He giveth [his] cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach.
He giveth {H5414} his cheek {H3895} to him that smiteth {H5221} him: he is filled full {H7646} with reproach {H2781}.
Let him offer his cheek to the one who strikes it, and receive his fill of insults.
Let him offer his cheek to the one who would strike him; let him be filled with reproach.
Let him give his cheek to him that smiteth him; let him be filled full with reproach.
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Isaiah 50:6
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. -
Job 16:10
They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me. -
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 26:67
Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote [him] with the palms of their hands, -
2 Corinthians 11:20
For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour [you], if a man take [of you], if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. -
Micah 5:1
¶ Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek. -
Psalms 69:20
Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked [for some] to take pity, but [there was] none; and for comforters, but I found none.
Context of Lamentations 3:30
Lamentations is a book of profound sorrow, a poetic expression of grief over the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people. While the book as a whole mourns the national tragedy, Chapter 3 takes on a more personal tone, often attributed to the prophet Jeremiah. This chapter moves from deep despair (vv. 1-18) to a glimmer of hope rooted in God's unfailing mercies (vv. 19-24). Verses 25-39 offer counsel on how to respond to affliction, emphasizing patient endurance and submission to God's will. Lamentations 3:30 falls within this section, outlining a posture of humility and non-retaliation in the face of suffering and humiliation, suggesting that such a stance is part of accepting divine discipline.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "He giveth [his] cheek to him that smiteth him" comes from the Hebrew natán leḥî (נָתַן לֶחִי), meaning "to give the cheek." This idiom signifies a complete lack of resistance to physical assault or insult. It's a profound gesture of humility and submission to the one inflicting harm, choosing not to defend oneself or retaliate. The idea is not to invite harm but to accept it when it comes, particularly in the context of divine judgment or discipline. "He is filled full with reproach" uses the Hebrew verb yisba' (יִשְׂבַּע), meaning "to be sated" or "filled to satisfaction," combined with ḥerpa (חֶרְפָּה), "reproach" or "shame." This conveys the overwhelming and abundant nature of the insults and disgrace endured.
Practical Application and Reflection
Lamentations 3:30 offers a challenging yet profound principle for navigating personal suffering and injustice. It calls believers to a radical posture of non-retaliation, reflecting a trust in God's ultimate control and justice. While this verse is often understood in the context of divine discipline, its principles resonate deeply with the New Testament teachings on responding to evil with good.
In essence, this verse is a powerful reminder that true strength in adversity can often be found not in resistance, but in humble submission to God's will and a willingness to absorb suffering, trusting in His ultimate vindication and redemption.