Luke 6:29

And unto him that smiteth thee on the [one] cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not [to take thy] coat also.

And unto him that smiteth {G5180} thee {G4571} on {G1909} the one cheek {G4600} offer {G3930} also {G2532} the other {G243}; and {G2532} him {G575} that taketh away {G142} thy {G4675} cloke {G2440} forbid {G2967} not {G3361} to take thy coat {G5509} also {G2532}.

"If someone hits you on one cheek, offer the other too; if someone takes your coat, let him have your shirt as well.

If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well.

To him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and from him that taketh away thy cloak withhold not thy coat also.

Commentary

Context of Luke 6:29

Luke 6:29 is part of Jesus' profound teachings often referred to as the "Sermon on the Plain" (Luke's parallel to Matthew's Sermon on the Mount). In this section, Jesus presents a series of counter-cultural commands to His disciples, challenging the conventional wisdom of His day regarding retaliation and justice. Following His blessings (beatitudes) and woes, Jesus transitions into the core of Christian ethics, emphasizing a radical call to love for enemies, generosity, and non-retaliation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Non-Retaliation and Forgiveness: The command "unto him that smiteth thee on the [one] cheek offer also the other" challenges the natural human instinct for revenge or "an eye for an eye." It advocates for a deliberate choice not to retaliate, but rather to absorb the insult or harm without escalating conflict. This is not a call to invite abuse, but to break the cycle of violence and hatred.
  • Radical Generosity: "and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not [to take thy] coat also" speaks to an extraordinary level of generosity and detachment from material possessions. In ancient times, the "cloak" (`himation`) was often a person's most valuable outer garment, sometimes even serving as collateral for a loan or a blanket at night. The "coat" (`chiton`) was the inner tunic. Jesus is teaching His followers to be willing to give even what is essential, demonstrating a heart free from covetousness and focused on spiritual values.
  • Love for Enemies: At its core, this verse, like others in this sermon, illustrates the profound principle of loving one's enemies and doing good to those who harm you. It's an active, transformative love that seeks to overcome evil with good, rather than mirroring it.

Linguistic and Cultural Insights

The act of striking someone on the cheek (`แฟฅฮฑฯ€ฮฏฮถฮตฮน` - rhapizei) was often more about inflicting public shame and insult than serious physical injury. It was a deliberate act of humiliation. Jesus' instruction to "offer also the other" is a powerful symbol of refusing to be shamed or drawn into a retaliatory cycle, instead asserting a spiritual dignity that transcends the insult.

The distinction between the "cloak" (himation) and "coat" (chiton) is significant. The himation was an outer garment, often required by law to be returned to a poor person by nightfall if taken as a pledge (Exodus 22:26-27). The chiton was the inner tunic. To give both demonstrates an extreme, voluntary surrender of rights and possessions, highlighting a profound trust in God's provision and a detachment from material security.

Practical Application for Today

Luke 6:29 challenges believers to adopt a posture of active non-retaliation in the face of insult or injustice. This does not mean passive acceptance of all forms of abuse, particularly systemic injustice, but rather a commitment to breaking cycles of violence and hatred through love and grace. It calls for a heart that is willing to forgive, to be generous even when taken advantage of, and to respond to evil not with evil, but with a transformative good. This radical discipleship requires humility, faith, and a willingness to trust God with one's personal rights and possessions, mirroring Christ's own example of suffering injustice without retaliation.

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Cross-References

  • 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.

  • Hebrews 10:34

    For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

  • 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 5:42

    Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

  • Lamentations 3:30

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

  • 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.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:7

    Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather [suffer yourselves to] be defrauded?
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