Lamentations Chapter 3 · Verse 30
He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach.
Original Language Analysis
יִתֵּ֧ן
He giveth
H5414
יִתֵּ֧ן
He giveth
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 5
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לְמַכֵּ֛הוּ
to him that smiteth
H5221
לְמַכֵּ֛הוּ
to him that smiteth
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
2 of 5
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
לֶ֖חִי
his cheek
H3895
לֶ֖חִי
his cheek
Strong's:
H3895
Word #:
3 of 5
the cheek (from its fleshiness); hence, the jaw-bone
Cross References
Job 16:10They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me.Isaiah 50:6I 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 5:39But 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 26:67Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,2 Corinthians 11:20For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.Psalms 123:3Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.Psalms 69:20Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.Luke 6:29And 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.Micah 5:1Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.
Historical Context
Exile meant accepting humiliation from captors. Jeremiah counseled peaceful submission to minimize suffering.
Questions for Reflection
- How does non-retaliation demonstrate trust in divine justice?
- What does turning the other cheek to insults teach about bearing reproach for covenant faithfulness?
- How does willingly accepting shame relate to Christ's suffering and the believer's call?
Analysis & Commentary
Turning the other cheek—accepting insult without retaliation. Jesus teaches this (Matthew 5:39, Luke 6:29). Redemptive suffering.