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Jesus said:

Background

“An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth”comes from the Old Testament. It is known as lex talionis - the principle of exact retribution. The purpose of this law was to give exact limits to revenge, so that a feud between families would not get out of hand.

By the time of Jesus, this law was being abused:

• Some people were using it to claim money penalties or compensation.
• Some scribes and Pharisees applied the principle of revenge to personal relationships when it was only intended for use in the law courts.

Understanding the text

Jesus is now calling on his followers to live by an even higher standard than that of the Old Testament. Even better than limited revenge is not to take revenge at all.

Jesus gives four examples to illustrate non-retaliation:

• “If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” – Jesus is telling people to try and repay evil with good. To hit back when someone provokes you is often a natural reaction and it takes far greater strength of character to resist. It is not weak to avoid revenge.
• “If someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well” – A person’s cloak was also used as their blanket and there was an Old Testament law that nobody could keep someone’s cloak after sunset. Jesus is teaching here that on some occasions it may be better for a Christian to think and act in a responsible way, rather than demanding their legal rights.
• “If someone forces you to go with him one mile, go with him two” – The Romans were in control of Palestine and a Roman soldier could make a Jew guide him or carry his pack for one mile. Jesus is teaching here that if a person demands something of you that is not fair, act in a cheerful way and try to serve beyond what anyone expects.
• “Give to the one who asks you” – There are many people who are in need, and Christians should be generous rather than being selfish with their possessions.