Lamentations 3:30

Translations

Modern

Let him offer his cheek to the one who would strike him; let him be filled with reproach.

Traditional

He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach.

Literal

Let him give his cheek to the one striking him; let him be filled with reproach!

Latin

Dabit percutienti se maxillam: saturabitur opprobriis.

Original

Hebrew

English

Let him offer his cheek to the one who would strike him; let him be filled with reproach.

Notes

Lamentations 3:29–30

In the ancient Near East, lying face down in the dust showed submission (Genesis 17:1–3; Leviticus 9:24; Joshua 7:6; 1 Samuel 5:4; 1 Kings 18:39; 1 Chronicles 21:16; Matthew 17:5–6).
To turn the other cheek shows a willingness to submit rather than fight back. Jesus likely had this verse in mind when he taught his disciples to accept persecution (Matthew 5:39).
This response shows trust that God rules over all things, even over suffering.

Lamentations 3:22–33

God's love and faithfulness never end. Just as God was faithful in judging Jerusalem for their sins, he will be faithful in restoring those who return to him.

Lamentations 3:1–66

In this chapter, the author mourns what has happened (Lamentations 3:1–20, 48–54). In this chapter, the author mourns what has happened (Lamentations 3:21–25). He explains how God’s people should respond (Lamentations 3:26–47). Finally, he calls out to the Lord in prayer (Lamentations 3:55–66).

Theme notes and profiles

God’s Justice Retribution

Related verses

Job 16:10
They open their mouths against me and strike my cheeks with contempt; they join together against me.
Isaiah 50:6
I offered My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle.
Matthew 5:39
But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;
Matthew 26:67
Then they spit in His face and struck Him. Others slapped Him
2 Corinthians 11:20
In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or exalts himself or strikes you in the face.
Luke 6:29
If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well.
Psalm 123:3
Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt.
Psalm 69:20
Insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found no one.
Micah 5:1
Now, O daughter of troops, mobilize your troops; for a siege is laid against us! With a rod they will strike the cheek of the judge of Israel.
Psalm 69:9
…because zeal for Your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult You have fallen on me.

Glossary

Acrostic Lamentations, Book of Poetry, Biblical

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Resignation In Afflictions and Adversities: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Assault and Battery: Striking Jesus: Prophecies of Meekness: General Scriptures Concerning

Lamentations 3:30

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