Devine Scripture

Luke 6:29

What does Luke 6:29 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 6:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 6:29 means

Jesus presented two vivid examples of radical non-retaliation: offering the other cheek to someone who strikes you, and not withholding your coat from someone who takes your cloak. These hyperbolic illustrations emphasize a posture of submission and generosity in the face of personal affront and exploitation, rather than demanding rights or seeking vengeance. The core teaching is to willingly absorb personal injury or loss, choosing a path of sacrificial love over self-defense or punitive action, reflecting Christ's own example.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

To him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and from him that taketh away thy cloak withhold not thy coat also.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

To him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and from him that taketh away thy cloak withhold not thy coat also.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

If a man gives you a blow on one side of your face, then let the other side be turned to him; from him who takes away your coat, do not keep back your robe.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and to him smiting thee upon the cheek, give also the other, and from him taking away from thee the mantle, also the coat thou mayest not keep back.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And to him that striketh thee on the one cheek, offer also the other. And him that taketh away from thee thy cloak, forbid not to take thy coat also.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

To him that smites thee on the cheek, offer also the other; and from him that would take away thy garment, forbid not thy body-coat also.

Context

This verse further illustrates Jesus' radical ethics by providing two specific, intense examples of non-retaliation and generosity. It moves beyond words to physical and material applications, showing the depth of self-sacrifice required by enemy-love. These challenging statements immediately follow the commands to bless and pray for enemies, grounding the abstract commands in tangible, albeit difficult, actions.

v.28bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you.

v.29This passage

v.30Give to every one that asketh thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Isaiah 50:6

    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.

  • Matthew 5:39

    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.

  • Lamentations 3:30

    Let him give his cheek to him that smiteth him; let him be filled full with reproach.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:7

    Nay, already it is altogether a defect in you, that ye have lawsuits one with another. Why not rather take wrong? why not rather be defrauded?

  • Matthew 26:67

    Then did they spit in his face and buffet him: and some smote him with the palms of their hands,

  • 2 Corinthians 11:20

    For ye bear with a man, if he bringeth you into bondage, if he devoureth you, if he taketh you captive, if he exalteth himself, if he smiteth you on the face.

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