Matthew 5:39

The Sermon On The Mount: Retaliation

³⁸ “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth [punishment that fits the offense].’ ³⁹ But I say to you, do not resist an evil person [who insults you or violates your rights]; but whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other toward him also [simply ignore insignificant insults or trivial losses and do not bother to retaliate—maintain your dignity, your self-respect, your poise]. ⁴⁰ If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also [for the Lord repays the offender].

But I Say to You

Contend with Him

1 Corinthians 6:7

Why, the very fact that you have lawsuits with one another is already a defeat. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?

Isaiah 50:6

I turned My back to those who strike Me,
And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard;
I did not hide My face from insults and spitting.

Lamentations 3:30

Let him give his cheek to the one who strikes him;
Let him be filled with reproach.

1 Peter 3:9

and never return evil for evil or insult for insult [avoid scolding, berating, and any kind of abuse], but on the contrary, give a blessing [pray for one another’s well-being, contentment, and protection]; for you have been called for this very purpose, that you might inherit a blessing [from God that brings well-being, happiness, and protection].

Leviticus 19:18

You shall not take revenge nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor (acquaintance, associate, companion) as yourself; I am the Lord.

1 Samuel 24:10-15

Behold, your eyes have seen today how the Lord had given you into my hand in the cave. Some told me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not reach out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed.’

1 Samuel 25:31-34

that this [incident] will not cause grief or [bring] a troubled conscience to my lord, both by having shed blood without cause and by my lord having avenged himself. When the Lord deals well with my lord, then remember [with favor] your maidservant.”

1 Samuel 26:8-10

Then Abishai said to David, “God has given your enemy into your hand this day; now then, please let me strike him with the spear driving it to the ground with one stroke, and I will not strike him the second time.”

1 Kings 22:24

But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah approached and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said, “How did the Spirit of the Lord pass from me to speak to you?”

Job 16:10

“They have gaped at me with their mouths,
With contempt they have struck me on the cheek;
They massed themselves together [and conspired] against me.

Job 31:29-31

“Have I rejoiced at the destruction of the enemy [who hated me],
Or exulted [in malicious triumph] when evil overtook him?

Proverbs 20:22

Do not say, “I will repay evil”;
Wait [expectantly] for the Lord, and He will rescue and save you.

Proverbs 24:29

Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me;
I will pay the man back for his deed.”

Micah 5:1

“Now gather yourself in troops, O daughter of troops;
A state of siege has been placed against us.
They shall strike the ruler of Israel on the cheek with a rod (scepter).

Luke 6:29-30

Whoever strikes you on the cheek, offer him the other one also [simply ignore insignificant insults or losses and do not bother to retaliate—maintain your dignity]. Whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either.

Luke 22:64

They blindfolded Him and asked, “Prophesy, who is it that struck You?”

Romans 12:17-19

Never repay anyone evil for evil. Take thought for what is right and gracious and proper in the sight of everyone.

1 Thessalonians 5:15

See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek that which is good for one another and for all people.

Hebrews 12:4

You have not yet struggled to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin;

James 5:6

You have condemned and have put to death the righteous man; he offers you no resistance.

1 Peter 2:20-23

After all, what kind of credit is there if, when you do wrong and are punished for it, you endure it patiently? But if when you do what is right and patiently bear [undeserved] suffering, this finds favor with God.