Eye for Eye

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[a](A) 39 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.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. Matthew 5:38 Exodus 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth [punishment that fits the offense].’(A) 39 But I say to you, do not resist an evil person [who insults you or violates your rights]; but whoever [a]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].(B)

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Footnotes

  1. Matthew 5:39 In this context the “slap” is not an act of violence, but more likely an insult or violation of one’s rights.