Matthew 5:38 net — Retaliation“You have heard that it was said,‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’

NET Bible

"Retaliation“You have heard that it was said,‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’"

— Matthew 5:38, NET Bible

Read in Another Translation

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Matthew 5:38 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Matthew 5 — Context

35

not by earth, because it is his footstool, and not by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King.

36

Do not take an oath by your head, because you are not able to make one hair white or black.

37

Let your word be‘Yes, yes’ or‘No, no.’ More than this is from the evil one.

38

Retaliation“You have heard that it was said,‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’

39

But I say to you, do not resist the evildoer. But whoever strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well.

40

And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your coat also.

41

And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two.

Matthew 5:38 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Matthew 5:38 say?
Matthew 5:38 in the NET Bible reads: “Retaliation“You have heard that it was said,‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’”
Where is Matthew 5:38 in the Bible?
Matthew 5:38 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Matthew, chapter 5, verse 38.
Who wrote Matthew?
Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew (Levi), tax-collector turned apostle. It was written c. AD 50–70.
What is the book of Matthew about?
Matthew presents Jesus as the long-awaited Jewish Messiah — son of David, son of Abraham, fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Structured around five great teaching blocks including the Sermon on the Mount, it ends with the risen King commissioning his disciples to make disciples of all nations.
What are the major themes of Matthew?
Matthew explores themes including Kingdom of Heaven, Messiah, Fulfillment, Discipleship, Great Commission. These themes shape the meaning and context of Matthew 5:38.
What translation should I read Matthew 5:38 in?
Matthew 5:38 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Matthew 5:38?
Matthew 5:38 reads (NET): “Retaliation“You have heard that it was said,‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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