Matthew 5:38–42:
Renouncing Personal Revenge

Correct Interpretation of Matthew 5:38–42

After teaching that the righteousness of the Kingdom extends to the way a person speaks (Matthew 5:33–37), Jesus gives another example of that greater righteousness. He now begins with the principle “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” This principle established a response proportionate to the harm done. Jesus teaches that His disciples must not turn that principle into a justification for personal retaliation, but instead renounce the desire to repay one offense with another.

(v. 38)
«“You have heard that it was said: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’»

Jesus cites the principle of retribution established in the Law (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21).

This principle did not authorize personal revenge; it required a proportionate response that did not exceed the harm done.

Its function was to place limits on retaliation and preserve justice, preventing an injury from producing a disproportionate response.

(v. 39)
«But I say to you not to resist the evildoer; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.»

The expression “not to resist the evildoer” does not mean approving evil or prohibiting every form of justice or protection. The context shows that Jesus is speaking about the personal response to an offense.

The slap represents a humiliating assault. Instead of responding with another offense and entering a cycle of retaliation, the disciple must be willing to endure the wrong without seeking revenge.

Turning the other cheek therefore expresses the deliberate renunciation of repaying evil with evil.

(v. 40)
«“And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have the cloak as well.»

Jesus now presents a legal situation in which someone wants to sue the disciple and take his tunic.

Rather than stubbornly insisting on one’s own rights, Jesus describes a striking willingness to yield even more than is demanded.

The point is not that a person must always give up every legitimate right, but that a disciple must not be driven by the desire to win, dominate others, or retaliate for harm received.

The righteousness of the Kingdom produces an inward freedom capable of surrendering even what one might legitimately claim.

(v. 41)
«And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.»

Jesus describes a practice under Roman rule: an official could temporarily compel someone to carry a load.

The disciple could fulfill that obligation resentfully and do only the minimum required. Jesus, however, describes a response that goes beyond what is demanded: “go with him two.”

Thus, even when something is imposed upon him, the disciple does not allow another person’s conduct to determine his own attitude, but responds voluntarily with a disposition that goes beyond mere obligation.

(v. 42)
«Give to him who asks you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.»

Jesus concludes by extending the teaching to generosity.

A disciple must not cling to his possessions or close his heart to someone in need.

Jesus’ words describe an openness to give and lend, in contrast to a selfish attitude that always seeks to protect what belongs to oneself.

Thus, the righteousness of the Kingdom calls disciples to renounce not only retaliation but also a life centered solely on their own rights and possessions.

Implications

• The Law did not authorize excessive revenge: “an eye for an eye” established proportionality and limited retaliation.
• The disciple renounces personal revenge: one offense should not automatically produce another offense.
• Personal rights must not become the center of life: Jesus teaches a willingness to yield rather than live dominated by conflict.
• The disciple’s response must not be determined by the conduct of others: even under compulsion, he can voluntarily respond in a different way.
• The righteousness of the Kingdom produces generosity: whoever follows Jesus does not live clinging to his possessions or indifferent to the needs of others.

Applications

• Do not automatically answer one offense with another: renounce the desire to get even.
• Do not turn your rights into an idol: learn when it is better to yield than to prolong a conflict.
• Do not allow the behavior of others to control your own: respond according to Jesus’ teaching, not merely according to what you receive.
• Cultivate a generous disposition: do not close your heart to someone who genuinely needs help.
• Examine your response when you are treated unjustly: consider whether you are seeking justice or merely satisfying the desire to repay harm.

Summary

In Matthew 5:38–42, Jesus begins with the principle “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth,” which limited retribution to the harm received, and leads His disciples beyond the logic of personal retaliation. Through the examples of the slap, the lawsuit, compulsory service, and the request for help, He teaches them to renounce retaliation, avoid clinging to their own rights, and respond generously. Thus, the righteousness of the Kingdom does not merely seek equivalent compensation, but forms people who are not governed by revenge, resentment, or selfishness.

Prayer

Our Father, we thank You because Jesus Christ teaches us a righteousness that goes beyond the desire to repay others for what they do to us.

Deliver us from revenge, resentment, and the need always to prevail in our conflicts.

Give us wisdom to respond rightly when we are offended, and form in us a willingness to yield when doing so honors Your will.

Make us generous with what You have given us and sensitive to the needs of others.

May our reactions be governed not by the harm we receive, but by the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We ask this in His name. Amen.