08/27/2026
Matthew 5:38-39 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you: Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also,
What does it mean when Jesus says to turn the other cheek?
To understand this, we should examine the method Jesus uses in the Sermon on the Mount.
He begins with: “You have been instructed {the traditional approach}…”
Next, he clarifies: “However, I say {the modern approach}…”
And he concludes with: “This is how {this subject} affects your life…”
He references laws from the Old Testament, such as Exodus 21:24, Leviticus 24:20, and Deuteronomy 19:21.
The purpose of these laws wasn’t to encourage cruelty. They were designed to keep retaliation within fair limits.
Therefore, if someone harmed you, you couldn’t justifiably cause them far greater harm—like taking their life in revenge.
However, Jesus is suggesting that this “right” to retaliate should be relinquished. He teaches that His followers should refrain from seeking revenge.
Matthew Henry, a commentator, noted, “…for it is the second blow that makes the quarrel.”
Violence tends to escalate. Responding to wrongdoing with wrongdoing creates a cycle.
In the passage we discuss today, Jesus doesn’t encourage us to accept mistreatment passively or to be victims of abuse. Instead, He sets a higher expectation: to let go of the desire for personal revenge.
So, what was Jesus truly conveying?
First, it’s interesting to note the specific nature of Jesus’ words: “…if anyone slaps you on the right cheek…” (Emphasis mine.)
Here’s what that meant. The majority of people (70 – 95%) are right-handed.
When someone slapped your right cheek, it implied they were hitting you with the back of their right hand, or possibly with their left hand, which represented weakness and even filthiness.
In addition, in their society, any kind of slap was viewed as an affront. It was a humiliating gesture and a significant sign of disrespect. This was especially true if the slap was backhanded.
Interestingly, Pastor Keith Krell discusses in this article that if a person struck you “with the back of his hand rather than punching you in the mouth, you could demand double the compensation because an insult held more weight than a physical injury in Jesus’ culture of honor and shame.”
Through his teachings, Jesus displayed both wisdom and a humble attitude toward God.
Brilliance shines through in the way he provided a genuine solution for those suffering from abuse.
He is humble as well, inviting his disciples—including us today—to embrace the higher calling of setting aside revenge.
Are you harboring any desire for revenge in your life?
Do you keep a mental list of those who have wronged you, waiting for your chance to pay them back?
Have you decided to let God take control of your desire for retaliation?
In what areas do you need to hand over your urge for revenge to God?
If you are facing abuse, how can you find a peaceful way to distance yourself from that situation? Pray for insight and the Holy Spirit's direction in this matter.
Lastly, what does Jesus’ message about turning the other cheek truly mean to you?
