Key Points
- “Turn the other cheek” comes from Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:39 and calls believers to refuse personal revenge.
- Jesus was not commanding Christians to stay in abuse or ignore danger, but to respond to personal wrongs with humility, mercy, and trust in God’s justice.
- Turning the other cheek does not eliminate the need for wisdom, boundaries, accountability, protection, or the need to seek safety when harm is present.
- Romans 12:19 reminds believers that vengeance belongs to God, who alone judges with perfect righteousness.
- Christians are called to overcome evil with good while still protecting the vulnerable and pursuing truth, justice, and safety.
Where Does “Turn the Other Cheek” Come from in the Bible?
"Turn the other cheek" is a well-known teaching in Christian ethics, although the exact wording varies slightly across Bible translations. Nevertheless, the general concept comes primarily from Matthew 5:39. Christ’s teaching against personal retaliation, when someone offends you personally, went beyond the Old Testament principle, which is described in Matthew 5:38, "You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'"
"Turn the other cheek" comes from the subsequent verse, Matthew 5:39, which says, "But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." Jesus was teaching His followers not to repay personal insult with revenge, but to respond in a way that reflects God’s mercy, humility, and trust in His justice. Ashley Hooker explained this Bible verse well, stating, "As Christians, we are going to face persecution. We may even get a slap in the face. This verse tells us that we are not to seek revenge. We are not appointed to punish the people who wrong us. We are to love them and let God do with them what He will. God has the sole power to punish people who sin, not us." This is connected to the New Testament teaching that "vengeance is the Lord's," which is found in Romans 12:19, "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
What Does “Turn the Other Cheek” Mean?
In contrast to the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 19:21), Jesus warns us not to resist violence with more violence. Evil can only be overcome by good, which keeps us free from compromise with the devil and can bring our enemy under the yoke of God's love. An early Christian of the desert once found his hut being robbed of its little possessions, and he knelt in the corner praying for the bandits. When they left, the monk realized they had not taken his walking stick. This monk then pursued them for many days until he was able to give them the stick as well. Seeing his humility, the bandits returned everything to him and were converted to Jesus Christ.
It is important to remember that this teaching of humility and compassion for those who wrong us personally does not mean we idly watch our neighbors be afflicted or attacked. We are called as Christians to "lay down our lives" for our friends if needed to protect them from violence. "Turn the other cheek" does not necessarily equate to absolute pacifism. It also does not mean remaining in abuse, ignoring danger, or refusing to seek help. Jesus calls His followers away from personal revenge, but He does not call victims to stay in harm’s way or enable ongoing sin. We should fight against evil and promote the truth of God by following the Commandments. Jesus forbids personal revenge; He does not forbid wisdom, boundaries, accountability, protection, reporting crimes, or seeking safety.
Important note: Turning the other cheek does not mean staying in abuse or allowing someone to keep harming you. If you are in danger, seek help from trusted people, church leadership, local authorities, or a domestic violence advocate. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides free, confidential support 24/7, including crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals.
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." ~ John 15:13
Does “Turn the Other Cheek” Mean Staying in Abuse?
No. “Turn the other cheek” is not a command to remain in abuse, ignore danger, or refuse protection; it is a call to refuse personal revenge and entrust justice to God. Vengeance is perfect and righteous judgment, which only God is capable of carrying out. Evil is overcome only by good, which the Son of God Himself demonstrated on the Cross and which believers are called to emulate.
Because Scripture recognizes civil authority as accountable under God, the Apostle Paul calls a civil authority "God's minister." Civil authorities are responsible for protecting people and restraining wrongdoing. Furthermore, they will be held accountable for their roles and responsibilities, as well as for any negligence or corruption within those responsibilities.
Bible Verses Related to “Turn the Other Cheek”
- “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well." ~ Matthew 5:38-40
- To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. ~ Luke 6:29
- He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. ~ Luke 22:36
- Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” ~ Romans 12:19
- For he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. ~ Romans 13:4
Frequently Asked Questions about “Turn the Other Cheek”
- What does “turn the other cheek” mean?
“Turn the other cheek” means refusing personal revenge when insulted or wronged. Jesus calls His followers to respond with humility, mercy, and trust in God’s justice rather than retaliation. - Where does the phrase “turn the other cheek” come from?
The phrase comes from Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:39, where He says that if someone slaps you on the right cheek, you should turn the other cheek also. - Does “turn the other cheek” mean Christians should accept abuse?
No. Jesus’ teaching is not a command to stay in abuse or ignore danger. Christians can refuse revenge while also seeking safety, setting boundaries, reporting harm, and protecting the vulnerable. - How is “turn the other cheek” different from “an eye for an eye”?
“An eye for an eye” limited punishment and helped restrain excessive retaliation. Jesus goes further by calling His followers not to seek personal revenge at all. - What does the Bible say about vengeance?
Romans 12:19 teaches believers not to avenge themselves but to leave vengeance to God. Christians are called to overcome evil with good while trusting God’s justice.
For Further Reading
- What Does “An Eye for an Eye” Really Mean?
- 7 Real-World Ways to Love Your Enemies
- How to Overcome Evil With Good
- What Would Jesus Say about Setting Boundaries?
- Are Christians Called to Forgive and Forget?
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