matthew-5:39-40-niv

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 5:21-48

40. Legal obedience is not enough (Matthew 5:21-48; Luke 6:27-36; Luke 12:57-59)After his explanation concerning right and wrong attitudes to the law, Jesus gives a number of examples. He introduces these examples with statements such as ‘You have heard that it was said in the past’. This is not the same as ‘It is written’. Jesus is not quoting from the Old Testament but from the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees. He is not contradicting the law but the interpretations of the law that the... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 5:39

smite. Greek. rapizo. Occurs only in Matthew (here and Matthew 26:67 ). read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 5:40

if any man, &c. = to him who, wishing to go to law with thee. will = wishing. Greek. thelo. See App-102 . coat = now called the sulta = an outer jacket or tunic, Greek. chiton. cloke. The jibbeh, juteh, or benish, a long robe or mantle, full, with short sleeves, Greek. himation. See Matthew 27:32 .Mark 15:21 . Compare Luke 3:14 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 5:39

But I say unto you, Resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.The type of submissive meekness enjoined by Christ in these verses must appear very difficult to the people who have never tried it; but actually, this presents the most exciting and thrilling approach to life and its problems that can possibly be imagined. Those who have tried it unanimously affirm that it works.Illustration: Colin Byrne Smith of Australia told of a... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 5:40

And if any man would go to law with thee and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.This is exactly the same principle in another setting and is repeated for the sake of emphasis. Nor should too much be made of the fact that most of the losses in these verses seem rather trivial, a flick on the cheek, the loss of a coat, and going a mile. They do suggest, however, that there may be larger areas where the child of God may not use the "submissive response" enjoined in these passages. God... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 5:38-42

Matthew 5:38-42. Ye have heard, &c.— With respect to men's resisting and revenging such injuries as are done them, Jesus assured his disciples, that although, for the preservation of society, Moses had ordained the judges to give eye for eye, and tooth for tooth, if the injured party demanded it; yet the doctors were greatly in the wrong, not only when they enjoined men to insist on retaliation as their duty, but declared it lawful in many cases for the injured party to avenge himself with... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Matthew 5:39

39. But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil; but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right check, turn to him the other also—Our Lord's own meek, yet dignified bearing, when smitten rudely on the cheek (John 18:22; John 18:23), and not literally presenting the other, is the best comment on these words. It is the preparedness, after one indignity, not to invite but to submit meekly to another, without retaliation, which this strong language is meant to convey. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Matthew 5:40

40. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat—the inner garment; in pledge for a debt (Exodus 22:26; Exodus 22:27). let him have thy cloak also—the outer and more costly garment. This overcoat was not allowed to be retained over night as a pledge from the poor because they used it for a bed covering. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 5:17-48

Righteousness and the Scriptures 5:17-48In His discussion of righteousness (character and conduct that conforms to the will of God), Jesus went back to the revelation of God’s will, namely, God’s Word, the Old Testament. read more