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Matthew 5:38-42

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

38. Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39. 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. 40. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have [thy] cloke also. 41. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Matthew 5:38-42 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 5:38

Theological / Devotional

Ye have heard. See v. 21. Fourth illustration contrasting law’s spirit with mere form. Verses 38-42 concern Christian attitude when suffering injury.

It hath been said. See v. 21.

An eye for an eye. Based on Ex. 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21. This law advanced justice over blood-feud systems, limiting retaliation to equal injury, administered by courts. It did not justify personal revenge (MB 70). Hammurabi’s law had similar provisions (Vol. I, p. 618).

By SdaBc