King James Version

What Does Luke 6:29 Mean?

Luke 6:29 in the King James Version says “And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to t... — study this verse from Luke chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.

Luke 6:29 · KJV


Context

27

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

28

Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

29

And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.

30

Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

31

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other—the blow to the cheek (τύπτοντί σε ἐπὶ τὴν σιαγόνα, typtonti se epi tēn siagona) was not life-threatening violence but an insult to honor, a backhanded slap of contempt. Jesus commands pareche (πάρεχε, offer/present) the other cheek—active non-retaliation that absorbs evil without returning it. The cloak and coat (himation, ἱμάτιον and chitōn, χιτών) represent outer and inner garments—Jesus says surrender both rather than fight over possessions.

This radical ethic transcends justice for grace, refusing to match evil for evil. It's not passivity but active love that absorbs wrong to stop the cycle of retaliation. This is kingdom ethics—citizens of God's kingdom don't defend their honor or possessions but trust God's vindication while showing enemy-love.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman-occupied Palestine knew both casual violence and legal exploitation. Soldiers could compel civilians to carry loads; creditors could sue for debts. Jesus taught his followers not merely to submit but to go beyond what's demanded—offering the other cheek, both garments. This shocked hearers accustomed to lex talionis (eye for eye). First-century honor-shame culture made such behavior scandalous—surrendering honor and possessions contradicted cultural values. Yet Jesus modeled this at his trial and crucifixion (Isaiah 50:6, 1 Peter 2:23).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' call to absorb insults and surrender possessions challenge your natural desire for justice and self-protection?
  2. In what situation is Jesus calling you to break the cycle of retaliation by absorbing wrong rather than returning it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
τῷ1 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τύπτοντί2 of 22

And unto him that smiteth

G5180

to "thump", i.e., cudgel or pummel (properly, with a stick or bastinado), but in any case by repeated blows; thus differing from g3817 and g3960, whic

σε3 of 22

thee

G4571

thee

ἐπὶ4 of 22

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν5 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σιαγόνα6 of 22

the one cheek

G4600

the jaw-bone, i.e., (by implication) the cheek or side of the face

πάρεχε7 of 22

offer

G3930

to hold near, i.e., present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion

καὶ8 of 22

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὴν9 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄλλην10 of 22

the other

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

καὶ11 of 22

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπὸ12 of 22

him

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τοῦ13 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αἴροντός14 of 22

that taketh away

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

σου15 of 22

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

τὸ16 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἱμάτιον17 of 22

cloke

G2440

a dress (inner or outer)

καὶ18 of 22

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸν19 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χιτῶνα20 of 22

to take thy coat

G5509

a tunic or shirt

μὴ21 of 22

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

κωλύσῃς22 of 22

forbid

G2967

to estop, i.e., prevent (by word or act)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 6:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 6:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study