What does Matthew 5:39 mean?

Matthew 5:39 is a verse that has intrigued, challenged, and inspired Christians for centuries. It reads: "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also" (NIV). This verse is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, a collection of teachings that encapsulate the ethical and moral vision of the Kingdom of God. To understand the depth and implications of this verse, it is crucial to explore its context, its theological significance, and its practical application in the life of a believer.

Context of Matthew 5:39

The Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters 5 through 7, is one of the most significant discourses in the New Testament. Jesus addresses a wide range of moral and ethical issues, introducing a radical way of living that often counteracts conventional wisdom and societal norms. Matthew 5:39 falls within a section where Jesus discusses the principle of non-retaliation and love for enemies.

Before verse 39, Jesus begins by saying, "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth'" (Matthew 5:38, NIV). This phrase refers to the Old Testament law of retaliation, known as "lex talionis," found in Exodus 21:24, Leviticus 24:20, and Deuteronomy 19:21. This law was intended to limit vengeance and ensure that the punishment fit the crime. However, Jesus introduces a new ethic that transcends the old law. Instead of seeking retribution, Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of love and forgiveness.

Theological Significance

The command to "turn the other cheek" is a radical call to non-violence and forgiveness. It is a profound expression of the Kingdom of God, where love triumphs over hatred, and grace overcomes judgment. This teaching aligns with other parts of the New Testament that emphasize love and forgiveness. For instance, Paul writes in Romans 12:17-21, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (NIV).

Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:39 is not merely a call to passive submission but an active demonstration of the transformative power of love. By turning the other cheek, the believer refuses to perpetuate the cycle of violence and instead offers a powerful testimony to the grace and mercy of God. This act of non-retaliation reflects the character of Jesus Himself, who, when reviled, did not retaliate (1 Peter 2:23).

Practical Application

The practical application of Matthew 5:39 can be challenging, especially in a world that often values strength and retribution. However, the call to turn the other cheek is not an endorsement of passivity or weakness but a courageous stand for the principles of the Kingdom of God.

Personal Relationships

In personal relationships, turning the other cheek means responding to offenses with grace and forgiveness. It involves letting go of the desire for revenge and instead seeking reconciliation and peace. This does not mean ignoring injustice or allowing oneself to be abused. Jesus' teaching is not a call to be a doormat but to respond in a way that reflects the love and mercy of God.

For example, if someone insults you or wrongs you, instead of retaliating with harsh words or actions, you can choose to respond with kindness and understanding. This approach can disarm the offender and open the door for genuine reconciliation. Proverbs 15:1 states, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (NIV). By responding gently, you reflect the heart of Christ and potentially transform a hostile situation into an opportunity for grace.

Social Justice

In the broader context of social justice, turning the other cheek can be seen as a form of non-violent resistance. Figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi drew inspiration from Jesus' teachings to advocate for social change through peaceful means. They demonstrated that non-violence is a powerful tool for confronting injustice and promoting human dignity.

For Christians engaged in social justice, turning the other cheek means standing against oppression and injustice without resorting to violence. It involves advocating for the marginalized and oppressed while maintaining a spirit of love and forgiveness. This approach can lead to transformative change in society, reflecting the values of the Kingdom of God.

Spiritual Growth

On a personal level, turning the other cheek is a spiritual discipline that fosters humility and dependence on God. It requires a deep trust in God's justice and a willingness to surrender one's own desire for control and revenge. By choosing to forgive and love in the face of wrongdoing, believers grow in their likeness to Christ and experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus' call to turn the other cheek challenges believers to examine their own hearts and motivations. It invites them to reflect on how they respond to conflict and adversity. Are they quick to retaliate, or do they seek to embody the love and grace of Christ? This introspection can lead to greater spiritual maturity and a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Jesus.

Historical and Cultural Context

Understanding the historical and cultural context of Jesus' time can also shed light on the meaning of Matthew 5:39. In the first-century Jewish context, a slap on the right cheek was more than just a physical attack; it was a profound insult. Since most people are right-handed, a slap on the right cheek would typically be a backhanded slap, which was considered a demeaning and contemptuous gesture.

By instructing His followers to turn the other cheek, Jesus was not only advocating for non-retaliation but also challenging the social norms of honor and shame. He was calling His followers to rise above the cultural expectations of revenge and instead demonstrate the radical love and humility of the Kingdom of God.

The Example of Jesus

Ultimately, the most compelling example of turning the other cheek is found in Jesus Himself. Throughout His life and ministry, Jesus consistently demonstrated the principles He taught. When He was arrested and tried, He did not retaliate against His accusers. Instead, He willingly endured suffering and even forgave those who crucified Him, saying, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34, NIV).

Jesus' willingness to suffer and forgive is the ultimate expression of turning the other cheek. It reveals the heart of God and the depths of His love for humanity. As followers of Christ, believers are called to emulate His example, trusting that God's grace is sufficient to empower them to live out this radical ethic of love and forgiveness.

Conclusion

Matthew 5:39 is a profound and challenging verse that calls believers to a radical way of living. It invites them to transcend the natural inclination for revenge and instead embody the transformative love and grace of the Kingdom of God. By turning the other cheek, believers participate in the redemptive work of Christ, demonstrating the power of forgiveness and the hope of reconciliation.

This teaching is not easy, and it requires a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit. It challenges believers to trust in God's justice and to seek His strength in responding to offenses with grace and humility. As they do so, they bear witness to the reality of the Kingdom of God and reflect the heart of Jesus to a watching world.

In a world often marked by violence and retribution, the call to turn the other cheek is a powerful reminder of the radical love and forgiveness that Jesus offers. It is an invitation to live out the values of the Kingdom of God and to be agents of His peace and reconciliation in a broken and hurting world.