{On the cheek} (epi t(886e) siagona). Mt 5:39 has "right."
Old word meaning jaw or jawbone, but in the N.T. only here and
Mt 5:39 , which see for discussion. It seems an act of violence
rather than contempt. Sticklers for extreme literalism find
trouble with the conduct of Jesus in Joh 18:22f. where Jesus,
on receiving a slap in the face, protested against it. {Thy
cloke} ( o himation), {thy coat} ( on chit(936e)a). Here the
upper and more valuable garment (himation) is first taken, the
under and less valuable chit(936e) last. In Mt 5:40 the process
(apparently a legal one) is reversed. {Withhold not} (m(880a)k(936c)us(8869)s). Aorist subjunctive in prohibition against committing
an act. Do not hinder him in his robbing. It is usually useless
anyhow with modern armed bandits.
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