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Matthew 5:39

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

Matthew 5:39

Verse 39 of 48

Scripture focus

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.

Matthew 5:39 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 5:39

Theological / Devotional

But I say. See v. 22.

Resist not evil. Do not seek revenge. Likely refers to active hostility, not passive resistance. “Evil” may mean evil person or thing; here, likely evil person. Christians do not meet violence with violence but overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:21) and “heap coals of fire” on wrongdoers’ heads (Prov. 25:21,22).

Cheek. Jesus emphasizes spirit behind acts, not acts themselves. Christians do not fight for rights but submit to injury. Jesus exemplified this on the cross, forgiving tormentors (Luke 23:34). Paul also followed this spirit (Acts 22:25 ; 23:3; 25:9,10).

By SdaBc