Matthew 5:39

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐγὼ

G1473

i, me

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

λέγω

G3004

say

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὑμῖν

G5213

unto you

to (with or by) you

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἀντιστῆναι

G436

That ye resist

to stand against, i.e., oppose

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πονηρῷ·

G4190

evil

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'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#10

ὅστις

G3748

whosoever

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

#11

σε

G4571

thee

#12

ῥαπίσει

G4474

shall smite

to slap

#13

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#14

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

δεξιάν

G1188

right

the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)

#16

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#17

σιαγόνα

G4600

cheek

the jaw-bone, i.e., (by implication) the cheek or side of the face

#18

στρέψον

G4762

turn

to twist, i.e., turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively)

#19

αὐτῷ

G846

to him

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

#20

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#21

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

ἄλλην·

G243

the other

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Matthew. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to gospel presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish Messianic hope, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Matthew chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?

Related Resources

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Matthew 5:39

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

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People

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