turning the other cheek
What does the Bible say about turning the other cheek? These are the passages readers found most helpful — tap any citation to read it in context.
12 passages · most helpful first
38You have heard that it was said: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39But I say to you, do not resist one who is evil, but if anyone will have struck you on your right cheek, offer to him the other also.
19Do not defend yourselves, dearest ones. Instead, step aside from wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is mine. I shall give retribution, says the Lord.”
27But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. 28Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who slander you. 29And to him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your coat, do not withhold even your tunic.
39But I say to you, do not resist one who is evil, but if anyone will have struck you on your right cheek, offer to him the other also.
27In response, he said: “You shall love the Lord your God from your whole heart, and from your whole soul, and from all your strength, and from all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
52Then Jesus said to him: “Put your sword back in its place. For all who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. 53Or do you think that I cannot ask my Father, so that he would give me, even now, more than twelve legions of Angels? 54How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must be so?”
1“So then, if you will listen to the voice of the Lord your God, so as to keep and do all of his commandments, which I instruct to you this day, the Lord your God will cause you to be more exalted than all the nations which exist upon the earth. 2And all these blessings shall come to you and take hold of you, but only if you listen to his precepts. 3Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed in the field. 4Blessed shall be the fruit of your loins, and the fruit of your land, and the fruit of your cattle, the droves of your herds, and the folds of your sheep. 5Blessed shall be your barns, and blessed your storehouses. 6Blessed shall you be entering and departing.
1Then, seeing the crowds, he ascended the mountain, and when he had sat down, his disciples drew near to him, 2and opening his mouth, he taught them, saying: 3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the earth. 5Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be consoled. 6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied.
38You have heard that it was said: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’
38You have heard that it was said: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39But I say to you, do not resist one who is evil, but if anyone will have struck you on your right cheek, offer to him the other also. 40And anyone who wishes to contend with you in judgment, and to take away your tunic, release to him your cloak also. 41And whoever will have compelled you for one thousand steps, go with him even for two thousand steps. 42Whoever asks of you, give to him. And if anyone would borrow from you, do not turn away from him.
29And to him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your coat, do not withhold even your tunic.
24an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot, 25a scrape for a scrape, a wound for a wound, a bruise for a bruise.