What does Luke 6:29 mean?

Explanation

The biblical verse Luke 6:29, found within the New Testament, is part of a larger passage often referred to as the Sermon on the Plain, where Jesus is teaching about the ethics of the Kingdom of God. In these teachings, Jesus presents a radical approach to dealing with personal wrongs.

The verse can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically. Literally, it suggests a non-retaliatory behavior, advising someone who has been struck on one cheek to offer the other cheek instead of seeking revenge.

Furthermore, if someone takes one's outer garment (cloke), the individual should offer their inner garment (coat) as well.

Metaphorically, this could also be understood as an encouragement to respond to aggression with acts of kindness and humility, encouraging followers to go beyond the minimal expectations of the law or social norms in showing love and forgiveness.

Historical Context

At the time Luke's gospel was written (likely between 80-110 AD), the Jewish people were living under Roman occupation.

The Sermon on the Plain comes at a period of upheaval and social tension.

Jesus' teachings inverted the typical expectations of how to respond to injustice and oppression.

The lex talionis, or 'eye for an eye' principle derived from older Jewish law, was commonly accepted as a means of retribution.

However, Jesus' words offered a contrasting approach that emphasized mercy over strict justice. This instruction to offer the other cheek was countercultural and provocative, urging followers to consider a form of righteous behavior that transcended the conventional retaliation.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, there are various interpretations of this verse:

• Pacifist Interpretation: Many pacifists see this verse as a foundation for non-violent resistance, suggesting Jesus teaches the avoidance of all forms of revenge or physical resistance.
• Subversive Nonresistance: Some theologians argue that offering the other cheek to an aggressor would have been a non-violent but subversive act during that period, potentially shaming the aggressor.
• Literal vs. Figurative: Some scholars take the teaching literally, as Jesus prescribing exact behaviors, while others see it as a rhetorical device intended to instruct believers to respond to evil with love and generosity.
• Hyperbolic Instruction: Others suggest that Jesus’ instruction is hyperbolic, meant to emphasize the internal attitude of non-retaliation rather than exact actions to be taken.

Practical Applications

In a modern setting, this verse can serve as a guide for personal conduct:

• Conflict Resolution: Encouraging individuals to seek peace and reconciliation rather than engaging in vengeance.
• Forgiveness: Inspiring the practice of forgiveness as a means of breaking the cycle of retaliation.
• Generosity: Advocating for a generous spirit even in the face of personal loss.
• Non-violent Protest: Influencing social movements that use non-violent means to bring about change.

Cross-References

• Matthew 5:39: "But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."
• Romans 12:19: "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."
• 1 Peter 3:9: "Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing."

Language Study

In the original Greek language:

• Smiteth (παίω, paio) often refers to striking with a tool or weapon, but in this context it implies a slap or a violent personal strike to the face.
• Cloke (χιτών, chiton) refers to the tunic, a garment worn close to the skin, while coat (ἱμάτιον, himation) refers to an outer garment or cloak.

The language emphasizes the personal and vulnerable nature of the actions and possessions being discussed.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other ancient cultural and religious instructions:

• Jewish Law: The lex talionis from the Torah allowed for proportional retribution ("eye for an eye"), which Jesus’ teaching contradicts.
• Buddhism: Some teachings of Buddha also advise against revenge and encourage compassion, similar to Jesus' message.
• Roman Law: Roman justice would have favored the rights of citizens and owners; Jesus' instructions subvert both legal and societal expectations.

Scientific Perspectives

From a psychological standpoint, Jesus' teachings align with modern concepts such as the principle of nonviolent communication, which suggests that compassionate responses to aggression can lead to better outcomes in conflict resolution.

These ideas also intersect with research on the psychology of forgiveness and its positive effects on mental health.

Commentaries

• Traditional Commentary: Many Church Fathers and traditional commentators took the passage at face value, encouraging literal acts of humble submission.
• Modern Academic Commentary: Some modern scholars view these instructions as indicative of an ‘interim ethic,’ tailored for a community expecting an imminent eschatological event, while others debate the socio-political implications of these teachings.
• Social-Justice Commentary: Some theologically liberal commentators have adopted this verse as a manifesto for social justice movements, interpreting the instruction as an endorsement of peaceful protest and civil disobedience.