Matthew 5:39
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.
Original Language Analysis
λέγω
say
G3004
λέγω
say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 22
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 22
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πονηρῷ·
evil
G4190
πονηρῷ·
evil
Strong's:
G4190
Word #:
8 of 22
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
9 of 22
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὅστις
whosoever
G3748
ὅστις
whosoever
Strong's:
G3748
Word #:
10 of 22
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
13 of 22
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεξιάν
right
G1188
δεξιάν
right
Strong's:
G1188
Word #:
15 of 22
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
σιαγόνα
cheek
G4600
σιαγόνα
cheek
Strong's:
G4600
Word #:
17 of 22
the jaw-bone, i.e., (by implication) the cheek or side of the face
στρέψον
turn
G4762
στρέψον
turn
Strong's:
G4762
Word #:
18 of 22
to twist, i.e., turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively)
αὐτῷ
to him
G846
αὐτῷ
to him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 22
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 5:15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.1 Peter 3:9Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.Proverbs 20:22Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.Lamentations 3:30He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach.Leviticus 19:18Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.Proverbs 24:29Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.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.1 Corinthians 6:7Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?
Historical Context
A backhand slap with the right hand on the right cheek was an insulting blow to social inferiors in that culture. To turn the other cheek forces the aggressor either to stop or escalate to a full blow—either way exposing their wrongdoing while the victim maintains moral high ground.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you typically respond to insults or disrespect—with retaliation or with dignified non-retaliation?
- What's the difference between biblical meekness and worldly weakness or passivity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Non-retaliation against evil doesn't mean passivity toward evil itself, but refusing to respond to personal wrongs with revenge. The struck cheek represents insult and humiliation (a backhanded slap). Turning the other cheek shows meekness, dignity, and refusal to be controlled by others' evil actions.