The Sermon on the Mount: Retaliation

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’[a] 39 But I say to you, do not resist the evildoer, but whoever strikes you on the right cheek,[b] turn the other to him also. 40 And the one who wants to go to court with you and take your tunic, let him have[c] your outer garment also. 41 And whoever forces you to go one mile,[d] go with him two. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

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Footnotes

  1. Matthew 5:38 A quotation from Exod 21:24; Lev 24:20
  2. Matthew 5:39 Some manuscripts have “your right cheek”
  3. Matthew 5:40 Literally “leave to him”
  4. Matthew 5:41 A Roman mile was originally a thousand paces, but was later fixed at eight stades (1,478.5 meters)

Go the Second Mile

38 “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.[a](A) 39 But I tell you, don’t resist[b] an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.(B) 40 As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and don’t turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.(C)

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Footnotes

  1. 5:38 Ex 21:24; Lv 24:20; Dt 19:21
  2. 5:39 Or don’t set yourself against, or don’t retaliate against