the right side or hand. cheek, σιαγόνα (siagona) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4600.htm">Strong's 4600: </a> The jawbone, cheek, jaw. Of uncertain derivation; the jaw-bone, i.e. the cheek or side of the face. turn στρέψον (strepson) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4762.htm">Strong's 4762: </a> Strengthened from the base of trope; to twist, i.e. Turn quite around or reverse. to him αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. other ἄλλην (allēn) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_243.htm">Strong's 243: </a> Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different. also; καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/5-39.htm">Matthew 5:39 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 5:39 But I tell you don't resist him (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/5-38.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 5:38"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 5:38" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/5-40.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 5:40"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 5:40" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>