[The Bible is an “Eastern” book. It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.]

Many people are familiar with the expression, “turn the other cheek.”  However, when it comes to understanding what that means, there is a fair amount of confusion.

Jesus Christ taught that whosoever shall smite you on your right cheek, you should turn to him the other cheek also.  Thus we end up with the expression, “turn the other cheek.”

Some say this is a metaphor meaning that if someone does you harm, you just walk away.  Others have a literal point of view and believe that if someone physically hurts you, then you allow them to keep hurting you. Perhaps that’s where the expression, “door mat for Jesus” came about.

What Does Smite Mean?

The Greek word that is translated, “smite” does not necessarily mean to inflict pain or injury.  It can also mean to touch, and it’s important to note that Jesus mentioned the “right cheek.”

Once again, understanding the culture in the lands and times of the Bible opens up the meaning of the scriptures.   Yes, Jesus Christ brought a new message.  But we need to always remember that the words he spoke and the words he employed were known and understood by the people he spoke to.  His message was new, but the words and phrases he used to convey that message were not new.

But to our minds, not being familiar with that culture, many times we misunderstand those words and phrases.  Gaining an understanding of the words and phrases used in that culture helps us to then understand the meaning of what Jesus taught.

A Great Insult

In Bible culture, one of the greatest insults was for someone to touch your cheek with their hand.  This is what Jesus meant when he said if someone were to smite you on your right cheek.  If someone did in fact touch you on the cheek, it would be a very great insult.  It would be one of the most insulting things that someone could do to you.

The message is clear.  Do not retaliate. Do not respond back with an insult.  It may be very humiliating; it may make me look like dirt.  But, I can let someone touch the cheek on the other side, too.

Jesus was surely not saying that if someone smacked you in the face and jarred your teeth loose, that you should then allow them to smack you again on the other side of your face.  That is just ridiculous.

Bless And Curse Not

Jesus said that we should take his yoke upon us, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  It is certainly not easy nor is it light to let someone break your jaw, and then let them break it again.

But if someone does insult you, then by the grace of God you can “turn the other cheek,” and bless them instead of retaliating against them.  The Bible teaches, “Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.”

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.

Matthew 11:28 and 29
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Romans 12:14
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

Mike Verdicchio

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Resources
There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the Eastern culture in which the Bible was written.  The best I know of were written by Bishop K. C. Pillai I have had the pleasure of listening to many recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced.  But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)

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