Lamentations 3:30

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

Lamentations 3:30 Meaning and Commentary

Lamentations 3:30

He giveth [his] cheek to him that smiteth him
Either to God that afflicts him, and patiently bears it; see ( Isaiah 9:13 ) ; or rather to men. To be smitten on the cheek is always reckoned a very great affront; to turn the cheek to an injurious man is to give him an opportunity and leave to smite, and signifies the taking of it patiently, and agrees both with our Lord's advice and example, ( Matthew 5:39 ) ( Isaiah 50:6 ) ; he is filled full with reproach;
has many reproaches, and the reproaches of many upon him; as such must expect, that take Christ's yoke upon them; see ( Psalms 123:3 Psalms 123:4 ) ; and yet revile not again, but esteem reproaches for Christ's sake great riches, and wear them as crowns, and bind them about their necks as chains of gold; esteeming it an honour and a happiness to suffer shame for his name.

Lamentations 3:30 In-Context

28 Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it upon him.

29 Let him bury his face in the dust— perhaps there is still hope.

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

31 For the Lord will not cast us off forever.

32 Even if He causes grief, He will show compassion according to His abundant loving devotion.