Matthew 5:38-42
New American Standard Bible
38 “(A)You have heard that it was said, ‘(B)Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, do not show opposition against an evil person; but (C)whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other toward him also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your [a]tunic, let him have your [b]cloak also. 41 Whoever [c]forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 (D)Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.
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- Matthew 5:40 A long shirt worn next to the skin
- Matthew 5:40 Or outer garment
- Matthew 5:41 Lit will force
Matthew 5:38-42
The Message
Love Your Enemies
38-42 “Here’s another old saying that deserves a second look: ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’ Is that going to get us anywhere? Here’s what I propose: ‘Don’t hit back at all.’ If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
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Matthew 5:38-42
King James Version
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 cloak 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.
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Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson