What does “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” mean in this passage?

“An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” was a law about fair punishment. It was meant for judges and leaders to make sure the penalty matched the wrong that was done, so people would not punish too harshly. By the time Jesus spoke, many had taken this law as permission to get even in personal life. Jesus corrects that. He teaches that his followers are not to use this rule for private revenge, but to lay aside payback and respond with patience and mercy instead.

What does Jesus mean by “resist not evil” and turning the other cheek?

When Jesus says “resist not evil” and speaks of turning the other cheek, he is talking about personal insults and injuries, not ignoring all evil in the world. He is warning against a spirit that always hits back. Turning the other cheek pictures a heart that would rather suffer another slight than start a cycle of revenge. It does not mean we can never seek help or justice, but that our first response should not be anger, hatred, or payback, but a quiet, patient spirit.

Why does Jesus tell his followers to go the extra mile?

In that time, a person could be forced by an authority to carry a load for a set distance, like one mile. Jesus says that if someone compels you to go one mile, go two. This shows a willing heart that does more than is demanded, instead of arguing and fighting for every right. By going further than required, a believer shows grace and kindness even under pressure. It reflects a life that values peace and a generous spirit more than clinging to personal comfort and pride.

What does “give to him that asketh thee” mean for everyday life?

“Give to him that asketh thee” calls for a ready, generous heart toward those in real need. Jesus is not laying out a rigid rule to give anything to anyone without thought, but he is cutting at our selfishness and coldness. When a true need is in front of us, we should be willing to share and to lend, not turning away because it is inconvenient or we might not be repaid. The point is to reflect God’s own kindness, who freely gives good things even to those who do not thank him.

Why does Jesus say, “Love your enemies” and “pray for them which despitefully use you”?

Jesus tells his followers to love their enemies and pray for those who mistreat them because this is how they show they belong to their Father in heaven. Loving only friends and family is natural, and even people far from God do that. Enemy love is different. It means wishing them good, speaking kindly, doing good when we can, and praying for God’s mercy on them. This is how believers mirror God, who sends sun and rain on both the evil and the good, showing kindness even to the ungrateful.

What does it mean that God sends sun and rain on the just and the unjust?

When Jesus says God makes his sun rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the just and unjust, he is pointing to God’s generous care for all people. Sun and rain were everyday gifts that meant food and life. God gives these gifts not only to those who honor him but also to those who ignore or oppose him. This shows that God’s kindness is wide and patient. Jesus uses this picture to call his followers to the same kind of open, steady goodness toward everyone.

What does Jesus mean by “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father…is perfect”?

The word “perfect” here points to being whole and mature in love, not sinless in this life. Jesus has just spoken about loving enemies and greeting more than just our own group. To be perfect like the Father is to let our love reach beyond the easy circle of friends to all, just as God’s kindness reaches both the just and unjust. It sets a high standard that keeps us growing. We will not do this perfectly now, but this is the pattern and aim for every believer.

How were people misunderstanding “love your neighbour” when Jesus spoke?

Many in Jesus’ day took “love your neighbour” to mean “love your own group” and felt free to hate enemies. Some taught it that way. Jesus exposes this narrow view by saying, “You have heard…love your neighbour, and hate your enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies.” He makes clear that neighbour love is not limited to those who are like us or kind to us. In God’s eyes, every person we meet is a neighbour we are called to treat with mercy and kindness, even if they oppose us.

How can a Christian apply these verses about non-retaliation and enemy love today?

These verses call a Christian to lay aside the urge to always strike back. In daily life that might mean not replying with harsh words when insulted, being willing to accept loss in some disputes rather than stirring endless fights, giving time or help to someone who has not treated you well, and praying honestly for those who have hurt you. The goal is not to be walked over, but to show a different spirit, trusting God with justice while you choose patient, active love, even when it feels hard.

Matt.5.38

Matthew 5:38

KJV Jesus

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

Chapter:

Context:

Love Your Enemies

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

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.

And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.

And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

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

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.