Matthew 5:39 akjv — But I say to you, That you resist not evil: but whoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also…

American King James Version

"But I say to you, That you resist not evil: but whoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. "

— Matthew 5:39, American King James Version

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Matthew 5:39 in Other Translations

7 versions All translations

Matthew 5 — Context

36

Neither shall you swear by your head, because you can not make one hair white or black.

37

But let your communication be, Yes, yes; No, no: for whatever is more than these comes of evil. ¶

38

You have heard that it has been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

39

But I say to you, That you resist not evil: but whoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.

40

And if any man will sue you at the law, and take away your coat, let him have your cloak also.

41

And whoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him two.

42

Give to him that asks you, and from him that would borrow of you turn not you away. ¶

Matthew 5:39 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Matthew 5:39 say?
Matthew 5:39 in the American King James Version reads: “But I say to you, That you resist not evil: but whoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. ”
Where is Matthew 5:39 in the Bible?
Matthew 5:39 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Matthew, chapter 5, verse 39.
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 5:39.
What translation should I read Matthew 5:39 in?
Matthew 5:39 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 5:39?
Matthew 5:39 reads (AKJV): “But I say to you, That you resist not evil: but whoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. ” 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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