“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)
“But I say, Do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.”– Matthew 5:39 (NLT)
“Don’t get even. If someone strikes you, stand there and take it.”– Matthew 5:39 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 5:39 Mean?
This verse is part of Jesus’ teachings during the Sermon on the Mount. It suggests a radical shift in perspective on how we respond to those who wrong us. The phrase “turn the other cheek” has become a common phrase that embodies the concept of non-retaliation and forgiveness. The essence is not about passively accepting harm but rather choosing a response of love and grace over vengeance.
At its core, this teaching challenges the natural instinct to retaliate. We often feel inclined to respond in kind to those who hurt us. However, Jesus invites us into a different response—one that reflects God’s love and grace. When someone strikes us, we have a choice. We can react with anger and vengeance, or we can respond with an attitude of forgiveness. This concept can be challenging, yet we can find strength in the understanding that true strength lies in restraint and kindness.
Matthew 5:39 Explanation and Commentary
When we consider the context of Matthew 5:39, it is essential to understand the historical backdrop in which Jesus was speaking. The Jewish people were under Roman occupation, and their leaders frequently taught an eye-for-an-eye mentality. This principle was meant to promote justice but often led to cycles of violence and retaliation. Jesus, however, introduces a new paradigm that shakes the foundations of this traditional thinking.
Jesus illustrates this teaching by using the example of being slapped on the right cheek. In that cultural context, being struck on the cheek was not just a physical act; it was also a social insult. It implies humiliation. By saying to turn the other cheek, Jesus encourages us to refuse to engage in the cycle of humiliation and violence. Instead, we can respond with dignity and poise, showing that we are more than mere victims.
This teaching does not suggest that we become doormats or allow others to abuse us. Instead, it calls us to break the cycle of violence with acts of love. Our response can reflect a deeper commitment to peace and a testament of our faith in God’s justice. We are encouraged to rise above the anger and pain that come from being wronged. Choosing forgiveness speaks volumes about our character and our understanding of God’s grace.
We can also relate this teaching to other scriptures that emphasize love and forgiveness. For instance, in Romans 12:19, Paul writes, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord.” This reinforces the idea that true justice belongs to God, and we can trust Him to handle matters beyond our control.
As we reflect on Matthew 5:39, we recognize that it aligns with the overall message of love that Jesus taught. That includes loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). Such practices may seem counterintuitive, but they bear witness to a higher calling that challenges us to forgive rather than seek revenge.
Context of Matthew 5:39
To understand the full significance of Matthew 5:39, we must place it in the broader context of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). This sermon contains many foundational principles of Christian living. Here, Jesus teaches about humility, mercy, and love—all aspects that shape our interactions with others.
The verses surrounding Matthew 5:39 focus on various forms of righteousness that extend beyond mere adherence to the law. Jesus aims to reach people’s hearts, urging them not only to avoid wrongful acts but also to cultivate a spirit of love and forgiveness. By addressing the underlying attitudes of our hearts, He challenges us to embody our faith in all aspects of our lives.
Furthermore, the audience listening to Jesus would have been familiar with teachings from the Old Testament. They might have recalled passages like Exodus 21:24, which emphasizes the principle of proportional justice. In revisiting this significant teaching, Jesus introduces a radical practice of grace. He shifts our focus from retribution to restorative compassion, inviting us to forge paths toward peace.
Within this context, Jesus’ instruction to turn the other cheek is a radical departure from cultural norms. It challenges the status quo and urges us to break free from the cycle of violence. This teaching invites us into the journey of embodying God’s love while addressing the real-life struggles we face in our relationships and encounters with others.
This concept of non-retaliation opens a broader dialogue about understanding our roles as peacemakers. As children of God, we can foster a spirit of love and grace, reflecting God’s image in the world around us. Our lives become a testament to His goodness, while each act of forgiveness and non-retaliation carries the potential to inspire others.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 5:39
When we break down this verse into key components, we find a rich tapestry of meaning. The phrase “resist not evil” suggests a radical shift in our response to wrongdoing. Jesus calls us to step back from our instinct to retaliate or seek revenge. This can be incredibly difficult yet holds immense power to transform our hearts.
Next, consider the act of being struck on the right cheek. Being struck in this manner was often a sign of shame and insult. By advising us to offer our other cheek, Jesus invites us to rise above the pain of humiliation. It calls for a courageous spirit that refuses to be a victim defined by others’ wrong actions. We can respond in a way that reflects our identity as children of God.
This teaching speaks volumes about our character. Through the act of turning the other cheek, we embody a spirit of grace that can break the cycle of harm. This act challenges societal norms that advocate for vengeance and retaliation, encouraging us to choose kinship with grace over bitterness.
Turning the other cheek also serves as an acknowledgment of our identity in Christ. We become a walking testimony of His teachings, exhibiting a profound transformation in how we handle conflict. This not only impacts our lives but also has the potential to affect the lives of others around us. When we choose forgiveness, we demonstrate an understanding of God’s grace in our lives, which can inspire others in their own struggles.
As we reflect on these components, it becomes clear that the teaching of turning the other cheek is not a passive acceptance of harm. Instead, it is an active choice to embody love, grace, and forgiveness, even in challenging situations. By choosing this path, we are called to show the world a different way of living—a way marked by grace and love.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 5:39
There are many lessons we can learn from Matthew 5:39. Firstly, we see that true strength is displayed in our ability to forgive rather than retaliate. The challenge lies in the act of turning the other cheek, where we choose love over vengeance. This radical act speaks volumes about the character of Jesus, who modeled forgiveness throughout His life.
Secondly, this teaching reminds us that we are called to greater things. By refusing to engage in the cycle of violence, we develop resilience and compassion. This journey calls for deep reflection on how we interact with others, particularly those who may have wronged us. The commitment to love our enemies requires a significant shift in mindset, yet it leads to profound growth.
We can also learn that forgiveness reflects God’s mercy toward us. In Ephesians 4:32, we are reminded to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave us. Our ability to forgive becomes a testament to our understanding of God’s love and grace. It opens hearts to His message, allowing us to become conduits of His compassion in the world around us.
Another lesson emphasizes the call to break the cycle of pain. The teachings of Jesus encourage us to be peacemakers who actively pursue reconciliation. By choosing forgiveness over bitterness, we participate in God’s work of healing and restoration. Each small choice to turn the other cheek contributes to building a kingdom that reflects God’s love and grace.
Moreover, applying this teaching requires intentionality. We must actively seek to foster an environment where love prevails, both in our individual lives and within our communities. This quest may require us to confront our assumptions about retaliation, hostility, and conflict. The choice to turn the other cheek challenges us to bring light into darkness, demonstrating God’s love in practical ways.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Matthew 5:39, we realize that Jesus invites us to embrace a radical way of living marked by grace, love, and forgiveness. By choosing to turn the other cheek, we declare our commitment to break the cycles of violence and retribution. Each act of love and kindness becomes a stepping stone toward a more peaceful existence.
This teaching encourages us to embody the character of Christ in a world that often seeks revenge. The power of non-retaliation can foster healing and transformation in our relationships and communities. It invites us to create a culture that reflects God’s mercy and grace, impacting those around us for His glory.
Our journey of turning the other cheek may not always be easy, but it is a journey worth taking. We grow in our understanding of God’s grace and how to live in accordance with His teachings. Encouraging one another to seek peace and act in love can set in motion a wave of healing and transformation in our lives. For more inspiration and teachings on forgiveness, check out Matthew 11 or explore more topics that uplift and inspire.