Lamentations 3:30

KJV

He giveth [his] cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach.

KJV (with Strong's)

He giveth {H5414} his cheek {H3895} to him that smiteth {H5221} him: he is filled full {H7646} with reproach {H2781}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let him offer his cheek to the one who strikes it, and receive his fill of insults.

Berean Standard Bible

Let him offer his cheek to the one who would strike him; let him be filled with reproach.

American Standard Version

Let him give his cheek to him that smiteth him; let him be filled full with reproach.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Lamentations 3:30 encapsulates a profound call to patient endurance and humble submission in the face of suffering and humiliation. It describes a posture of non-retaliation, where the afflicted individual willingly absorbs physical and verbal abuse, acknowledging an overwhelming experience of reproach. This stance is presented not as a sign of weakness, but as an active choice to trust in God's sovereignty and purpose, even amidst severe divine discipline or unjust persecution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Lamentations 3:30 is situated within the intensely personal lament of Chapter 3, often attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, following the devastating destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC. While the preceding chapters detail the collective national grief, Chapter 3 shifts to the anguish of an individual who identifies deeply with the suffering of the nation. The chapter begins with a profound expression of despair (vv. 1-18), yet remarkably transitions to a pivotal declaration of hope rooted in God's unfailing mercies and faithfulness (vv. 19-24, notably [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Steadfast Love")). Following this declaration, verses 25-39 offer counsel on how to respond to affliction, emphasizing the benefits of patient waiting, submission to God's will, and the understanding that suffering ultimately comes from God's hand for a righteous purpose. Verse 30, therefore, serves as a concrete illustration of the humble and non-resistant posture advocated in this section, underscoring the depth of submission required.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem, the destruction of the Temple, and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people to Babylon. This period was one of immense national trauma, physical devastation, and profound spiritual questioning. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, honor and shame were paramount. To "give one's cheek" to a smiter was an act of extreme humiliation and a direct challenge to the cultural expectation of defending one's honor. It signified a complete surrender to the aggressor, accepting the shame without retaliation. Being "filled full with reproach" speaks to the overwhelming public disgrace and scorn heaped upon the defeated, a common experience for conquered peoples. The prophet's willingness to endure such indignity reflects a deep understanding of divine judgment and the need for a posture of repentance and submission to God's disciplinary hand, even when the instruments of that discipline were foreign invaders.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Lamentations and broader biblical theology. It exemplifies **Patient Endurance**, urging a profound level of non-resistance and perseverance when facing adversity or unjust treatment, trusting in God's ultimate justice. It highlights **Humility in Affliction**, demonstrating that true strength can be found in accepting humiliation and physical abuse without retaliation, acknowledging God's sovereignty even in painful circumstances. The concept of being "filled full with reproach" underscores the theme of **Acceptance of Shame and Suffering**, suggesting a deep surrender to overwhelming disgrace, possibly as a necessary component of divine discipline or a test of faith. This posture is not passive resignation but an active choice to absorb the blow, reflecting a profound trust in the Lord, who "will not cast off forever" ([Lamentations 3:31](/lamentations/3-31 "Lamentations 3:31 - God's Enduring Mercy")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **giveth (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** From H5414, a primitive root meaning "to give," used with great latitude. Here, it signifies a deliberate, active act of yielding or presenting. It is not a passive surrender but an intentional offering of oneself to the smiter, implying a conscious choice to forgo resistance.
* **cheek (Hebrew, _lᵉchîy'_):** From H3895, referring to the fleshy part of the face. In this context, offering the cheek is a powerful idiom for exposing oneself to insult, physical assault, and humiliation without defense. It represents the most vulnerable part of the face, symbolizing a complete lack of self-preservation or retaliation in the face of aggression.
* **reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_):** From H2781, meaning "contumely, disgrace, rebuke, shame." This word encompasses not just verbal insult but also the deep public shame and dishonor associated with being defeated, scorned, or subjected to indignity. To be "filled full" with it implies an overwhelming, pervasive experience of this disgrace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He giveth [his] cheek to him that smiteth him":** This clause describes a radical posture of non-resistance and humility. The act of "giving the cheek" is a powerful idiom for willingly submitting to physical assault or public insult without attempting to defend oneself or retaliate. It signifies a profound acceptance of humiliation, not as an invitation to further harm, but as a deliberate choice to absorb the blow, often understood in the context of divine judgment or discipline. It speaks to a deep, active surrender to the one inflicting harm, acknowledging a higher purpose or sovereignty in the suffering.
* **"he is filled full with reproach":** This second clause describes the consequence or the overwhelming experience of such a posture. The phrase "filled full" (from the root *sâbaʻ*, to be sated or filled to satisfaction) emphasizes the abundant and pervasive nature of the scorn, insult, and disgrace endured. It suggests that the individual is completely immersed in and overwhelmed by the shame and dishonor, indicating a comprehensive experience of humiliation that permeates their existence. This is not a fleeting moment of insult but a deep, saturating experience of public disgrace.

#### Literary Devices
Lamentations 3:30 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Idiom**, specifically "He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him." This is not to be taken literally as merely presenting one's face, but as a deeply embedded cultural expression signifying complete non-resistance, humility, and acceptance of physical assault or profound insult without retaliation. It is a gesture of utter submission. The phrase "he is filled full with reproach" utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the overwhelming and saturating nature of the humiliation. The individual is not merely reproached, but "filled full" with it, suggesting an abundance of scorn that permeates their entire being. Furthermore, there is an element of **Metonymy**, where the "cheek" stands in for the entire person's willingness to endure suffering and shame, highlighting the personal and intimate nature of the affliction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Lamentations 3:30 offers a challenging yet profound theological principle: that true strength in adversity can 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. This posture is deeply rooted in the understanding of God's sovereignty over all circumstances, including those that bring pain and humiliation. It suggests that enduring reproach and physical indignity, particularly when it is perceived as divine discipline, is a path toward spiritual growth and alignment with God's purposes. This verse foreshadows a radical ethic of non-retaliation that finds its fullest expression in the New Testament, where suffering for righteousness' sake is seen as a mark of discipleship and a participation in Christ's own experience.

* [Isaiah 50:6](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant")
* [Matthew 5:39](/matthew/5-39 "Matthew 5:39 - Turn the Other Cheek")
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example in Suffering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Lamentations 3:30 presents a radical and counter-cultural call to respond to injustice, insult, and even physical harm with a posture of humble endurance rather than immediate retaliation. In a world that often champions self-defense, assertion of rights, and striking back, this verse invites believers to consider a different path—one rooted in profound trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty. It challenges us to examine our knee-jerk reactions to criticism, unfair treatment, or public shaming. Instead of meeting aggression with aggression, or insult with insult, it suggests that there is spiritual power and maturity in absorbing the blow, trusting that God sees, knows, and will ultimately vindicate. This is not an endorsement of abuse, but a spiritual discipline for those who seek to align with God's will, even when it means personal cost and public humiliation. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of humility that is willing to be misunderstood, maligned, and even physically harmed for the sake of a higher purpose, mirroring the ultimate example of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to "give your cheek" or absorb reproach without immediate retaliation?**
* **How does trusting in God's sovereignty enable or hinder your ability to endure suffering and humiliation patiently?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more humble and non-retaliatory spirit when faced with injustice or insult?**
* **How might embracing the message of Lamentations 3:30 deepen your understanding of Christian discipleship and the imitation of Christ?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse advocate for passive acceptance of all forms of abuse or injustice?**

Answer: No, this verse does not advocate for passive acceptance of all forms of abuse or injustice in a way that negates the pursuit of justice or self-preservation. Instead, it describes a spiritual posture of humility and non-retaliation, particularly in the context of divine discipline or suffering for righteousness' sake. It is about an internal disposition of trust in God's sovereignty and a willingness to endure reproach, rather than a blanket command to remain silent or inactive in the face of all wrongdoing. The biblical narrative also includes instances of seeking justice and protection (e.g., Paul appealing to his Roman citizenship in [Acts 22:25-29](/acts/22-25 "Acts 22:25-29 - Paul's Roman Citizenship")). The emphasis here is on the *spirit* with which one endures hardship, demonstrating trust in God's ultimate vindication rather than relying on personal vengeance.

**How does "turning the other cheek" relate to seeking justice or self-defense?**

Answer: The principle of "turning the other cheek," as taught by Jesus in [Matthew 5:39](/matthew/5-39 "Matthew 5:39 - Turning the Other Cheek"), is a New Testament echo of the sentiment in Lamentations 3:30. It primarily addresses personal retaliation and the spirit of vengeance, urging believers to break the cycle of "an eye for an eye." It does not necessarily negate the role of civil authorities in upholding justice ([Romans 13:4](/romans/13-4 "Romans 13:4 - The Authority of Government")) or the right to self-defense in extreme circumstances. Rather, it calls for a radical, Christ-like response to personal affronts, prioritizing love, humility, and trust in God's righteous judgment over immediate retribution. It's a call to absorb the indignity, demonstrating a higher spiritual principle.

**What is the spiritual benefit of enduring reproach or humiliation?**

Answer: Enduring reproach or humiliation, as described in Lamentations 3:30, can yield significant spiritual benefits. Firstly, it fosters **humility** and breaks the prideful impulse to always defend oneself or retaliate. Secondly, it deepens **trust in God's sovereignty**, reminding us that even in suffering, God is in control and may be refining us or working out a greater purpose ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")). Thirdly, it aligns the believer with the **suffering of Christ**, allowing them to participate in His experience of unjust persecution and shame ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings")). Finally, it can be a powerful **witness** to the world, demonstrating a peace and strength that comes from relying on God rather than human power or retribution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Lamentations 3:30 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The prophet's lament, "He giveth [his] cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach," perfectly foreshadows the voluntary suffering of the Messiah. Jesus, the Suffering Servant prophesied in [Isaiah 50:6](/isaiah/50-6 "Isaiah 50:6 - The Suffering Servant"), willingly offered His back to those who struck Him and His cheeks to those who pulled out His beard, enduring profound physical abuse and public humiliation without retaliation. His teaching to "turn the other cheek" in [Matthew 5:39](/matthew/5-39 "Matthew 5:39 - Turn the Other Cheek") directly embodies and elevates the principle found in Lamentations, making it a cornerstone of His kingdom ethic. Throughout His trial and crucifixion, Jesus was "filled full with reproach," subjected to mocking, spitting, and false accusations, yet He "committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly" ([1 Peter 2:22-23](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22-23 - Christ's Sinless Example")). Thus, Christ perfectly fulfilled this verse, transforming a lament of suffering into a paradigm of redemptive love and a demonstration of divine strength found in humble submission, ultimately leading to victory over sin and death through His sacrifice on the cross ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.