Matthew 5:39

39 but I say unto you, That ye resist not with evil, but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Matthew 5:39 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 5:39

But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil
This is not to be understood of any sort of evil, not of the evil of sin, of bad actions, and false doctrines, which are to be opposed; nor of the evil one, Satan, who is to be resisted; but of an evil man, an injurious one, who has done us an injury. We must not render evil for evil, or repay him in the same way; see ( James 5:6 ) . Not but that a man may lawfully defend himself, and endeavour to secure himself from injuries; and may appear to the civil magistrate for redress of grievances; but he is not to make use of private revenge. As if a man should pluck out one of his eyes, he must not in revenge pluck out one of his; or should he strike out one of his teeth, he must not use him in the same manner; but patiently bear the affront, or seek for satisfaction in another way.

But whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the
other also:
which is to be understood comparatively, rather than seek revenge, and is directly contrary to the Jewish canons, which require, in such a case, a pecuniary fine ^F7.

``He that strikes his neighbour (which Maimonides explains, he that strikes his neighbour with his hand shut, about the neck) he shall give him a "sela", or "shekel": R. Judah says, in the name of R. Jose the Galilean, one pound: if he smite him (i.e. as Maimonides says, if he smite him with his double fist upon the face; or, as Bartenora, with the palm of his hand, (yyxl) , "on the cheek", which is a greater reproach) he shall give him two hundred "zuzim"; and if he does it with the back of his hand, four hundred "zuzim".''

R. Isaac Sangari ^F8 manifestly refers to this passage of Christ's, when he says to the king he is conversing with,

``I perceive that thou up braidest us with poverty and want; but in them the great men of other nations glory: for they do not glory but in him, who said, "Whosoever smiteth thee thy right cheek, turn to him the left; and whosoever taketh away thy coat, give him thy cloak".''

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FOOTNOTES:

F7 Misn. Bava Kama, c. 8. sect. 6. Vid. Maimon. & Bartenora in ib.
F8 Sepher Cosri, Orat. 1. Sign. 113. fol. 56. 1.

Matthew 5:39 In-Context

37 But let your communication be, Yes, yes; No, no; for whatsoever is more than this comes of evil.

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

39 but I say unto you, That ye resist not with evil, but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

40 And if anyone desires to sue thee at the law, and take away thy clothing, let him have thy cloak also.

41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him two.