Mat 5:38-39 | MHM | STEP | The Sermon on the Mount In these verses, Jesus teaches about forgiveness and how to respond when people treat us badly. He explains the Old Testament law of retaliation, which said “an eye for an eye,” but then shows a new and better way. Jesus tells his followers not to seek revenge, but instead to show patience, kindness, and generosity, even to those who do wrong to them. v. 38 : The old law said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21 ). This law was for the judges, to make sure punishments were fair and not too harsh. It was meant to guide the courts, not to give people the right to take revenge on their own. Some teachers, however, taught that everyone should demand strict justice, even for small injuries, and that forgiveness was not needed. But Jesus shows that this is not the way of love.

‏ Matthew 5:38-39

The Sermon on the Mount

In these verses, Jesus teaches about forgiveness and how to respond when people treat us badly. He explains the Old Testament law of retaliation, which said “an eye for an eye,” but then shows a new and better way. Jesus tells his followers not to seek revenge, but instead to show patience, kindness, and generosity, even to those who do wrong to them.

v. 38: The old law said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21 ^a). This law was for the judges, to make sure punishments were fair and not too harsh. It was meant to guide the courts, not to give people the right to take revenge on their own. Some teachers, however, taught that everyone should demand strict justice, even for small injuries, and that forgiveness was not needed. But Jesus shows that this is not the way of love.

v. 39: Jesus says, Do not resist the one who is evil (Matthew 5:39 ^b). This means we should not be revengeful or try to get even with someone who wrongs us. If someone hits you on the right cheek, do not hit back, but be patient and show forgiveness. Jesus gives the example of turning the other cheek. This does not mean we cannot protect ourselves or others when truly needed, but we should not respond to insults or small injuries with anger or hatred (Romans 12:17; Proverbs 25:21-22 ^c). Jesus himself was mistreated, but he did not fight back (Micah 5:1 ^d).