MATTHEW 5:38–42, TEACHING ABOUT RETALIATION
OVERCOMING EVIL WITH MERCY
FREEDOM FROM THE CYCLE OF REVENGE
Introduction
In this passage, Jesus continues the series of “antitheses” in the Sermon on the Mount, where He contrasts what “was said” with the fullness of His own authoritative teaching. He moves from clarifying the commandments about murder, adultery, and oaths to address the deeply rooted human instinct for retaliation. Here He calls His disciples beyond the minimum standard of civil justice into the supernatural logic of charity that breaks the endless cycle of revenge.
Bible Passage (Matthew 5:38–42)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.”
Background
This teaching comes in the heart of the Sermon on the Mount, immediately after Jesus has deepened the commandments about anger, lust, divorce, and oaths, showing that the righteousness of His disciples must surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees. He now addresses the “Lex Talionis,” the Law of Retaliation, originally given through Moses to limit vengeance and ensure that punishment did not exceed the crime. In the concrete setting of Roman occupation, where legal and physical oppression were part of daily life, Jesus reveals a New Law of grace that calls His followers from a culture of strict justice to a culture of merciful, transforming love.
Opening Life Connection
In ordinary life, when someone insults us, cheats us, or humiliates us, the first impulse is to “give it back” in words, attitudes, or actions. People speak of “standing up for myself,” “not letting anyone walk over me,” or “making sure they never do that again,” and modern culture often celebrates sharp comebacks, lawsuits, and public “clapbacks” as signs of strength. Yet experience shows that answering hurt with hurt never really heals us; it hardens the heart and prolongs the conflict, and the bitterness we feel after “getting even” often reveals that we have become prisoners of the very hatred we opposed. Jesus offers a way out by refusing to play the world’s game of retaliation.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’”
This phrase refers to the Old Testament principle of proportional justice, meant to prevent unlimited revenge by limiting punishment to the measure of the offense. In its original context, it was a protection against escalating violence, ensuring that justice remained measured rather than vengeful.
“But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.”
Here Jesus does not abolish the legitimate role of authority in protecting the innocent but calls the disciple to a personal attitude that refuses to repay evil with evil. “Offer no resistance” does not mean approving injustice; it means renouncing the use of hatred, revenge, and violence as one’s tools.
“When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.”
In the culture of His time, striking the right cheek often implied a backhanded blow, a humiliating insult more than a brutal assault. To “turn the other cheek” is not to surrender one’s dignity but to refuse to answer contempt with contempt, standing firm in inner freedom instead of collapsing into either fear or retaliation.
“If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well.”
The tunic and cloak were among a poor man’s essential possessions, and the cloak was protected even by the Law from being kept overnight as a pledge. By inviting the disciple to give both, Jesus presents a radical readiness to let go of earthly rights rather than allow a dispute over possessions to poison the heart.
“Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles.”
This image recalls the practice by which Roman soldiers could compel civilians to carry their equipment for a fixed distance. To “go two miles” means to transform a forced humiliation into a freely chosen act of generosity, proving that the disciple’s charity cannot be controlled by oppressive power.
“Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.”
Here Jesus addresses the way the heart responds to real needs and requests, even when inconvenient. Instead of calculating the minimum required, the disciple learns to imitate the Father’s openhanded generosity, giving as one who has received everything from God.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
The “eye for an eye” principle appears in the Torah as a legal norm in cases of harm, representing a step forward from unlimited blood vengeance that could wipe out families and clans. Over time, Jewish legal practice often interpreted this rule in terms of financial compensation rather than literal physical retribution, further moderating the potential for violence. Under Roman rule, however, the Jewish people experienced daily reminders of their political weakness and social humiliation, so to respond with non-retaliation and extra generosity toward oppressors was a spiritually revolutionary act that proclaimed that their true identity and dignity came from God, not from their earthly status.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
Catholic teaching presents this passage as part of the heart of the New Law, which is the grace of the Holy Spirit written on the heart and expressed in charity. The Church explains that this New Law fulfills and surpasses the Old Law, especially in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus calls His disciples to interior transformation, not just external compliance. The Church’s reflection, from the Fathers through St. Thomas Aquinas and later magisterial teaching, sees in this non-retaliation not an invitation to passivity in the face of grave injustice, but a call for the Christian to overcome evil with good, to renounce personal vengeance, and to prefer the salvation of the other’s soul over the satisfaction of revenge.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
A powerful example of this Gospel lived out is found in the life of St. Maria Goretti, who forgave her attacker as she lay dying from his assault. Rather than meeting violence with hatred, she offered him mercy and prayed that he might one day be with her in heaven. Years later, that forgiveness became the seed of his conversion, showing that choosing not to retaliate did more than end a crime; it became the channel through which God reclaimed a heart.
Application to Christian Life Today
In contemporary life, this teaching touches situations such as hurtful messages, family conflicts, workplace injustices, and social media attacks. “Turning the other cheek” might mean refusing to answer a cutting remark with another insult, or stepping away from an online argument instead of trying to win at any cost. “Going the second mile” might mean doing more than the minimum in service of a difficult family member, colleague, or parishioner, not because they deserve it, but because Christ has loved us first.
Eucharistic Connection
At the altar, the Church encounters the Lord who perfectly lived this teaching, allowing Himself to be struck, stripped, and led away without retaliating. In the Eucharist, the same Jesus who turned the other cheek and gave His very life places Himself into our hands as food and drink. Receiving His Body and Blood, believers receive the strength to respond to injury with mercy, to change the pattern of their reactions, and to become in the world signs of a love that “goes the extra mile” for enemies and friends alike.
Messages / Call to Conversion
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Surrender the right to retaliate: bring before God one person or situation where you still desire revenge and consciously renounce that claim in prayer.
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Practice radical generosity: when someone asks for help, freely offer a little more than requested as an act of love for Christ.
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Master your reactions: when insulted or provoked, pause, invoke the Holy Name of Jesus, and choose either a gentle word or silence instead of a sharp answer.
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Live as a free person: remember that no one can imprison your heart in hatred unless you consent; true freedom is the ability to love when others choose to hate.
Outline for Preachers (Printable – Bullet Form)
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Gospel context
Antitheses of the Sermon on the Mount; movement from limited justice to the New Law of grace -
Life connection
Human instinct for revenge and the inner emptiness it leaves behind -
Key verses explained
“An eye for an eye” – limiting vengeance
“Offer no resistance” – renouncing personal retaliation
“Turn the other cheek” – dignity without violence
“Tunic and cloak” – freedom from attachment
“Second mile” – charity beyond obligation
“Give to the one who asks” – generous heart -
Jewish context
Lex Talionis and Roman oppression as the background of Jesus’ teaching -
Catholic teaching
New Law of charity; overcoming evil with good -
Saintly illustration
St. Maria Goretti and the power of forgiveness -
Application today
Family, workplace, and digital conflicts -
Eucharistic connection
Christ’s self-giving on the Cross; strength received at the altar -
Call to conversion
Let go of revenge, choose mercy, live Gospel generosity
