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Lamentations 3:30

30 Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace.

Lamentations 3:30 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
30 He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach.
English Standard Version (ESV)
30 let him give his cheek to the one who strikes, and let him be filled with insults.
New Living Translation (NLT)
30 Let them turn the other cheek to those who strike them and accept the insults of their enemies.
The Message Bible (MSG)
30 Don't run from trouble. Take it full-face. The "worst" is never the worst.
American Standard Version (ASV)
30 Let him give his cheek to him that smiteth him; let him be filled full with reproach.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
30 They should turn their cheeks to the one who strikes them and take their fill of insults.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
30 Let him offer [his] cheek to the one who would strike him; let him be filled with shame.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
30 Let him turn his cheek toward those who would slap him. Let him be filled with shame.

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 on him.
29 Let him bury his face in the dust— there may yet be hope.
30 Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace.
31 For no one is cast off by the Lord forever.
32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S Job 16:10; S Isaiah 50:6
  • 2. Micah 5:1
Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.