Y’shu’ah HaMashiach’s teaching in Matthew 5:38-39—“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist the wicked. But whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other to him also”—is a profound call to reject personal vengeance and embrace a higher standard of righteousness. This teaching, when combined with the Scriptural truth that justice and vengeance belong to Yahuah, forms a complete picture of how believers are to walk in humility, trust, and obedience.
Understanding “An Eye for an Eye”
The phrase “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” originates from the Torah, appearing in Exodus 21:24, Leviticus 24:20, and Deuteronomy 19:21. This principle, known as lex talionis (the law of retaliation), was part of Elohim’s judicial system, designed to ensure proportional justice and prevent excessive retribution. It was not a mandate for personal revenge but a guideline for courts to administer fair judgment.
Y’shu’ah does not abolish this principle but shifts the focus to personal conduct. He calls His followers to transcend the letter of the law, embodying its spirit through mercy and humility.
Do Not Resist the Wicked
Y’shu’ah’s instruction “do not resist the wicked” does not advocate passivity in the face of evil but challenges the human tendency toward personal retaliation. The Greek word for resist (ἀνθίστημι, anthistēmi) suggests opposition or retaliation in kind. Y’shu’ah is teaching His followers to break the cycle of vengeance and leave judgment to Elohim.
Parallel Teachings in Scripture
Proverbs 20:22:
“Do not say, ‘I will recompense evil’; wait for Yahuah, and He will save you.”
Trusting Yahuah to act on our behalf is a demonstration of faith.
Romans 12:19:
“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says Yahuah.”
Paul echoes the Torah’s teaching, calling believers to relinquish personal vengeance and trust Elohim’s justice.
Turning the Other Cheek
In Y’shu’ah’s time, a slap on the right cheek was often a backhanded strike—a deliberate insult meant to humiliate. Turning the other cheek is not about submission to abuse but a refusal to escalate the conflict. It demonstrates dignity, strength, and a commitment to peace.
This principle aligns with Proverbs 25:21-22:“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and Yahuah will reward you.”
Turning the other cheek reflects the transformative power of Elohim’s Spirit, breaking the cycle of retaliation and pointing others toward righteousness.
The Role of Elohim as Judge
Scripture is clear: justice and vengeance belong to Elohim alone. As believers, we are called to trust Him to right wrongs and to act in His perfect timing.
Key Scriptures on Elohim’s Justice
Deuteronomy 32:35:
“Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; their foot shall slip in due time; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things to come hasten upon them.”
Elohim assures His people that He will judge with righteousness.
Psalm 9:7-8:
“But Yahuah shall endure forever; He has prepared His throne for judgment. He shall judge the world in righteousness, and He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.”
Isaiah 61:8:
“For I, Yahuah, love justice; I hate robbery for burnt offering; I will direct their work in truth and will make with them an everlasting covenant.”
Elohim’s justice is perfect, free from human biases or limitations. Trusting Him with vengeance allows believers to focus on walking in righteousness and peace.
Balancing Mercy and Self-Defense
Y’shu’ah’s teaching in Matthew 5:38-39 does not forbid self-defense. Scripture affirms the right to protect oneself and others when necessary:
Exodus 22:2-3:
“If a thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, there is no guilt for his bloodshed.”
Nehemiah 4:17-18:
Nehemiah’s workers defended themselves while rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, balancing trust in Elohim with practical action.
Luke 22:36:
Y’shu’ah instructed His disciples to be prepared, saying: “He who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one.”
The key is discerning between self-defense and personal retaliation. While defending oneself is just, seeking vengeance is not.
Practical Application for Believers
Trust Elohim’s Sovereignty:
Believe that Yahuah sees every injustice and will act in His perfect time (Deuteronomy 32:35).
Choose Forgiveness Over Retaliation:
Forgiveness is not weakness but a reflection of Elohim’s mercy.
Matthew 6:14-15: “If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
Overcome Evil With Good:
Break the cycle of vengeance by responding with righteousness.
Romans 12:21: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Live in the Spirit’s Power:
Trust the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) to guide your actions and attitudes, embodying mercy, humility, and strength.
Conclusion: Reflecting Elohim’s Character
Y’shu’ah’s teaching in Matthew 5:38-39 is a radical call to live as children of Elohim, reflecting His mercy, justice, and righteousness. It challenges us to rise above the instinct for personal revenge, trusting Yahuah as the ultimate Judge while seeking peace and reconciliation.
At the same time, Scripture affirms the right to self-defense and the protection of others. Walking in Y’shu’ah’s footsteps means balancing these truths with wisdom and humility, trusting Elohim’s justice while embodying His light in a dark world.
The call to reject vengeance and trust Yahuah is not about weakness but about faith. It’s about surrendering our need for control and believing in His perfect plan. Will you trust Him to be your Judge, Redeemer, and Deliverer? Let us walk boldly, reflecting His love, mercy, and righteousness in every aspect of our lives.
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