richmahn_en_tn/mat/05/38.md

1.2 KiB

Jesus continues to teach his disciples. This event began in Matthew 5:1. Jesus is talking to a group of people about what might happen to them as individuals.

You have heard that it was said

Translate this the way you translated it in Matthew 5:33.

You have heard

The "you" is singular..

eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth

The people were allowed to do to others what was done to them, but only to the extent of the harm done.

But I say to you

Translate this the same way you translated it in Matthew 5:31.

one who is evil

"an evil person" or "someone who harms you" (UDB)

whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn

All of these are plural.

strikes ... your right cheek

To strike the side of a man's was an insult in Jesus' culture. As with the eye and the hand (Matthew 5:29), the "right" cheek is metaphorically the more important of the two, and striking that cheek was the worst possible insult. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor.)

strikes

The verb specifies that the strike is made with the back of an open hand.

turn to him the other also

"let him hit your other cheek also."