Book of Matthew - Chapter 5 - Verse 39

The verse "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." is a well-known teaching of Jesus from the Bible. In this verse, Jesus is encouraging his followers to respond to evil with love and humility, rather than with retaliation or violence. By turning the other cheek when struck, believers demonstrate a willingness to endure mistreatment without seeking revenge. This teaching reflects Jesus' emphasis on forgiveness, non-violence, and the importance of responding to hatred with compassion. It is a challenging but powerful message that has inspired generations of Christians to seek peace and reconciliation in the face of conflict or oppression. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the transformative power of love and the potential for healing in responding to adversity with grace and kindness.

Many theological interpretations of the verse "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" focus on the concept of non-resistance and turning the other cheek. Some scholars see this as a call to pacifism and non-violent resistance, following the example of Jesus who also chose not to retaliate when faced with violence. Others suggest that the verse highlights the importance of forgiveness and letting go of anger, promoting a message of love and compassion even towards those who may harm us. Additionally, some word studies on the phrase "resist not evil" point to the Greek word used for "evil" which can also be translated as "the evil one" or "the devil." This interpretation suggests that the verse is not just about physical violence but also about resisting the temptations and traps set by evil forces.