# Is “Turn the other cheek” in the Bible?

> Yes. “Turn the other cheek” comes from the Bible, from Matthew 5:39.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/turn-the-other-cheek
By Andrew Kittridge · November 9, 2026

Jesus says it in the Sermon on the Mount.

## The verse

> But I tell you, do not set yourself against the one who does evil. Instead, if someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well.
>
> — [Matthew 5:39](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/5#39) (Lumin Translation)

The saying is not word for word. It shortens or reshapes the verse.

## What it means there

Jesus is talking about a slap, which was an insult. He tells his followers not to answer one wrong with another.

## Also in the Bible

> If someone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other one too. If someone takes your cloak, do not keep back your tunic either.
>
> — [Luke 6:29](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/6#29) (Lumin Translation)

## Common questions

### Is “Turn the other cheek” in the Bible?

Yes. “Turn the other cheek” comes from the Bible, from Matthew 5:39. The saying is not word for word. It shortens or reshapes the verse. Jesus says it in the Sermon on the Mount.

### Where in the Bible is “Turn the other cheek”?

In Matthew 5:39, and also Luke 6:29. In the Lumin Translation, Matthew 5:39 reads: “But I tell you, do not set yourself against the one who does evil. Instead, if someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well.”

### Who said “Turn the other cheek”?

Jesus says it in the Sermon on the Mount.

### What does “Turn the other cheek” mean in the Bible?

Jesus is talking about a slap, which was an insult. He tells his followers not to answer one wrong with another.

## More

- [Is “The writing on the wall” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/the-writing-on-the-wall.md)
- [Where is “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/they-that-wait-upon-the-lord-shall-renew-their-strength.md)
- [Where is “If God is for us, who can be against us” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/if-god-is-for-us-who-can-be-against-us.md)
- [Where is “Do not worry about tomorrow” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/do-not-worry-about-tomorrow.md)
- [Where is “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/weeping-may-endure-for-a-night-but-joy-comes-in-the-morning.md)
- [Where is “Fearfully and wonderfully made” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/fearfully-and-wonderfully-made.md)
- [Where is “Bless the Lord, O my soul” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/bless-the-lord-o-my-soul.md)
- [Where is “His mercies are new every morning” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/his-mercies-are-new-every-morning.md)
- [Check any word or a whole song](https://www.lumin.faith/bible-verse-checker)