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[AntiFascist]

Is Matthew 5:39 correctly translated as “do not resist an evildoer?”

Matthew 5:39 is often translated as “do not resist an evildoer,” which is the basis of many pacifist interpretations of scripture. I’ve also seen people argue the original words translate better as “do not resist evil with evil” or “do not seek retaliation against an evildoer,” which does not carry the same implications (a la thou shalt not kill vs thou shalt not murder). Is there academic consensus on the translation?

[jimwalton]

The Greek reads, "μὴ ἀντιστῆναι τῷ πονηρῷ." The verb is a 2nd aorist active infinitive of ἀνθίστημι, used with negative imperatival force. “Set against; oppose; resist; to withstand.” Since it's active, not passive, it more likely implies not retaliating in revenge rather than a strict pacifist position. The point is not to never strike, but rather to never strike in vengeance. Vengeance belongs to God (Dt. 32.35; Rom. 12.19).

ῷ πονηρῷ is a masculine or neuter dative. It can mean either an evil person or an evil deed. A.T. Robertson (Word Pictures of the NT, Vol. 1 p. 48) thinks it's evil in general. Jesus's point is that His followers should not be characterized by a spirit of revenge.

[Flimsy]

Thank you for this reply! This idea makes sense given that this verse immediately follows a reference to “an eye for an eye” - the old law of paying tit for tat. So the correction is something like, do not repay evil for evil, but repay evil for good. Rather than keeping a record on how to even the score, change the game.

However, I would love to hear from you as you seem informed on the matter. How we do reconcile or translate the following verses, where Jesus seems to lay out several examples of passivity which go beyond mere non-vengeance or non-retaliation and veer into what could be construed as compliance with the evildoer (or, non-resistance in a passive sense)?

I remember long ago hearing some explanations this, but they were brief and it was long ago.

Thanks again for sharing your well informed insights, I hope you wouldn’t mind taking the time to examine the following few verses as well.

[jimwalton]

Jesus sets the theme for the section in v. 38: "You have heard it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' Instead, do not resist evil against you; turn your cheek." The theme is to relinquish your right to revenge and retaliation—a character of grace rather retaliation grounded in pride. It's not so much violence against us as it is insult (striking the right cheek, implying a back-handed slap). Jesus is not advocating to ignore the law and a society's sense of justice, but rather to expect persecution and endure it well.

Verse 40 is not so much a directive to be passive as much as it is to be generous. Let your activity be characterized by grace more so than by submission. Don't just absorb the offense, pay it forward and offer a benefit to the oppressor. Rom. 12.20: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink."

V. 41. Meet your oppression with joy and favor. Whatever you do, whether it is eat or drink or whatever it is, do all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10.31). Ephesians 6.7: "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people."

V. 42. Live with an open hand, generous and full of grace, not greedy selfish, malicious, begrudging, proud, or deprecating to others.