What does Matthew 5:38 mean?
"¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:" - Matthew 5:38
Matthew 5:38 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth." This verse is a direct reference to the Old Testament principle found in Exodus 21:24 and Leviticus 24:20, which prescribes retribution in kind for offenses. The concept of "an eye for an eye" was a fundamental aspect of justice in ancient Hebrew society, and it was intended to ensure that punishment was proportional to the crime committed.
In the broader context of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is addressing the crowd and imparting timeless teachings on morality and the kingdom of God. He is challenging the traditional understanding of the law and calling his followers to a higher standard of righteousness. In the verses leading up to Matthew 5:38, Jesus has been emphasizing the importance of internal attitudes and motivations, rather than simply outward actions. He speaks of anger, lust, and honesty, and now he turns to the topic of retaliation and revenge.
When Jesus says, "Ye have heard that it hath been said," he is referring to the teachings of the religious leaders and the prevailing understanding of the law at that time. The phrase "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth" was not only a legal principle but also a cultural mindset. It was often used to justify seeking retribution and taking matters into one's own hands. By quoting this well-known saying, Jesus is setting the stage for a dramatic shift in perspective.
After introducing the traditional principle of retaliation, Jesus goes on to say in Matthew 5:39, "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." Here, Jesus challenges his listeners to go beyond mere retribution and instead embrace a posture of non-resistance and forgiveness. He is advocating for a radical, counter-cultural approach to conflict and injury, one that reflects the selfless, merciful nature of God's kingdom.
The underlying theme of Matthew 5:38-39 is the concept of non-retaliation and the practice of turning the other cheek. Jesus is calling his followers to break the cycle of vengeance and to respond to evil with love and forgiveness. This extends beyond mere passivity or pacifism; it's about transforming the heart and responding to injustice with grace and humility. It requires a deep trust in God's justice and a willingness to relinquish personal vindication.
Symbolically, the act of turning the other cheek represents a willingness to endure humiliation and suffering without seeking revenge. It demonstrates a radical trust in God's sovereignty and a belief in the redemptive power of love. In essence, Jesus is advocating for a complete reorientation of one's response to injury, prioritizing reconciliation and peace over retaliation and retribution.
The implications of this teaching are profound and far-reaching. It challenges the human instinct for self-preservation and the desire for justice on our own terms. It calls us to embody the self-sacrificial love of Christ and to seek the welfare of others, even in the face of opposition and harm. This passage is a powerful reminder of the transformative nature of the Gospel and the radical ethic of love that Jesus modeled for his followers.
In conclusion, Matthew 5:38 in the King James Version encapsulates Jesus' call to reject the principle of "an eye for an eye" and instead embrace a radical ethic of non-retaliation and forgiveness. It challenges us to embody the values of God's kingdom, which prioritize mercy and reconciliation over vengeance and retribution. In a world marked by conflict and division, this teaching remains a timeless and countercultural call to embody the selfless love of Christ in all our interactions.
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Matthew 5:38 Artwork
Matthew 5:38
Matthew 5:38
Matthew 5:38 - "¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:"
Matthew 5:38-39 - "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 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."
"¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:" - Matthew 5:38
In the context of Matthew 5:38, draw a picture of Jesus reaching out to Jairus' 12 year old daughter as she wakes up out of a deep sleep. Jesus is wearing first century garments along with a head covering and tassels on the bottom of his robe. Standing close to him are five other Hebrew men and two Hebrew women wearing similar garments. The setting is a room in a first century Jewish home with a bed, candlelight, and a chair.
In the context of Matthew 5:38, draw a picture of Jesus reaching out to Jairus' 12 year old daughter as she wakes up out of a deep sleep. Jesus is wearing first century garments along with a head covering and tassels on the bottom of his robe. Standing close to him are five other Hebrew men and two Hebrew women wearing similar garments. The setting is a room in a first century Jewish home with a bed, candlelight, and a chair.
In the context of Matthew 5:38, draw a picture of Jesus reaching out to Jairus' 12 year old daughter as she wakes up out of a deep sleep. Jesus is wearing first century garments along with a head covering and tassels on the bottom of his robe. Standing close to him are five other Hebrew people wearing similar garments. The setting is a room in a first century Jewish home with a bed, candlelight, and a chair.
"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 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." - Matthew 5:38-39
In the context of Matthew 5:38, draw a picture of Jesus reaching out to Jairus' 12 year old daughter as she wakes up out of a deep sleep. Jesus is wearing first century garments along with a head covering and tassels on the bottom of his robe. Standing close to him are five other Hebrew men and two Hebrew women wearing similar garments. Two of the men are in their early 20's. The setting is a room in a first century Jewish home with a bed, candlelight, and a chair.
In the context of Matthew 5:38, draw a picture of Jesus reaching out to Jairus' 12 year old daughter as she wakes up out of a deep sleep and sits up in the bed. Jesus is wearing first century garments along with a head covering and tassels on the bottom of his robe. Standing close to him are four other Hebrew men, two of which are young men. There are also two Hebrew women wearing similar garments. One of the women are kneeling over the bed. The setting is a room in a first century Jewish home with a bed, candlelight, and a chair.
In the context of Matthew 5:38, draw a picture of Jesus reaching out to Jairus' 12 year old daughter as she wakes up out of a deep sleep and sits up in the bed. Jesus is wearing first century garments along with a head covering and tassels on the bottom of his robe. Standing close to him are four other Hebrew men, two of which are young men. There are also two Hebrew women wearing similar garments. One of the women are kneeling over the bed. The setting is a room in a first century Jewish home with a bed, candlelight, and a chair.
In the context of Matthew 5:38, draw a picture of Jesus reaching out to Jairus' 12 year old daughter as she wakes up out of a deep sleep and sits up in the bed. Jesus is wearing first century garments along with a head covering and tassels on the bottom of his robe. Standing close to him are four other Hebrew men, two of which are young men. There are also two Hebrew women wearing similar garments. One of the women are kneeling over the bed. The setting is a room in a first century Jewish home with a bed, candlelight, and a chair.
Matthew 27: 38
Matthew 22:38 - "This is the first and great commandment."
Matthew 9:37-38
Matthew 23:38 - "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate."
"This is the first and great commandment." - Matthew 22:38
Matthew 15:38 - "And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children."
Matthew 10:38 - "And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me."
Matthew 27:38 - "Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left."
Matthew 25:38 - "When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?"
Matthew 13:38 - "The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;"
Matthew 9:38 - "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."
Matthew 12:38 - "¶ Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee."
Psalms 38:5 - "My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness."
Ezekiel 38:5 - "Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet:"
Luke 5:38 - "But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved."
Matthew 24:38 - "For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,"
Matthew 26:38 - "Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me."