Matthew 5:39 - 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.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Matthew 5:39" mean?
This verse, Matthew 5:39, is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and is often interpreted as a call to non-retaliation and radical love, even towards those who treat you unjustly. Let's break it down:
"But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil...": This is the core statement. Jesus is challenging the common understanding of justice, which often involved revenge or retaliation. He's advocating for a different approach. The Greek word translated as "resist" (ἀντιστῆναι - antistēnai) can also mean "to stand against," "to oppose," or "to set oneself against." So, it's not just about physical resistance, but also resisting with anger, hatred, or a desire for revenge.
"...but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.": This is the specific example that illustrates the principle of non-resistance. The act of striking someone on the right cheek with the back of the right hand was a specific cultural insult. It wasn't meant to inflict serious injury, but to humiliate and degrade the person being struck. In that time, it was a way of asserting social superiority and treating someone as inferior.
What it Means:
Challenging the Cycle of Violence: Jesus is urging his followers to break the cycle of violence and revenge. Retaliating only escalates conflict.
Upholding Dignity: By turning the other cheek, the victim refuses to be humiliated. They are denying the aggressor the satisfaction of seeing them react with anger or fear. It's a way of asserting their own inherent worth and dignity.
Exposing Injustice: Turning the other cheek can also expose the injustice of the aggressor's actions. It forces them to confront the irrationality and cruelty of their behavior.
Radical Love: Ultimately, this verse is about loving your enemies and responding to hate with love. It's a call to go beyond the expected and to treat others with compassion, even when they don't deserve it.
Common Interpretations and Considerations:
Literal vs. Figurative: There's debate about whether this instruction is meant to be taken literally in every situation. Some argue that it's a symbolic teaching meant to convey a broader principle of non-violence and forgiveness. Others believe that while there are situations where self-defense or protecting others is necessary, the spirit of the verse should always be considered.
Personal vs. Systemic Injustice: Some theologians argue that this verse is more about personal interactions than about addressing systemic injustice. They believe that it's not a call to passively accept oppression or injustice in the world, but rather a way to approach individual conflicts with a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Context: The Sermon on the Mount as a whole presents a radical vision of God's kingdom and requires a complete transformation of one's heart and mind. This verse should be understood within that larger context.
Practical Application: Applying this verse in real life can be challenging. It requires discernment, wisdom, and a deep commitment to following Jesus' teachings. It's not about being a doormat, but about responding to injustice in a way that is both loving and transformative.
In summary, Matthew 5:39 is a powerful and challenging verse that calls for a radical approach to dealing with injustice. It's about breaking the cycle of violence, upholding dignity, exposing injustice, and loving one's enemies. Its interpretation and application continue to be debated, but its core message of non-retaliation and love remains central to Christian teaching.
Matthew 5:39 - 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.
What does "Matthew 5:39" mean?
This verse, Matthew 5:39, is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount and is often interpreted as a call to non-retaliation and radical love, even towards those who treat you unjustly. Let's break it down:
"But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil...": This is the core statement. Jesus is challenging the common understanding of justice, which often involved revenge or retaliation. He's advocating for a different approach. The Greek word translated as "resist" (ἀντιστῆναι - antistēnai) can also mean "to stand against," "to oppose," or "to set oneself against." So, it's not just about physical resistance, but also resisting with anger, hatred, or a desire for revenge.
"...but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.": This is the specific example that illustrates the principle of non-resistance. The act of striking someone on the right cheek with the back of the right hand was a specific cultural insult. It wasn't meant to inflict serious injury, but to humiliate and degrade the person being struck. In that time, it was a way of asserting social superiority and treating someone as inferior.
What it Means:
Challenging the Cycle of Violence: Jesus is urging his followers to break the cycle of violence and revenge. Retaliating only escalates conflict.
Upholding Dignity: By turning the other cheek, the victim refuses to be humiliated. They are denying the aggressor the satisfaction of seeing them react with anger or fear. It's a way of asserting their own inherent worth and dignity.
Exposing Injustice: Turning the other cheek can also expose the injustice of the aggressor's actions. It forces them to confront the irrationality and cruelty of their behavior.
Radical Love: Ultimately, this verse is about loving your enemies and responding to hate with love. It's a call to go beyond the expected and to treat others with compassion, even when they don't deserve it.
Common Interpretations and Considerations:
Literal vs. Figurative: There's debate about whether this instruction is meant to be taken literally in every situation. Some argue that it's a symbolic teaching meant to convey a broader principle of non-violence and forgiveness. Others believe that while there are situations where self-defense or protecting others is necessary, the spirit of the verse should always be considered.
Personal vs. Systemic Injustice: Some theologians argue that this verse is more about personal interactions than about addressing systemic injustice. They believe that it's not a call to passively accept oppression or injustice in the world, but rather a way to approach individual conflicts with a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Context: The Sermon on the Mount as a whole presents a radical vision of God's kingdom and requires a complete transformation of one's heart and mind. This verse should be understood within that larger context.
Practical Application: Applying this verse in real life can be challenging. It requires discernment, wisdom, and a deep commitment to following Jesus' teachings. It's not about being a doormat, but about responding to injustice in a way that is both loving and transformative.
In summary, Matthew 5:39 is a powerful and challenging verse that calls for a radical approach to dealing with injustice. It's about breaking the cycle of violence, upholding dignity, exposing injustice, and loving one's enemies. Its interpretation and application continue to be debated, but its core message of non-retaliation and love remains central to Christian teaching.