Misinterpretations of Turning the Other Cheek and Going the Extra Mile

The teachings of Jesus are often misunderstood. Among these teachings are the well-known phrases "turn the other cheek," "go the extra mile," and "give him your tunic also," all found in Matthew 5. Often interpreted as calls for submissiveness, a closer examination reveals they may carry deeper meanings. Reevaluating these words based on the cultural context, transforms them from passive responses into thought-provoking actions against oppression.

Understanding the Cultural Context

To understand these phrases, we must consider the cultural and historical backdrop of Jesus' time. The Jewish people lived under Roman occupation, facing oppressive taxation and social inequality. Disrespect from Roman soldiers and upper-class citizens was a common experience. Thus, Jesus' words take on a revolutionary quality; he was not advocating lowliness but offering strategies for confronting injustice. (For more on cultural context of scripture see our podcast episode here.)

The Act of Turning the Other Cheek

The phrase "turn the other cheek" comes from Matthew 5:39, where Jesus teaches, "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." While modern interpretations often see this as advice to accept abuse, the cultural context tells a different story.

In Jesus' time, a slap on the right cheek, delivered with the back of the hand, was a significant insult. By turning the other cheek, the individual challenges the aggressor. Romans had a strong sense of honor and revenge as Jesus noted in verse 38, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'" In the Roman culture and time in which Jesus was speaking, to slap someone with an open palm communicated that the victim was of equal social status as the aggressor.

If a Jewish day laborer was backhanded by his Roman employer, turning the other cheek would force the Roman to consider if he would strike the Jewish worker as an equal. Doing so forces the attacker to either apologize or switch to a palm strike, suggesting a more respectful approach. Striking someone as an equal would open the aggressor to revenge, or retaliation whether physically or in court. In this way, this act can be seen as an invitation for dialogue rather than passive acceptance of aggression.

Jesus' advice to "turn the other cheek" was not about submitting to abuse. It was about taking nonviolent action to make the "evil person" (vs 39) stop and think about his actions.

A Mile in Their Shoes: Going the Extra Mile

The phrase "go the extra mile" is from Matthew 5:41, stating, "If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles." This refers to a Roman law allowing soldiers to require a local Jew to carry their pack for one mile. This law was not just a burden but a humiliation.

In contemporary interpretations, this phrase might come off as simply being polite, or nice, in a Christian servant spirit. But contextually, going the second mile transforms a moment of submission into an act of agency. By choosing to carry the pack further, the individual challenges the authority of the soldier. In essence, they flip the power dynamic, forcing the soldier to question the legitimacy of their demands, and face their own cruelty.

Giving Your Tunic as a Statement

The phrase "give him your tunic also" comes from Matthew 5:40, where Jesus says, "And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well." Traditionally, this has been viewed as a call to generosity. However, in the historical context, these garments held significant value.

In Jewish law, a man's tunic was essential. Legally, one could not demand a shirt to pay a debt if it left someone without protection. By giving both garments the individual was considered naked, the action becomes a powerful statement against injustice, showing the absurdity of the oppressor's demands. This display of vulnerability can invoke shame, prompting the oppressor to reconsider their actions.

Deepening the Understanding of Resistance

Through these phrases, it becomes clear that Jesus was not promoting mindless compliance. Instead, he offered transformative strategies to confront oppression. Each phrase encourages both the oppressed and the oppressor to rethink their roles and relationships.

The Powerful Message of Nonviolent Resistance

The teachings of Jesus inspire broader discussions about nonviolent resistance. Movements worldwide, including the civil rights movement led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., have drawn from these principles. They reflect assertive resistance, aiming to elevate dialogue rather than perpetuate cruel behavior or violence.

By reframing these biblical teachings, modern followers can find strength in assertiveness instead of passivity. Jesus' wisdom remains relevant today, providing wise insights into addressing aggression and injustice thoughtfully.

Examples of Personal Application

How do we apply this principle as individuals? We can practice being assertive with our boundaries without returning the rude or aggressive tone or behavior.

You may be at work, for example, and your supervisor is inappropriate with his words and tone. Like the Jewish day laborer of Jesus' time you are not in a position to "match energy" as society might suggest. Doing so could get you fired from a job you need in addition to such aggression being contrary to what Jesus teaches. But, we have also learned that Jesus doesn't want us to passively take abuse.

One option would be to calmly ask your supervisor to repeat themselves. Say, "I'm sorry, I didn't catch all of that. What did you say?" Like the examples that Jesus gave in Matthew 5, this would prompt your aggressor to think about whether or not he would like to double-down on poor behavior, or choose a more respectful approach.

If someone is on a power trip, how can you turn the task they demand into an act of agency? Your restaurant shift manager won't allow you to cash out for the night if you don't roll silverware for his favorite server? Roll all the silverware; you did it for everyone (recruit a friend to make it easier). Has your team leader been demanding that you handle her tasks on the quarterly report for the boss? When you email it out to the team, politely include that you took care of the extra tasks for her.

A&T students endured verbal and physical abuse from other local residents during the Woolworth sit-ins in 1957.

In some extreme cases those in power take what they can, like the rights of a certain class or group of people. During the Civil Rights Movement of the 50s and 60s minorities were denied the right to be served in certain establishments in the south. Protesters organized "sit-ins" essentially exposing themselves to physical harassment in order to highlight the absurdity of the restrictions, as well as expose the cruel behavior of segregationists. Like giving over your coat with your shirt in Jesus' day, these peaceful protests revealed the shame of the oppressor rather than the oppressed.

Reflections on Resistance

Reinterpreting "turn the other cheek," "go the extra mile," and "give him your coat also" reveals that biblical teachings go beyond simple calls for submission. Instead, they invite deeper reflection on how individuals can assert their dignity and challenge "evil people" through intentional acts of nonviolent resistance.

Jesus' teachings, rooted in the realities of first-century Jewish life, provide a framework not only for personal conduct but also for societal change. As we apply these lessons in our lives, we must recognize the empowerment hidden beneath what may seem like calls for surrender.