One group of Christians tend to over-literalize the “Lake of Fire,” while a different group of Christians tend to over-literalize our Lord’s instruction to “turn the other cheek.” We fulfill our role as peacemakers when we seek to reconcile these two different tendencies. At Matthew 5:38-39, we read,
You have heard that it was said, “EYE FOR EYE, TOOTH FOR TOOTH.” But I say to you, do not show opposition against an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other toward him also.
As you see above, the idea of “turning the other cheek” is connected to the Old Testament idea of “an eye for an eye” found at Exodus 21:24. Both are principles of right judgment and action derived only partially from the words used and largely from what is said elsewhere in the Bible. Merriam-Webster defines an idiom as “an expression in the usage of a language that is peculiar to itself… in having a meaning that cannot be derived [fully] from the conjoined meaning of its elements (such as “up in the air”…).”[1] Both of the phrases in discussion here (“an eye for an eye” and “turn the other cheek”) are also hyperbolic. As we have discussed before, the Dictionary of Oxford Languages defines “hyperbole” as “an exaggerated statement… or claim… not meant to be taken literally.”[2] The exaggerated statement is used to make a point.
The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery states: “The principle of lex talionis [a/k/a law of retaliation] [was] intended to limit excessive revenge, [and] was expressed in terms of ‘an eye for an eye.’”[3] It was a principle of righteous judgment designed to teach us that the punishment should be equal to the crime, or as to civil wrongs, the complainant was entitled to just compensation for his or her injuries. Lex talionis was a principle meant to guide the reader in the proper administration of justice. Other than for capital offenses, the Bible does not contain any examples of a literal application of the principle. For example, if a person’s eye was poked out in a fight, there are no examples in the Bible where the judge, after the trial, then orders the wrongdoer’s eye to be poked out. Further, if your sister was raped, it was never suggested or judicially determined that the sister of the wrongdoer should be raped. In fact, the punishment for rape was execution by stoning.
In a similar way, Jesus’s admonition to “turn the other cheek” should not be over-literalized. Its meaning is understood partly from the words used but primarily from other passages. Further, Jesus’s instruction to “turn the other cheek” did not replace an “eye for an eye.” Both remain as principles of right judgment and action. Jesus’s admonition to “turn the other cheek” focuses on personal offenses and insults. Jesus was preparing His followers to live in a hostile world. Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me” (Matt. 5:11). At 1 Peter 2:23, we read, “[A]nd while being abusively insulted, He [Jesus] did not insult in return; while suffering, He did not threaten, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.” We should expect hostilities and insults from the world because we are followers of Jesus Christ.
Further, Jesus’s admonition to “turn the other cheek” was not meant to be understood as a principle of international relations. Some may recall that President Teddy Roosevelt’s foreign policy was described as “speak softly and carry a big stick.” It is interesting to me that Roosevelt’s foreign policy was described figuratively.
Additionally, when raising our three sons, if one brother hit another brother, we did not tell the brother hit to turn his cheek and accept another blow from his brother. To do so would have been a misrepresentation and misapplication of the Christian faith. Of course, we did encourage forgiveness and moving on. In my opinion, the principle of “turning the other cheek” is not a rationale for accepting the physical abuse and bullying of others. For example, it would be improper to tell a battered woman to simply “turn the other cheek” and accept another blow from her abusive husband. We over-literalize the Bible’s figurative language when we draw irrational conclusions or ignore other Bible passages that teach the contrary.
At Romans 13:4-5, the Apostle Paul described the government’s authority to bear arms and utilize physical force. Paul wrote, “it [the government] is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.” Further, we Christians have the right of self-defense. At Luke 22:36, in advance of his impending arrest, Jesus said to his disciples, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his cloak and buy one.” In my opinion, there is no justification to figuratively interpret Jesus’s encouragement to His followers to buy a “sword.” Jesus was simply providing practical advice for His followers, who would live in a world inclined toward hostility against Christians.
In Genesis, Chapter 14, we read about the point in history when certain kings invaded the land of Canaan and took Lot’s family captive. Of course, Lot was Abraham’s nephew. Though tremendously outnumbered, Abraham took a small force of 318 men and pursued the enemy. Abraham led a surprise attack upon the kings. Genesis 14:16 reads, “He [Abraham] brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his relative Lot with his possessions, and also the women, and the other people.” In the face of overwhelming odds against him, Abraham demonstrated great courage and trust in God. There should be little doubt that this passage painted a picture of Abraham as being incredibly brave, heroic, resourceful, and a dynamic leader.
Further, every believer, of course, recalls the bravery of David when he faced Goliath in individual combat. At Psalm 18:34, David wrote, “He [God] trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” It is appropriate for us to act as needed concerning the defense of self, family, and nation.
For more information on “turning the other cheek”, please see this YouTube Bible Class:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJMQpqowwNI
[1] “Idiom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idiom. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.
[2] “Hyperbole.” The Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford University Press, https://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=mcafee&type=E210US105G0&p=define+hyperbole, Accessed 15 Oct 2024.
[3] “Eye, Sight.” Dictionary of Biblical Imagery, edited by Leland Ryken, et al, InterVarsity Press, 1998, p. 256.
