Spoken to:
Jesus begins teaching in the plain of Judea, attracting people from all over wanting to be healed.
KJV:
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.
NIV :
Luke 6:29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them.
LISTENERS HEARD:
To the one striking you on the jaw, offer also the other; and from the one removing yours, that cloak, also don't withhold that tunic.
MY TAKE:
If someone provokes you, it is because they are sure to win a fight.
GREEK (Each Word Explained Bottom of Page):
GREEK ORDER:
LOST IN TRANSLATION:
The basic humor here, rewarding someone who hurts us, is captured in translation. The rewarding verbs here are opposites. The Greek verb translated as "offer/turn" means "to hand over", to supply", and "to offer." The Greek verb translated as "forbid" means "to hinder", "withhold," and "to prevent." They are antonyms that bacome synonums when one is negated ("do not withhold") .
"Coat/shirt" is the Greek word means an undergarment, not an over garment.
# KJV TRANSLATION ISSUES:
And(IW) unto him(WW) that(IW) smiteth(WF) thee on the one(IW) cheek offer also the other; and (MWfrom) him that [taketh away(WF)) thy (MWthe) cloke forbid not [to take(IW)] thy(WW) coat(WW) also.
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "and" doesn't exist in the source.
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "him" should be something more like "the one."
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "that" doesn't exist in the source.
- WF -- Wrong Form - The "smite" is not an active verb but a participle, "striking."
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "one" doesn't exist in the source.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "from" is not shown in the English translation. IW - Inserted Word -- The word "that" doesn't exist in the source.
- WF -- Wrong Form - The "take away" is not an active verb but a participle, "lifting."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "cloke" is not shown in the English translation.
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "to take " doesn't exist in the source.
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "thy" should be something more like "the/that."
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "coat" should be something more like "tunic."
# NIV TRANSLATION ISSUES:
If(IW) someone(WW,WF) slaps(WF) you on one(IW) cheek, turn to them the other also. If(IW) someone(WW,WF) takes(CW,WF) your (MWthe) coat, (MWalso) do not withhold your(WW) shirt from them(IW).
And(IW) unto him(WW) that(IW) smiteth(WF) thee on the one(IW) cheek offer also the other; and (MWfrom) him that [taketh away(WF)) thy (MWthe) cloke forbid not [to take(IW)] thy(WW) coat(WW) also.
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "if" doesn't exist in the source.
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "someone" should be something more like "the one."
- WF -- Wrong Form - This is not a subject but an indirect object.
- WF -- Wrong Form - The "slaps" is not an active verb but a participle, "striking."
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "one" doesn't exist in the source.
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "if" doesn't exist in the source.
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "someone" should be something more like "the one."
- WF -- Wrong Form - This is not a subject but an indirect object.
- WF -- Wrong Form - The "take " is not an active verb but a participle, "lifting."
- CW --Confusing Word -- This is not the common word usually translated as "takes."
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "coat" is not shown in the English translation.
- MW - Missing Word -- The word "also" is not shown in the English translation.
- WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "your" should be something more like "the/that."
- IW - Inserted Word -- The word "them" doesn't exist in the source.
EACH WORD of KJV :
And -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "and" in the Greek source.
unto -- This word "to" comes from the dative case of the following word that requires the addition of a preposition in English. The most common is a "to" for the English indirect object. However, the translator can choose other prepositions: "with," "in," "of," "as," "by," "for," "at," or "on" depending on the context.
him - (WW)- The word translated as "him" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
that -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "that" in the Greek source. It was added because the next verb was translated as active rather than as a participle.
smiteth - (WF) The verb translated as "smite" is from another uncommon word "to beat," "to strike," and "to smite." Christ uses a lot of different words to mean "to beat." There is some reason he uses this specific verb, but it isn't yet clear. This word is a participle, not an active verb.
thee -- -- The "thee/you" here is the singular, accusative (objective,) second-person pronoun. It is the object of either the action of the verb or a preposition. As an object of a preposition, it indicates movement or the result of movement
on -- The word translated as "on" means "on," "over," "upon," "for," "against," "before," "after," "during," "by" "in the case of."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
one -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "one" in the Greek source.
cheek -- The Greek word translated as "cheek" means "jaw" or "jawbone." Here is one of the few places it has been translated as "cheek." Given the real meaning of the verb translated as "slaps" as "to beat," the "jaw" seems more appropriate.
offer-- The "offer" is from two Greek words, a verb and a noun, both of them uncommon for Christ. The verb means "to hand over", "to supply", and "to cause" and a lot of specific terms.
also -- The Greek word translated as "also" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as." In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
other; -- The "another" here is feminine, making it clear that it refers to another woman more clearly than the English translation. - - The "others" here is masculine, plural, making it clear that it refers to a group of people.
and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as." In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
missing "from" -- (MW) The untranslated word "from" means "from" in both locations and when referring to a source or a cause. It also means the instrument "by" which a thing is done and "away from."Referring to time, it means "from," and "after."
him - (WW)- The word translated as "him" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. WW - Wrong Word -- The word translated as "him" should be something more like "the one."
that -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "that" in the Greek source. It was added because the next verb was translated as active rather than as a participle.
taketh away -- (WF) -- "Takes away" is one of Christ's favorite "multiple meaning" words. It is a verb that means "to raise up," "elevate," "to bear," "to carry off," "to take and apply to any use," "lifted" in the sense of "removed," and "to cause to cease." Jesus uses this verb to refer to what will happen to "the son of man," which can apply either to his being raised from the dead or lifted up on the cross. The verb also came to mean "remove" in the same way we describe stealing as "shoplifting." This word is a participle, not an active verb.
thy -- The word translated as "your" is the genitive form of the singular, second-person pronoun, which is most commonly the possessive form.
- missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
cloke -- The word translated as "cloke" means an outer garment in Roman times, "cloak," "robe," "cape," or "mantle." It was worn like we use a sweater or coat today. This quality of this garment was how people judge social status. The general word "garment" is not the specific meaning of the word in this situation.
forbid - "Forbid" is from a verb that means "to hinder" and "to prevent."
not -- The negative used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, and requests. If not used with a verb of subjective action--thinking, feeling, seeing, etc.--its sense is that "not wanting" or "thinking" something, not that it isn't done or thought. With the verb "to be," the sense is "doesn't seem." When a negative precedes the verb, it affects the whole clause.
to take -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "to take " in the Greek source.
thy -- (WW) The word translated as "thy" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
coat -- (WW) "Coat" is the Greek word means an undergarment, not an over garment. Christ is literally saying, "Don't take two pairs of underwear." There is a certain humor in this that seems intentional.
also. The word "also" means "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis
EACH WORD of NIV :
If-- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "if" in the Greek source.
someone - (WW, WF)- The word translated as "him" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. This is not a subject but an indirect object.
slaps - (WF) The verb translated as "slaps " is from another uncommon word "to beat," "to strike," and "to smite." Christ uses a lot of different words to mean "to beat." There is some reason he uses this specific verb, but it isn't yet clear. This word is a participle, not an active verb.
you -- -- The "thee/you" here is the singular, accusative (objective,) second-person pronoun. It is the object of either the action of the verb or a preposition. As an object of a preposition, it indicates movement or the result of movement
on -- The word translated as "on" means "on," "over," "upon," "for," "against," "before," "after," "during," "by" "in the case of."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
one -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "one" in the Greek source.
cheek -- The Greek word translated as "cheek" means "jaw" or "jawbone." Here is one of the few places it has been translated as "cheek." Given the real meaning of the verb translated as "slaps" as "to beat," the "jaw" seems more appropriate.
offer-- The "offer" is from two Greek words, a verb and a noun, both of them uncommon for Christ. The verb means "to hand over", "to supply", and "to cause" and a lot of specific terms.
also -- The Greek word translated as "also" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as." In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
the -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
other; -- The "another" here is feminine, making it clear that it refers to another woman more clearly than the English translation. - - The "others" here is masculine, plural, making it clear that it refers to a group of people.
also-- The Greek word translated as "also" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as." In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
If-- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "if" in the Greek source.
someone - (WW, WF)- The word translated as "him" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more. This is not a subject but an indirect object.
takes -- (WF, CW) -- "Takes " is one of Christ's favorite "multiple meaning" words. It is a verb that means "to raise up," "elevate," "to bear," "to carry off," "to take and apply to any use," "lifted" in the sense of "removed," and "to cause to cease." Jesus uses this verb to refer to what will happen to "the son of man," which can apply either to his being raised from the dead or lifted up on the cross. The verb also came to mean "remove" in the same way we describe stealing as "shoplifting." This word is a participle, not an active verb. This is not the word usually translated as "takes."
your -- (CW) The word translated as "your" is the genitive form of the singular, second-person pronoun, which is most commonly the possessive form.
missing "the/this" -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.
coat-- The word translated as "coat" means an outer garment in Roman times, "cloak," "robe," "cape," or "mantle." It was worn like we use a sweater or coat today. This quality of this garment was how people judge social status. The general word "garment" is not the specific meaning of the word in this situation.
missing "also" -- (MW) The untranslated word "also," but it also is used to add emphasis, "even," "also," and "just." In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as." In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."
do -- This helping verb is used to create questions, commands, negative statements, and smooth word flow in English
not -- The negative used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, and requests. If not used with a verb of subjective action--thinking, feeling, seeing, etc.--its sense is that "not wanting" or "thinking" something, not that it isn't done or thought. With the verb "to be," the sense is "doesn't seem." When a negative precedes the verb, it affects the whole clause.
withhold - "Withhold " is from a verb that means "to hinder", "withhold," and "to prevent."
your -- (WW) The word translated as "thy" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
shirt -- "Shirt" is the Greek word means an undergarment, not an over garment. Christ is literally saying, "Don't take two pairs of underwear." There is a certain humor in this that seems intentional.
from -- The word "from" means "from" in both locations and when referring to a source or a cause. It also means the instrument "by" which a thing is done and "away from."Referring to time, it means "from," and "after."
them. -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "them" in the Greek source.
also.The word "also" means "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis
COMPARISON: GREEK to KJV :
τῷ [821 verses](article sg masc dat) "Him that" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). When not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative. See this article.
τύπτοντί [4 verses] (part sg pres act masc dat) "Smiteth" is typto, which means to "beat," "strike," "smite," and "strike oneself."
σε: [48 verses](pron 2nd sg acc) "You" is from se the objective form of the second-person, singular pronoun..
ἐπὶ [138 verses](prep) "On" is from epi which means "on," "upon," "at," "by," "before," "across," and "against." With a noun in the possessive, genitive, it means "upon," "on" but not necessarily of Place, "by (of persons)," "deep (with numbers)," "in the presence of," "towards," "in the time of," and "over (referring to a person of authority)." With a noun indirect object, dative, it means of place: "upon," "on," or "over," of people: "against (in a hostile sense)," regarding a situation: "towards" or "in reference to," of an accumulation: "upon," "after," "addition to," and "besides," of position: "after," "behind," "in dependence upon," and "in the power of," of time: "by," and "after," and. in a causal sense: "of the occasion or cause," "for" a person, an end, or purpose," "on condition that," and "for" (a price). With the objective noun, an accusative, it means of place: "upon or on to a height," "up to," "as far as," "a little way," "a little," "towards," "to," in hostile sense: "against," of extension: "over," "over (a space)," of time: "for," "during," "up to" or "till," in a causal sense: "of (the object)," for (this purpose)," "as regards," "according to," and "by (this cause)." With verbs of perceiving, observing, and judging, it means "in the case of."
τὴν [821 verses](article sg fem acc) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). When not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative. See this article.
σιαγόνα[2 verses] (noun sg fem acc ) "Cheek" is siagon, which means "jaw", "jaw-bone," and "cheek."
πάρεχε [5 verses](verb 2nd sg pres imperat act) "Offer" is from parecho, which means "to hand over", "to furnish", "to supply", "to yield", "to produce", "to cause", "to present", "to offer", "to allow", "to grant", "to render," and "to promise."
καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."
τὴν [821 verses](article sg fem acc) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). When not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative. See this article.
ἄλλην,[34 verses] (adj sg fem acc) "The other" is allos, which means "another," "one besides," "of another sort," "different," "other than what is true," "as well," "besides," with numerals: "yet," "still," "further," "of other sort," "other than what is," "untrue," "unreal," "other than right," "wrong," "bad," "unworthy," [with an article] "the rest," "all besides," and [in series] "one...another." -- The word translated as "other" means "another," "one besides," "of another sort," "different," "other than what is true," "as well," "besides," with numerals: "yet," "still," "further." In a series, this means "one...another."
καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just.
ἀπὸ [190 verses](prep) Untranslated is apo, a preposition of separation which means "from" or "away from" from when referring to place or motion, "from" or "after" when referring to time, "from" as an origin or cause. It also means the instrument "by" which a thing is done. Referring to time, it means "from," and "after." Usually takes the genitive object. -
τοῦ [821 verses](article sg masc gen) "The" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). When not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative. See this article. -- The word translated as "the" is the Greek definite article, "the," which usually precedes a noun. Without a noun, it has the sense of "the one." Before an adjective, participle, or infinitive it changes the following word to act like a noun. The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," "those") than the English "the." See this article for more.
αἴροντός [56 verses](part sg pres act masc gen) "Him that taketh away"is airo, which means "to lift up," "to raise," "to raise up," "to exalt," "to lift and take away," and "to remove." In some forms, it is the same as apaomai, which means to "pray to," or "pray for."
σου [144 verses](pron 2nd sg gen) "Thy" is sou is the genitive form of the second-person, singular pronoun that means "of you" and "your."
τὸ [821 verses](article sg neut acc) Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). When not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative. See this article.
ἱμάτιον [10 verses](noun sg neut acc)"Garment" is himation, which was an oblong piece of cloth worn as an outer garment. The term generally means "clothes" and "cloth."
καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."
τὸν [821 verses](article sg masc nom) "Thy" is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the"). When not preceding a noun, takes the meaning of "the one" or, in the plural, "the ones." Proper nouns do normally not take articles but they are needed when the noun ending cannot be changed to show the noun's role in the sentence as an object, indirect object, or genitive (possessive) form. However, the Greek article is very close to "this" so the purpose of an article like this can also be demonstrative. See this article.
χιτῶνα [4 verses](noun sg masc acc) "Coat" is chiton, which means "the garment worn next to the skin", "tunic [a men's]", "a coating", "a covering", "a membrane [anatomical]", "the upper part of a show", "vesture," and "coat of mail."
μὴ [447 verses](conj) "Not" is me , which is the negative used in prohibitions and expressions of doubt meaning "not" and "no." As οὐ (ou) negates fact and statement; μή rejects, οὐ denies; μή is relative, οὐ absolute; μή subjective, οὐ objective. As a conjunction means "lest perchance".
κωλύσῃς. [7 verses](verb 2nd pl pres imperat act) "Forbid" is kolyo, which means "to hinder," "withhold," and "to prevent." - "Forbid" is from a verb that means "to hinder" and "to prevent."
Wordplay:
Much of the wordplay in the Matthew versions of the first part is lost, but in the later part Christ creates a humorous image that is similar to the English saying, "giving someone the shirt off your back."
Related Verses:
parallel comparison:
A different word from "smiting/slapping is used in Matthew 5:39.