- *G436 *14 ἀνθίστημι (anth-is'-tay-mee) : from G473 and G2476; to stand against, i.e. oppose:--resist, withstand.
- αντιστηναι *4 of 14
- Matthew 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but ...
- Luke 21:15 ... be able to gainsay nor resist.
- Acts 6:10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit ...
- Ephesians 6:13 ... of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, ...
20. Luke 21:15
Luke 21:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. [kjv]
εγω γαρ δωσω υμιν στομα και σοφιαν η ου δυνησονται αντιστηναι η αντειπειν απαντες οι αντικειμενοι υμιν [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"ἀνθίστημι" ≈ "stand against" and means, literally,
"in place of standing".
Jesus tends not to use the Greek word for "
wisdom" in a good sense. Rather, Jesus uses the Greek word for "
prudent" that is, nevertheless, often translated as "
wisdom".
Paul (and Luke, a Greek) tend to use the word "
wisdom" in the sense that Greeks would understand.
Aristotle calls "
Sophists", based on the Greek word for "
wisdom", those who use their "
cleverness" to deceive others, teaching others these techniques for money.
21. Luke 21:15
KJV: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
Greek: εγω γαρ δωσω υμιν στομα και σοφιαν η ου δυνησονται αντειπειν ουδε αντιστηναι παντες η αντειπειν απαντες οι αντικειμενοι υμιν
22. Acts 6:10
Stephen had been talking.
Acts 6:10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. [kjv]
και ουκ ισχυον αντιστηναι τη σοφια και τω πνευματι ω ελαλει [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"ἀνθίστημι" ≈ "stand against" and means, literally,
"in place of standing" with one is
"standing against".
Luke is using the word in an "
offensive" sense rather than a "
defensive" sense.
Jesus tends not to use the Greek word for "
wisdom" in a good sense. Rather, Jesus uses the Greek word for "
prudent" that is, nevertheless, often translated as "
wisdom".
23. Acts 6:10
KJV: And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
Greek: και ουκ ισχυον αντιστηναι τη σοφια και τω πνευματι ω ελαλει
24. Ephesians 6:13
Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [kjv]
δια τουτο αναλαβετε την πανοπλιαν του θεου ινα δυνηθητε αντιστηναι εν τη ημερα τη πονηρα και απαντα κατεργασαμενοι στηναι [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"ἀνθίστημι" ≈ "stand against" and means, literally,
"in place of standing" with one is
"standing against".
Paul uses the base word at the end of the verse.
"ἀνθίστημι" ≈ "stand against".
"ἀντῐ" ≈ "in place of".
"στήναι" ≈ "stand".
25. Ephesians 6:13
KJV: Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Greek: δια τουτο αναλαβετε την πανοπλιαν του θεου ινα δυνηθητε αντιστηναι εν τη ημερα τη πονηρα και απαντα κατεργασαμενοι στηναι
26. Burdensome evils
27. Oppression summary
The Greek translated as
"evil" is that of
"toil" as in
"oppression" (word slide through Latin).
The same diagram for
"oppression" works for "
deception".
To
"oppress" by "
deception" (e.g.,
thief) is often easier than to
"oppress" by "
force" (e.g.,
robber).
[desire to be great]
28. Deception summary
☐ Do you "
deceive" others?
☐ Do others "
deceive" you?
☐ Do others "
deceive" others? Does it bother you?
☐ Do you "
deceive" you? (reflexively)
The Greek for "
entrap" is often translated as "
offend".
Jesus says not to make "
oaths". One can be "
deceived" by "
oaths".
29. Thoughts during prayer

Lord's Prayer, where the Greek for
"evil" has the idea of
"oppression".
... flow us away from evil ...
... flow us away from oppression ...
How many of the following prayer segments do you think about when you pray the Lord's Prayer?
☐ 1.
... flow me away from me oppressing others ...
☐ 2.
... flow me away from others oppressing me ...
☐ 3.
... flow me away from others oppressing others ...
☐ 4.
... flow me away from me oppressing me ...
☐ 5.
... deliver me from evil ... (usual translation)
Is there one of these which is, by far, the one thought about the most during the Lord's Prayer?
30. Matthew 5:39 The evil eye
Matthew 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. [kjv]
εγω δε λεγω υμιν μη αντιστηναι τω πονηρω αλλ οστις σε ραπιζει εις την δεξιαν σιαγονα σου στρεψον αυτω και την αλλην [gnt]
The Greek for
"evil" is in the
dative case so it is
"the evil" or
"(with respect to) the evil" and
not just
"evil" in general.
Note that
not "standing against" "evil" does not mean that one is "
supporting" or "
advocating"
"evil". One is just a bystander, neither condoning nor supporting nor participating in
"evil".
Discuss: Should one actively "
go to war" or "
crusade" against what is considered an
"evil"? Once the double meanings, play on words, and code word meanings in this verse are used, this question should be more clear.
31. Matthew 5:39 Stand against evil
Matthew 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. [kjv]
εγω δε λεγω υμιν μη αντιστηναι τω πονηρω αλλ οστις σε ραπιζει εις την δεξιαν σιαγονα σου στρεψον αυτω και την αλλην [gnt]
Discuss:
Does the "evil" or "oppressor", who wants to be great at your expense, ever stand in the way of sinners wanting to repent? (pigs, birds)
What happens when you get in the "way" of the "adversary"? (snakes, birds)
32. Matthew 5:25-26 Review paraphrase
Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. [kjv]
5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. [kjv]
25:
Be of a good quick mind [as a temple of God] with your adversary (the evil one) until, when you are (getting) in the way [with way = method = deception], it would never happen (sarcastic not!), that the adversary turns you over [parody] to the judge (birds who work for the adversary) who use the officer (pigs who work for the birds) to put you in with the watched (fish who are deceived by the birds),
26:
Truly, they will require payments (offerings) of you forever so that you [out of hope] cannot go out (to do what Jesus wants you to do).
Jesus will repeat this same idea with the twig and block in the eye, another pair of verses that are not often understood since the meaning requires logical analysis and/or understanding the play on words used.
33. Matthew 5:23-24 Gift at the alter
Matthew 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; [kjv]
5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. [kjv]
There are two main events or competitions.
Great Commission (what Jesus wants you to do)
Gifts on the altar (what birds want you to do)
Which is the most important event or competition?
Which is just a shadow of an event or competition?
34. Matthew 5:39 Whosoever
Matthew 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. [kjv]
εγω δε λεγω υμιν μη αντιστηναι τω πονηρω αλλ οστις σε ραπιζει εις την δεξιαν σιαγονα σου στρεψον αυτω και την αλλην [gnt]
The Greek word translated as
"whosoever" is used in this exact form
16 times in Matthew,
15 by Jesus. and just
10 other times in the
GNT. There is a possible play on words here in both Greek and Latin..
"ὅστις" ≈ "whoever" and "ὀστέον" ≈ "bone" is in the first part of the English word "osteoporosis".
The English word "hostile" comes, through French, from the Latin word "hostis" ≈ "enemy" which is similar to how the Greek word would be pronounced.
[guest, ghost, host, hostile]
35. Matthew 5:39 Whosoever
Matthew 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. [kjv]
εγω δε λεγω υμιν μη αντιστηναι τω πονηρω αλλ οστις σε ραπιζει εις την δεξιαν σιαγονα σου στρεψον αυτω και την αλλην [gnt]
"ὅστις" ≈ "whoever".
"ὀστέον" ≈ "bone".
"hostis" ≈ "enemy" (Latin)
Discuss:
Does the religious establishment "oppress" believers as in a "yoke of compulsion"?
Might the religious establishment be the "whosoever"?
Does Jesus ever compare the religious establishment with "bones"?
36. Matthew 23:27 Bones
Matthew 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites ! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. [kjv]
ουαι υμιν γραμματεις και φαρισαιοι υποκριται οτι παρομοιαζετε ταφοις κεκονιαμενοις οιτινες εξωθεν μεν φαινονται ωραιοι εσωθεν δε γεμουσιν οστεων νεκρων και πασης ακαθαρσιας [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"ὀστέον" ≈ "bone" is in the first part of the English word
"osteoporosis".
"ὅστις" ≈ "whoever" as a play on words.
"hostis" ≈ "enemy" (Latin)
In modern terms, the
Pharisees might be some pastors while the
scribes might be some theologians, Bible Greek language experts, etc.
The
scribes are the academics of the time who keep the books for the religious establishment. Why might the professors and Greek experts at Bible Seminaries not want to point out what Jesus points out about the
scribes?
The Greek word translated as "
hypocrites" meant "
acting" or "
pretending".
37. Matthew 23:27
KJV: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites ! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Greek: ουαι υμιν γραμματεις και φαρισαιοι υποκριται οτι παρομοιαζετε ταφοις κεκονιαμενοις οιτινες εξωθεν μεν φαινονται ωραιοι εσωθεν δε γεμουσιν οστεων νεκρων και πασης ακαθαρσιας
38. Usage - whoever
*G3748 *145 ὅστις (hos'-tis) : hetis hay'-tis, and the neuter ho,ti hot'-ee from G3739 and G5100; which some, i.e. any that; also (definite) which same:--X and (they), (such) as, (they) that, in that they, what(-soever), whereas ye, (they) which, who(-soever). Compare G3754.
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Words: αιτινες=10 ατινα=4 ητις=38 οιτινες=60 οστις=26 οτου=7
|
The Greek word translated as
"whosoever" is used in this exact form
16 times in Matthew,
15 by Jesus. and just
10 other times in the
GNT.
39. Matthew 5:39 Smitten
Matthew 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. [kjv]
εγω δε λεγω υμιν μη αντιστηναι τω πονηρω αλλ οστις σε ραπιζει εις την δεξιαν σιαγονα σου στρεψον αυτω και την αλλην [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"ῤαπίζω" ≈ "beat" (whip, lash, etc.) which can be on a
person, an
animal, an
athlete who starts too soon in what today is called a
false start. The
slap as on the face is from the
GNT, the last of four definitions in the Cambridge Greek Lexicon. A figurative meaning can mean
playing the harp as might relate to a
siege engine.
The athlete connection is interesting as the Greek translated as
"cheek" could be a play on words to an "
athletic competition".
Another play on words may be with the Latin word
"rapidus" ≈ "rapid, quick, swift" which, through French, is the source of the English word
"rapid". A play on words of
"ὅστις" ≈ "whoever" with the Latin
"hostis" ≈ "enemy" is back
two words in this verse.
40. Strongs - with the palms
- *G4475 *3 ῥάπισμα (hrap'-is-mah) : from G4474; a slap:--(+ strike with the) palm of the hand, smite with the hand.
- ραπισμασιν
- Mark 14:65 ... the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
- ραπισμα
- John 18:22 ... which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?
- ραπισματα
- John 19:3 ... and they smote him with their hands.
41. Usage - with the palms
*G4475 *3 ῥάπισμα (hrap'-is-mah) : from G4474; a slap:--(+ strike with the) palm of the hand, smite with the hand.
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Words: ραπισμα ραπισμασιν ραπισματα
|
- "ῥάπισμα" ≈ "slap with the palm".
The English saying
"strike gold" means to have success finding gold (by following some way or path). One is not actually hitting or slapping the gold. The Lucky Strike Gold cigarettes used this idea as a marketing slogan (hit, slug). Like, it was a slogan for striking gold!
42. Like it or not
Whether you "
like" it or not, the word "
like" was a solecism that came from an advertising "
slogan" (a word meaning "
hit" or "
strike") from 1954 (until 1972) for cigarettes.
- Winston tastes good like a cigarette should. (not proper English, a solecism)
- Winston tastes good as a cigarette should. (proper English at the time)
Many older people tended not to "
like" the improper English. Younger people tended to adopt the saying and "
liked" it. Soon, some people would, and some still do, use "
like" several times in every spoken remark.
Like, you know,
like it
like it is.
43. Slogans
Matthew 21:35 And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. [kjv]
… of-slogen… [wes]
… slowen … [wy]
21:39 And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. [kjv]
… of-slogen … [wes]
… slowen … [wy]
… slewe … [ty]
22:6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. [kjv]
The English word
"slogan" comes from the Middle English word
"slugharne" ≈ "battle cry" that has Scottish and Gaelic roots. The hard "
g" softened so that the "
slug" became "
slew".
You might say that we have "
struck gold" and "
hit" on a "
slew" of variations of "
slap" or "
beat". Can you "
beat" that with a "
stick"? Have we "
struck out"? Can we make a "
slogan" out of these "
hit" ideas?
44. Matthew 21:35
KJV: And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.
Greek: και λαβοντες οι γεωργοι τους δουλους αυτου ον μεν εδειραν ον δε απεκτειναν ον δε ελιθοβολησαν
Wessex: Ða namen hyo hys þeowas. & swungen sume. & sumne hyo of-slogen. sumne hyo of-torfoden.
Wycliffe: And the erthetilieris token his seruauntis, and beeten `the toon, thei slowen another, and thei stonyden another.
45. Matthew 21:39
KJV: And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.
Greek: και λαβοντες αυτον εξεβαλον εξω του αμπελωνος και απεκτειναν
Wessex: Ða namen hyo & of-slogen hine. & awurpen wið-uten þanne win-geard.
Wycliffe: And thei token, and castiden hym out of the vynyerd, and slowen hym.
Tyndale: And they caught him and thrust him out of the vineyarde and slewe him.
46. A slapstick hit
Mark 14:65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands. [kjv]
και ηρξαντο τινες εμπτυειν αυτω και περικαλυπτειν αυτου το προσωπον και κολαφιζειν αυτον και λεγειν αυτω προφητευσον και οι υπηρεται ραπισμασιν αυτον ελαβον [gnt]
John 18:22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? [kjv]
ταυτα δε αυτου ειποντος εις παρεστηκως των υπηρετων εδωκεν ραπισμα τω ιησου ειπων ουτως αποκρινη τω αρχιερει [gnt]
19:3 And said, Hail, King of the Jews ! and they smote him with their hands. [kjv]
και ηρχοντο προς αυτον και ελεγον χαιρε ο βασιλευς των ιουδαιων και εδιδοσαν αυτω ραπισματα [gnt]
There are a number of verses in the
GNT and
LXX (Septuagint) that use the word that appears to be "
beat" but these have the letter "
σ" (sigma) for "
with the palms".
These accounts were written long after Jesus spoke Matthew 5:39. The later written text may have been influenced by what Jesus said.
47. Mark 14:65
KJV: And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
Greek: και ηρξαντο τινες εμπτυειν αυτω και περικαλυπτειν αυτου το προσωπον αυτου και κολαφιζειν αυτον και λεγειν αυτω προφητευσον και οι υπηρεται ραπισμασιν αυτον εβαλλον ελαβον
48. John 18:22
KJV: And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?
Greek: ταυτα δε αυτου ειποντος εις παρεστηκως των υπηρετων παρεστηκως εδωκεν ραπισμα τω ιησου ειπων ουτως αποκρινη τω αρχιερει
49. John 19:3
KJV: And said, Hail, King of the Jews ! and they smote him with their hands.
Greek: και ηρχοντο προς αυτον και ελεγον χαιρε ο βασιλευς των ιουδαιων και εδιδουν εδιδοσαν αυτω ραπισματα
50. Hosea 11:4 Yokes and jaws
There are a number of verses in the
GNT and
LXX that use the word that appears to be "
beat" but these have the letter "
σ" (sigma) for "
with the palms". Only one other verses uses the letter "
ζ" (zeta).
Hosea 11:4 I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them. [kjv]
εν διαφθορα ανθρωπων εξετεινα αυτους εν δεσμοις αγαπησεως μου και εσομαι αυτοις ως ραπιζων ανθρωπος επι τας σιαγονας αυτου και επιβλεψομαι προς αυτον δυνησομαι αυτω [lxx]
When men were destroyed, I drew them with the bands of my love: and I will be to them as a man striking another on his cheek: and I will have respect to him, I will prevail with him. [bs3]
51. Hosea 11:4
KJV: I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.
Hebrew: בחבלי אדם אמשכם בעבתות אהבה ואהיה להם כמרימי על על לחיהם ואט אליו אוכיל׃
Greek: εν διαφθορα ανθρωπων εξετεινα αυτους εν δεσμοις αγαπησεως μου και εσομαι αυτοις ως ραπιζων ανθρωπος επι τας σιαγονας αυτου και επιβλεψομαι προς αυτον δυνησομαι αυτω
Brenton: When men were destroyed, I drew them with the bands of my love: and I will be to them as a man striking another on his cheek: and I will have respect to him, I will prevail with him.
52. Hosea 11:3-5 Context
53. Hosea 11:3
KJV: I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them.
Hebrew: ואנכי תרגלתי לאפרים קחם על זרועתיו ולא ידעו כי רפאתים׃
Greek: και εγω συνεποδισα τον εφραιμ ανελαβον αυτον επι τον βραχιονα μου και ουκ εγνωσαν οτι ιαμαι αυτους
54. Hosea 11:5
KJV: He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return.
Hebrew: לא ישוב אל ארץ מצרים ואשור הוא מלכו כי מאנו לשוב׃
Greek: κατωκησεν εφραιμ εν αιγυπτω και ασσουρ αυτος βασιλευς αυτου οτι ουκ ηθελησεν επιστρεψαι
55. Aristotle: Meteorologica
Aristotle is describing the
sound of
thunder and
flash of
lightning. Then (omitted) he will observe that the
light precedes the
sound when at a distance.
English: For as the air when struck gives out all sorts of noises, so also it does when it is itself the striker. (Loeb#397, p. 217)
Greek: ὥσπερ γὰρ καὶ ῥαπιζόμενος ὁ ἀὴρ παντοδαποὺς ἀφίησι ψόφους, οὕτως καὶ τύπτων αὐτός· Aristotle: Meteorologica [368a]
- The Greek word for "struck" is the word used in Matthew for "smite" or "slap".
- The Greek word for "striker" is the word used in Luke for "smite".
- It appears that the translation of the other "strike" has been influenced in some way, perhaps by the GNT. Otherwise, the same word could have been used for both "strikes".
The first
"strike" by the air is more of a movement or path into the air.
The second
"strike" is the "
lightning" that does have an obvious
"strike".
The word translated as "
gives out" is the Greek word of "
let go" and often translated as "
forgive" in the
GNT.
56. Aristotle: Meteorologica
Aristotle continues describing the sound of thunder and appearance of lightning.
English: There are some, for instance Cleidemus, who say that lighting has no objective existence but is an appearance only. They compare it to the visual experience one has when the sea is struck with a stick at night and the water seems to flash, and say that lightning is a similar appearance of brightness produced when the moisture in the cloud is struck. (Loeb#397, 229-230)
Greek: εἰσὶ δέ τινες οἳ τὴν ἀστραπήν, ὥσπερ καὶ Κλείδημος, οὐκ εἶναί φασιν ἀλλὰ φαίνεσθαι, παρεικάζοντες ὡς τὸ πάθος ὅμοιον ὂν καὶ ὅταν τὴν θάλαττάν τις ῥάβδῳ τύπτῃ· φαίνεται γὰρ τὸ ὕδωρ ἀποστίλβον τῆς νυκτός· οὕτως ἐν τῇ νεφέλῃ ῥαπιζομένου τοῦ ὑγροῦ τὴν φάντασιν τῆς λαμπρότητος εἶναι τὴν ἀστραπήν. Aristotle: Meteorologica [370a]
In the surrounding text (omitted) Aristotle uses other words for "
strike" many times but the word for "
beat" or "
slap" only two times.
57. Aristotle: On the soul
English: ... to be added ... (Loeb)
Greek: δεῖ γὰρ φθάσαι τὴν κίνησιν τοῦ ῥαπίζοντος τὴν θρύψιν τοῦ ἀέρος, ὥσπερ ἂν εἰ σωρὸν ἢ ὁρμαθὸν ψάμμου τύπτοι τις φερόμενον ταχύ. Aristotle: On the soul [419b]
The main point of the three Aristotle passages is that Aristotle uses two other Greek words many times for "
hit" or "
strike" or "
blow" but uses the word in question only
three times.
58. Strongs - strike
- *G4474 *2 ῥαπίζω (hrap-id'-zo) : from a derivative of a primary rhepo (to let fall, "rap"); to slap:--smite (with the palm of the hand). Compare G5180.
- ραπιζει
- Matthew 5:39 ... evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy ...
- εραπισαν
- Matthew 26:67 ... him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
59. Usage - strike
60. Matthew 5:39 Cheek
Matthew 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. [kjv]
εγω δε λεγω υμιν μη αντιστηναι τω πονηρω αλλ οστις σε ραπιζει εις την δεξιαν σιαγονα σου στρεψον αυτω και την αλλην [gnt]
… resistere malo … percusserit … dextera maxilla … praebe … alteram [v]
The ancient Greek word
"σιαγών" ≈ "jaw, jawbone".
The Latin word
"maxilla" ≈ "jaw, jawbone, lower part of the face" and is the source of the English medical term
"maxilla"
The English word
"cheek" comes from the more general Middle English word
"cheke" ≈ "cheek, jaw".
The English word
"jaw" comes, through French, from the Vulgar (common) Latin word
"gauta" ≈ "jaw" where the hard "
g" sound softened over time. With an English word for
"jaw", the
"cheke" word narrowed in meaning to just the
"cheek".
61. Philippians 1:30 Competition conflict
62. Philippians 1:30
KJV: Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
Greek: τον αυτον αγωνα εχοντες οιον ιδετε ειδετε εν εμοι και νυν ακουετε εν εμοι
63. Strongs - contest
- *G73 *6 ἀγών (ag-one') : from G71; properly, a place of assembly (as if led), i.e. (by implication) a contest (held there); figuratively, an effort or anxiety:--conflict, contention, fight, race.
- αγωνα *5
- Philippians 1:30 Having the same conflict which ye saw ...
- Colossians 2:1 ... ye knew what great conflict I have for you, ...
- 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal ...
- 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
- Hebrews 12:1 ... us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
- αγωνι
- 1 Thessalonians 2:2 ... of God with much contention.
64. Usage - contest
*G73 *6 ἀγών (ag-one') : from G71; properly, a place of assembly (as if led), i.e. (by implication) a contest (held there); figuratively, an effort or anxiety:--conflict, contention, fight, race.
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Words: αγωνα=5 αγωνι
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65. Isaiah 7:13
Isaiah 7:13 And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? [kjv]
και ειπεν ακουσατε δη οικος δαυιδ μη μικρον υμιν αγωνα παρεχειν ανθρωποις και πως κυριω παρεχετε αγωνα [lxx]
And he said, Hear you° now, O house of David; is it a little thing for you to contend with men? and how do you° contend against the Lord? [bs3]
The ancient Greek word
"ἀγωνα" ≈ "gathering, contest, competition" and is the source of the English word
"agony".
The ancient Greek word
"σιαγών" ≈ "jaw, jawbone".
66. Isaiah 7:13
KJV: And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?
Hebrew: ויאמר שמעו נא בית דוד המעט מכם הלאות אנשים כי תלאו גם את אלהי׃
Greek: και ειπεν ακουσατε δη οικος δαυιδ μη μικρον υμιν αγωνα παρεχειν ανθρωποις και πως κυριω παρεχετε αγωνα
Brenton: And he said, Hear you° now, O house of David; is it a little thing for you to contend with men? and how do you° contend against the Lord?
67. Matthew 5:39 Cheek
Matthew 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. [kjv]
- "σιαγών" ≈ "jaw, jawbone" and "σιαγονα" ≈ "jaw, jawbone" (as used)
- "σοι" ≈ "(to) you" (dative) and "σου" ≈ "your" (genitive)
- "ἀγωνα" ≈ "gathering, contest, competition" and "αγονία" ≈ "contest, competition" (athletics, war, etc.) as in the English word "agony".
A play on words might be the following. A similar English phrases are "
to strike out" (not as in baseball but) as "
into the fray" or "
into the jawbone"
English: jawbone
Greek: σιαγωνα
Greek: σοι αγωνα
English: (to) you competition/event
A
"jawbone" is an "
offensive" weapon. Jesus promotes "
passive" responses rather than "
active" actions, other than "
good works".
68. Strongs - jawbone
- *G4600 *2 σιαγών (see-ag-one') : of uncertain derivation; the jaw-bone, i.e. (by implication) the cheek or side of the face:--cheek.
- σιαγονα *2
- Matthew 5:39 ... on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
- Luke 6:29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also ...
69. Usage - jawbone
*G4600 *2 σιαγών (see-ag-one') : of uncertain derivation; the jaw-bone, i.e. (by implication) the cheek or side of the face:--cheek.
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Words: σιαγονα=2
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The ancient Greek word
"σιαγών" ≈ "jaw, jawbone".
This word appears only here and in the corresponding verse in Luke. It does appear many times in the
LXX, especially in the book of Judges and the story of Samson.
70. Judges 15:15-17 Jawbones
Judges 15:15 And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith. [kjv]
και ευρεν σιαγονα ονου ερριμμενην εν τη οδω και εξετεινεν την χειρα αυτου και ελαβεν αυτην και επαταξεν εν αυτη χιλιους ανδρας [lxx]
15:16 And Samson said, With the jawbone of an ass, heaps upon heaps, with the jaw of an ass have I slain a thousand men. [kjv]
και ειπεν σαμψων εν σιαγονι ονου εξαλειφων εξηλειψα αυτους οτι εν σιαγονι ονου επαταξα χιλιους ανδρας [lxx]
15:17 And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking, that he cast away the jawbone out of his hand, and called that place Ramath–lehi. [kjv]
και εγενετο ηνικα συνετελεσεν λαλων και ερριψεν την σιαγονα απο της χειρος αυτου και εκαλεσεν τον τοπον εκεινον αναιρεσις σιαγονος [lxx]
In the story of Samson, the
"jawbone" was used as an offensive weapon. Some interesting things in the next few verses in Matthew.
- Samson "took" the "jawbone". The "cloak" will be "taken". Same Greek word for "take".
- A "thousand" men will be slain by the "jawbone". In two verses, the word for Roman "mile" of one "thousand" paces will be used.
71. Judges 15:15
KJV: And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith.
Hebrew: וימצא לחי חמור טריה וישלח ידו ויקחה ויך בה אלף איש׃
Greek: και ευρεν σιαγονα ονου ερριμμενην εν τη οδω και εξετεινεν την χειρα αυτου και ελαβεν αυτην και επαταξεν εν αυτη χιλιους ανδρας
72. Judges 15:16
KJV: And Samson said, With the jawbone of an ass, heaps upon heaps, with the jaw of an ass have I slain a thousand men.
Hebrew: ויאמר שמשון בלחי החמור חמור חמרתים בלחי החמור הכיתי אלף איש׃
Greek: και ειπεν σαμψων εν σιαγονι ονου εξαλειφων εξηλειψα αυτους οτι εν σιαγονι ονου επαταξα χιλιους ανδρας
73. Judges 15:17
KJV: And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking, that he cast away the jawbone out of his hand, and called that place Ramath–lehi.
Hebrew: ויהי ככלתו לדבר וישלך הלחי מידו ויקרא למקום ההוא רמת לחי׃
Greek: και εγενετο ηνικα συνετελεσεν λαλων και ερριψεν την σιαγονα απο της χειρος αυτου και εκαλεσεν τον τοπον εκεινον αναιρεσις σιαγονος
74. Dextrose in the right hand
75. Strongs - right
- *G1188 *54 δεξιός (dex-ee-os') : from G1209; the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes):--right (hand, side).
- δεξιων *23
- Matthew 20:21 ... the one on thy right hand, and the other on ...
- Matthew 20:23 ... to sit on my right hand, and on my ...
- Matthew 22:44 ... Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine ...
- Matthew 25:33 ... the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
- Matthew 25:34 ... unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of ...
- Matthew 26:64 ... of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming ...
- Matthew 27:38 ... him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.
- Mark 10:37 ... one on thy right hand, and the other on ...
- Mark 10:40 But to sit on my right hand and on my ...
- Mark 12:36 ... Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine ...
- Mark 14:62 ... of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming ...
- Mark 15:27 ... thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on ...
- Mark 16:19 ... and sat on the right hand of God.
- Luke 1:11 ... of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
- Luke 20:42 ... Sit thou on my right hand,
- Luke 22:69 ... of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.
- Luke 23:33 ... the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
- Acts 2:25 ... he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
- Acts 2:34 ... Sit thou on my right hand,
- Acts 7:55 ... Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
- Acts 7:56 ... of man standing on the right hand of God.
- 2 Corinthians 6:7 ... by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
- Hebrews 1:13 ... Sit on my right hand, until I make thine ...
- δεξια *17
- Matthew 5:30 And if thy right hand offend thee, ...
- Matthew 6:3 ... know what thy right hand doeth:
- Matthew 27:29 ... a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before ...
- Luke 6:6 ... was a man whose right hand was withered.
- John 21:6 ... Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ...
- Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and ...
- Acts 5:31 ... God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and ...
- Romans 8:34 ... is even at the right hand of God, who also ...
- Ephesians 1:20 ... set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
- Colossians 3:1 ... Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
- Hebrews 1:3 ... sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
- Hebrews 8:1 ... who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
- Hebrews 10:12 ... ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
- Hebrews 12:2 ... and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
- 1 Peter 3:22 ... heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and ...
- Revelation 1:16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and ...
- Revelation 2:1 ... stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst ...
- δεξιας *5
- Acts 3:7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted ...
- Galatians 2:9 ... to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we ...
- Revelation 1:20 ... thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven ...
- Revelation 5:7 ... took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
- Revelation 13:16 ... a mark in their right hand, or in ...
- δεξιαν *4
- Matthew 5:39 ... thee on thy right cheek, turn to him ...
- Revelation 1:17 ... And he laid his right hand upon me, ...
- Revelation 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on ...
- Revelation 10:5 And the angel which I saw stand upon ...
- δεξιον *3
- Luke 22:50 ... and cut off his right ear.
- John 18:10 ... and cut off his right ear. The servant's name ...
- Revelation 10:2 ... and he set his right foot upon the sea, ...
- δεξιος
- Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, ...
- δεξιοις
- Mark 16:5 ... a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white ...
76. Usage - right
*G1188 *54 δεξιός (dex-ee-os') : from G1209; the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes):--right (hand, side).
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Words: δεξια=17 δεξιαν=4 δεξιας=5 δεξιοις δεξιον=3 δεξιος δεξιων=23
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The ancient Greek word
"δεξιά" ≈ "right (hand side)" (feminine)
77. Matthew 5:39 Right cheek
Matthew 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. [kjv]
εγω δε λεγω υμιν μη αντιστηναι τω πονηρω αλλ οστις σε ραπιζει εις την δεξιαν σιαγονα σου στρεψον αυτω και την αλλην [gnt]
Most people are right-handed. If you hit with your right hand, it is easiest to hit the
left cheek/jawbone. To hit the
right cheek/jawbone may be more of a
slap or
backhand than a hit. There may be a play on words here between the sounds of "
ks" and "
sk".
- "δεξιά" ≈ "right (hand side)" (feminine)
- "δε" ≈ "but (not)" and "σκιά" ≈ "shadow".
English: right
Greek: δεξιά
Greek: δε σκιά
English: but not (even a) shadow
Jesus appears to have used a similar play on words back in verse 13 about the "
salt" being "
ineffective" or "
not strong" or "
not even a shadow".
78. Matthew 5:29 Eyes that entrap
The discourse and verses in Matthew 5 appear to be concerned with individuals and how they relate to others in some external environment. The meaning of "
body" is important.
Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. [kjv]
ει δε ο οφθαλμος σου ο δεξιος σκανδαλιζει σε εξελε αυτον και βαλε απο σου συμφερει γαρ σοι ινα αποληται εν των μελων σου και μη ολον το σωμα σου βληθη εις γεενναν [gnt]
The
"right" as in
"right" "eye" or
"right" "hand" is a play on words where
"right" is a play on words of "
but a shadow of".
- if a but a shadow of an eye entraps you ...
- if a but a shadow of a hand entraps you ...
Jesus uses the "
eye" to represent the "
leader". In context, it is a
false "
leader".
79. Usage - potent
*G2480 *28 ἰσχύω (is-khoo'-o) : from G2479; to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively):--be able, avail, can do(-not), could, be good, might, prevail, be of strength, be whole, + much work.
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Words: ισχυει=4 ισχυειν ισχυεν=2 ισχυον=3 ισχυοντες=2 ισχυοντος ισχυσαμεν=2 ισχυσαν=4 ισχυσας ισχυσατε ισχυσεν=4 ισχυσουσιν ισχυω=2
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A
play on words might be with
"σκιά" ≈ "shadow, shade, spirit of someone dead" as in "
not a shadow" since it requires "
true light" to see a "
shadow".
- "ουδεν ισχυει" ≈ "not strong, ineffective".
- "ουδεν η σκια" ≈ "not (even) a shadow" (no substance).
- "ἰσχύς" ≈ "strength, power, might" and "ἰσχυρός" ≈ "strong, mighty".
80. Matthew 5:13 Throw out
Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. [kjv]
υμεις εστε το αλας της γης εαν δε το αλας μωρανθη εν τινι αλισθησεται εις ουδεν ισχυει ετι ει μη βληθεν εξω καταπατεισθαι υπο των ανθρωπων [gnt]
Does
"cast" out or
"throw" out or
"put" out mean that something is
"useless" or
"not effective"?
Saying:
One man's garbage is another man's treasure. Let me
"throw" out some ideas.
free |
recycle |
consign |
give away |
local storage |
trash |
donate |
yard sale |
another house |
remote storage |
81. Matthew 5:39 Turning
Matthew 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. [kjv]
εγω δε λεγω υμιν μη αντιστηναι τω πονηρω αλλ οστις σε ραπιζει εις την δεξιαν σιαγονα σου στρεψον αυτω και την αλλην [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"στρέφω" ≈ "turn, direct, twist" and is related to the English word
"strap" as "
fasten". The modern Greek word
"στρέφω" (STREH-fo) ≈ "turn, direct".
The Greek word translated as
"smite" can be a play on words with the Latin word for
"rapid". Jesus some Latin words and Latin play on words in this short verse sequence. False leaders as "
birds" who use "
deception" will want you to be in a
"hurry" as an "
urgent priority" so that you will not think too much about what you are actually doing.
In
"turning" the
"cheek" one is acting "
passively". In Greek, the word for "
passive" is often translated as "
suffering".
82. Strongs - turn
- *G4762 *22 στρέφω (stref'-o) : strengthened from the base of G5157; to twist, i.e. turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively):--convert, turn (again, back again, self, self about).
- στραφεις *11
- Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, ...
- Matthew 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind ...
- Luke 7:9 ... he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed ...
- Luke 7:44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, ...
- Luke 9:55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, ...
- Luke 10:22 All things are delivered to me of my Father: ...
- Luke 10:23 And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, ...
- Luke 14:25 ... with him: and he turned, and said unto them,
- Luke 22:61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And ...
- Luke 23:28 But Jesus turning unto them said, ...
- John 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them ...
- εστρεψεν *2
- Matthew 27:3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that ...
- Acts 7:42 Then God turned, and gave them ...
- στρεψον
- Matthew 5:39 ... thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
- στραφεντες
- Matthew 7:6 ... their feet, and turn again and rend you.
- στραφητε
- Matthew 18:3 ... I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as ...
- στραφωσιν
- John 12:40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their ...
- εστραφη
- John 20:14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw ...
- στραφεισα
- John 20:16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; ...
- εστραφησαν
- Acts 7:39 ... in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,
- στρεφομεθα
- Acts 13:46 ... of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
- στρεφειν
- Revelation 11:6 ... power over waters to turn them to blood, ...
83. Usage - turn
*G4762 *22 στρέφω (stref'-o) : strengthened from the base of G5157; to twist, i.e. turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively):--convert, turn (again, back again, self, self about).
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Words: εστραφη εστραφησαν εστρεψεν=2 στραφεις=11 στραφεισα στραφεντες στραφητε στραφωσιν στρεφειν στρεφομεθα στρεψον=1
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The ancient Greek word
"στρέφω" ≈ "turn, direct, twist" and is related to the English word
"strap" as "
fasten".
The English word
"strep" is a short form of
"streptococcus" which comes from two Greek words.
- "στρεπτός" ≈ "twisted, pliant".
- "κόκκος" ≈ "grain, seed" is in the mustard "seed" and color "red".
The modern Greek word
"στρέφω" (STREH-fo) ≈ "turn, direct".
84. Matthew 5:39 Luke
Matthew reports the following.
Matthew 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. [kjv]
εγω δε λεγω υμιν μη αντιστηναι τω πονηρω αλλ οστις σε ραπιζει εις την δεξιαν σιαγονα σου στρεψον αυτω και την αλλην [gnt]
Luke reports what people remembered some twenty or more years later. The double meanings and play on words in Matthew tend to be lost. Translators later back-patch the words and ideas from Luke into Matthew.
85. Luke 6:29 Types of strikes smite not be
Luke 6:29 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. [kjv]
τω τυπτοντι σε επι την σιαγονα παρεχε και την αλλην και απο του αιροντος σου το ιματιον και τον χιτωνα μη κωλυσης [gnt]
The ancient Greek word
"τύπος" ≈ "blow, pressing, mark, figure" and is the source of the English word
"type" as in printing, computer programming languages, etc.
The double meaning in Matthew of "
smite" as a "
hit" or a "
false start" (in a race) is remembered in Luke as the more limited meaning of "
hit". The word translated as "
smite" in Luke is the source of the English word
"type" as something that is "
struck" as in movable "
type" striking with ink onto paper to make an impression.
The double meaning in Matthew of "
turn" changed to a literal "
offer".
Luke then switches the order of "
tunic" as "
cloke" and "
garment" as "
coat" which ruins the reasoning and symmetry of the corresponding verses in Matthew.
86. Luke 6:29
KJV: 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.
Greek: τω τυπτοντι σε επι την σιαγονα παρεχε και την αλλην και απο του αιροντος σου το ιματιον και τον χιτωνα μη κωλυσης
87. Philippians 3:17 Type
Philippians 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. [kjv]
συμμιμηται μου γινεσθε αδελφοι και σκοπειτε τους ουτως περιπατουντας καθως εχετε τυπον ημας [gnt]
The Greek for "
ensample" is the word for "
type" as in a "
prototype" and not the usual Greek word for "
sample" that is the basis of the English word
"paradigm". The ancient Greek word
"τύπος" ≈ "blow, pressing, mark, figure" and is the source of the English word
"type" as in printing, computer programming languages, etc.
Interesting, to "
type" on a keyboard is to "
strike" or "
hit" the keys - the original meaning of "
type" in Greek.
88. Matthew 5:39 Cheeky sayings
Matthew 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. [kjv]
εγω δε λεγω υμιν μη αντιστηναι τω πονηρω αλλ οστις σε ραπιζει εις την δεξιαν σιαγονα σου στρεψον αυτω και την αλλην [gnt]
Jesus is making a play on words with "
beat" (as "
move" or "
slap") and "
right" (as "
but a shadow") and "
jawbone" (as "
contest" or "
competition") and then "
turning" to another better path. Why Jesus not say this more directly? Here are some ways he could have "
hit on" or "
made an impression" in English using "
slogans".
- "It's a slap in the face to go the wrong way".
- "It's a slap on the wrist (bone)", not quite "slapstick comedy".
- "Strike gold by striking out the right way".
- "Pound the pavement" and "keep on the beat", "it will blow by".
- "Hit the road" (Jack), "and don't you come back no more".
- Did Jesus provide a "blow by blow" commentary?
Back in the "
salt" verses, the "
pigs" or "
bad salt" did their own "
pounding" or "
treading", a "
dreaded" thing to consider. Later they will do it to "
pearls".
89. Matthew 5:39 Paraphrase
Matthew 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. [kjv]
εγω δε λεγω υμιν μη αντιστηναι τω πονηρω αλλ οστις σε ραπιζει εις την δεξιαν σιαγονα σου στρεψον αυτω και την αλλην [gnt]
5:39:
But I say to you. Do not stand in place of the evil/oppression (get in the way of the adversary). But whoever [bones, enemy, hostile] shall cause thee to strike (rapidly, false start) on your [but a shadow] of a right jawbone (offensive weapon) [the (evil, oppressive) contest, competition] turn from that to the other [(true) contest, competition].
Example:
Saul, later
Paul, under orders from the religious establishment, sought to strike out (false start) on a (evil) contest or competition, but was directed to turn from that contest or competition to the true contest or competition. Interestingly, this example of Paul will fit the next few verses as a continuation of the analogy or story.
This verse relates to both the "
altar" verse back in 5:23-24 and the "
agree" with the "
adversary" verse back in verses 5:25-26.
90. Links
91. End of page