In which chapter and verse does Jesus say turn the other cheek?

Answer 1

Luke 6:29

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

Matthew 5:38

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Answer 2

This phrase comes from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. It refers to responding to an aggressor without violence.

The actual phrase is:

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." [Matthew 5: 38-42]

Contrary to what some people believe, this statement of Jesus was anything but a pacifist stance; nor did it suggest that the Christian should be weak and sunservient. If the victim "turned the other cheek," the discipliner was faced with a dilemma. Striking with the back of the hand (which would be the case with a right-handed person striking the right cheek) was a sign that the discipliner was in control and of higher authority. The left hand was used for unclean purposes, so a back-hand strike on the opposite cheek would not be performed. The only other alternative would be a slap with the open hand or a punch, but this was seen by the Jew as a statement of equality with the victim.

Thus, by turning the other cheek the victim was, was in effect demanding equality, and so as a gesture, turning the other cheek can also be seen as a non-violent act of defiance.

Answer 3

Matt. 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.