Matthew 5:38

Matthew 5:38 is a verse from the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, one of the most well-known teachings of Jesus. Matthew 5:38 introduces the concept of non-retaliation and is often summarized by the phrase "an eye for an eye".

Text

The traditional King James Version (KJV) of the Bible translates Matthew 5:38 as:

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

This verse references older Jewish laws found in the Books of the Law—specifically, Exodus 21:24, Leviticus 24:20, and Deuteronomy 19:21—which prescribed a system of retributive justice. However, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presents a new interpretation, urging his followers to turn away from the traditional law of retaliation.

Interpretation

Matthew 5:38 is often cited to illustrate the radical nature of Jesus' teachings, contrasting the old law with a new ethic of non-violence and forgiveness. Following verses, Matthew 5:39-Matthew 5:42, expand on this by instructing followers to turn the other cheek, give more to those who ask, and go the extra mile with someone who forces them to do something. This passage has been influential in the development of Christian ethics, including discussions on pacifism, forgiveness, and justice.

Impact

The teachings of Matthew 5:38 have had a profound impact on Christian thought and practice. They have been pivotal in discussions on moral and ethical responses to injustice and aggression. Figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi have cited these verses as influential in their advocacy for nonviolent resistance.

Controversies

Interpretations of Matthew 5:38 have varied widely. Some argue that it advocates for complete non-resistance to evil, while others interpret it as promoting a more metaphorical or spiritual form of non-retaliation. Debates continue within theological circles about the extent to which Christians should engage in self-defense or participate in military actions.

See Also

• Sermon on the Mount
• Christian ethics
• Nonviolence
• Retributive justice