Devine Scripture

Matthew 5:39

What does Matthew 5:39 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 5:39 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 5:39 means

Jesus issues a radical command that directly challenges the principle of "an eye for an eye": "Resist not him that is evil." Instead of seeking proportional retribution, His followers are to respond with humble submission and non-retaliation. He specifically illustrates this with an insult: if someone strikes you on the right cheek, indicating a backhand slap intended to demean, one should turn the other cheek also. This teaches a counter-cultural response of patient endurance and refusal to engage in cycles of revenge.

Matthew 5:39 in context

Matthew 5 — The Beatitudes

Jesus opens his Sermon on the Mount with eight pronouncements that turn the world's value system upside down. Blessing belongs not to the proud and self-sufficient but to the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, the hungry for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and the persecuted. In a few sentences he sketches the character of the citizens of the kingdom of heaven, and then calls them salt of the earth and light of the world.

  • Kingdom ethics
  • Inner righteousness
  • True blessedness
  • Light and salt

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But I say to you, Do not make use of force against an evil man; but to him who gives you a blow on the right side of your face let the left be turned.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But I say to you not to resist evil: but if one strike thee on thy right cheek, turn to him also the other:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But I say unto you, not to resist evil; but whoever shall strike thee on thy right cheek, turn to him also the other;

Context

This verse provides Jesus' groundbreaking reinterpretation of the law of retaliation introduced in verse 38. It boldly reverses the principle of retribution, calling for non-resistance and patient suffering, which is further illustrated by specific examples of going above and beyond in submission in the verses that follow.

v.38Ye have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

v.39This passage

v.40And if any man would go to law with thee, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.

Cross references

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

  • Job 31:29

    If I have rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, Or lifted up myself when evil found him

  • Job 16:10

    They have gaped upon me with their mouth; They have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully: They gather themselves together against me.

  • 1 Peter 2:20

    For what glory is it, if, when ye sin, and are buffeted for it, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

  • 1 Samuel 26:8

    Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered up thine enemy into thy hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear to the earth at one stroke, and I will not smite him the second time.

  • 1 Samuel 24:10

    Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that Jehovah had delivered thee to-day into my hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee; but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth my hand against my lord; for he is Jehovah’s anointed.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:15

    See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all.

Sermon ideas from Matthew 5:39

Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.

  • What Matthew 5:39 teaches us about kingdom ethics

  • What Matthew 5:39 teaches us about inner righteousness

  • What Matthew 5:39 teaches us about true blessedness

  • What Matthew 5:39 teaches us about light and salt

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