Bible Dictionary
Cheek
To strike the cheek was regarded as a serious insult and injury. Jesus used the image of turning the other cheek to teach resistance to retaliation and a willingness to endure wrong without returning evil.
Definition
The cheek is the side of the face. In biblical usage, striking the cheek represents a serious injury and insult. The language of offering the other cheek expresses refusal to return evil for evil.
Biblical Usage
Smiting the cheek is associated with grievous insult. Jesus’ instruction to offer the other cheek is explained as the command to resist retaliation and not repay evil with evil. The psalm about God striking enemies on the cheek means that He deprived them of power to injure.
Historical Background
The supplied material gives no additional cultural background beyond the seriousness attached to striking the cheek.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Smiting on the cheek was accounted a grievous injury and insult (Job 16:10; Lam. 3:30; Micah 5:1). The admonition (Luke 6:29), “Unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other,” means simply, “Resist not evil” (Matt. 5:39; 1 Pet. 2:19-23). Ps. 3:7 = that God had deprived his enemies of the power of doing him injury.