What does "do not resist an evil person" mean

[Sanity Check]

 

Quote

 

You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.

 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.  

And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.

 

-Matthew 5:38-40

 

 

This verse needs to be covered more in 2025.

 

The context here is being held at gunpoint by a thief intending to steal ones possessions.

 

Jesus advises not to resist under circumstances where many might lose their lives by refusing to hand their possessions over.

 

It is not and never was intended to endorse pacifism as is seen here:

 

 

Quote

 

He (Jesus) said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.

 

-Luke 22:36

 

 

 

Edited Tuesday at 11:35 AM by Sanity Check

[Apech]

I’m no bible scholar and would like to know what this means.

[Surya]

I see it as this: think of Hercules vs. Hydra, right. If you cut one of the necks of, another one grows out. You kill the Sith Lord, the apprentice takes over. You need to hit it in the heart. Love conquers all.

 

That said, Christ came with a sword after all. If you see evil being permitted against yourself or someone else, and it is in your power to stop it, stop it. But we need to be careful not to become the evil we try to overcome.

 

Edited Tuesday at 12:14 PM by Surya

[Nungali]

On 10/14/2025 at 10:48 PM, Apech said:

I’m no bible scholar and would like to know what this means.

 

The quote from Mathew is about when you can not fight back with anything but your  ability to  stay centered  and say ' Is that all you got ?  No matter what you do ,  my spirit still stands strong'  . *

 

The quote from Luke is about when you can fight back and cause change . 

 

Life is varied ....    and sometimes we need to 'adapt our philosophy' according to circumstances . 

 

 

*  

 

Husayn Ali was banished and  imprisoned for his beliefs .  But he took the ' Matthew approach and that caused people to become curious, admire and eventually follow him . So the authorities would send him somewhere else ; the same would happen there .  Even in jails , they would have to move him as the guards started to be effected by him .  Eventually he became the leader and founder / prophet of a new world religion .... the Bahai's .

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baháʼu'lláh#

 

Previous to this their forerunners , the Babi's  took the 'Luke approach ' ... they were crushed by the Muslim forces . 

 

.

Edited Wednesday at 09:11 PM by Nungali

[Sanity Check]

"Turn the other cheek", is in response to a light slap. Not a closed fist or hard open palm strike that could inflict injury. Its framed as a light slap attempting to provoke a hostile response.

 

The modern day version might be someone flipping you off with their middle finger. Christians are not supposed to give in to that temptation.

 

"Do not resist an evil man" Is basically the story of Lot. If a mob of rapists, child molestors and murderers shows up on your doorstep you should not resist them. Or they might kill you. 

 

There are some who will resist a thief holding a gun on them. Who will unfortunately be killed rather than hand over their wallet. "Do not resist an evil man" means in some cases its better to hand over your wallet to a thief pointing a gun at you, then to be shot.

 

For cases where self defense or resistance is possible there is the sword. 

 

But the sword should not be the 1st option, as those who live by the sword, die by the sword.

[old3bob]

 

Gandhi mitigated and at times stopped a great deal of violence in India between warring forces way back when,  yet he also said (to paraphrase)  that if it comes down to it at some point (like a last resort) then one may very well have to fight or be counted as a coward.

 

[Nungali]

1 hour ago, Sanity Check said:

"Turn the other cheek", is in response to a light slap. Not a closed fist or hard open palm strike that could inflict injury. Its framed as a light slap attempting to provoke a hostile response.

 

The modern day version might be someone flipping you off with their middle finger. Christians are not supposed to give in to that temptation.

 

"Do not resist an evil man" Is basically the story of Lot. If a mob of rapists, child molestors and murderers shows up on your doorstep you should not resist them. Or they might kill you. 

 

What a 'curious' take on that story of Lot  .    Can you outline what Lot did to placate that 'mob'  ? 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, Sanity Check said:

 

There are some who will resist a thief holding a gun on them. Who will unfortunately be killed rather than hand over their wallet. "Do not resist an evil man" means in some cases its better to hand over your wallet to a thief pointing a gun at you, then to be shot.

 

For cases where self defense or resistance is possible there is the sword. 

 

But the sword should not be the 1st option, as those who live by the sword, die by the sword.

 

That always makes me think of  'Sword of Doom '   - what a nasty fellow !  

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sword_of_Doom#Plot

[Sanity Check]

8 minutes ago, Nungali said:

 

What a 'curious' take on that story of Lot  .    Can you outline what Lot did to placate that 'mob'  ? 

 

 

 

He offered his virgin daughters to placate the mob.

 

But they wanted Lot's guests.

[Lairg]

25 minutes ago, Sanity Check said:

He offered his virgin daughters to placate the mob.

 

But they wanted Lot's guests.

 

That is a very interesting text.  I note that the angels needed food and were willing to have accommodation rather than sleep in the street.

 

And the angels were very attractive to local males

 

  angel, messenger.

From aggello (probably derived from ago; compare agele) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor -- angel, messenger. 

https://biblehub.com/greek/32.htm

 

[Master Logray]

6 hours ago, Sanity Check said:

"Turn the other cheek", is in response to a light slap. Not a closed fist or hard open palm strike that could inflict injury. Its framed as a light slap attempting to provoke a hostile response.

 

The modern day version might be someone flipping you off with their middle finger. Christians are not supposed to give in to that temptation.

 

"Do not resist an evil man" Is basically the story of Lot. If a mob of rapists, child molestors and murderers shows up on your doorstep you should not resist them. Or they might kill you. 

 

There are some who will resist a thief holding a gun on them. Who will unfortunately be killed rather than hand over their wallet. "Do not resist an evil man" means in some cases its better to hand over your wallet to a thief pointing a gun at you, then to be shot.

 

For cases where self defense or resistance is possible there is the sword. 

 

But the sword should not be the 1st option, as those who live by the sword, die by the sword.

 

This kind of response is unreasonable.  No one can do that, unless it is a very light one.  And it didn't mention the primary appropriate response - flight, other than fight back or accept it whatever.

 

[Sanity Check]

51 minutes ago, Master Logray said:

 

This kind of response is unreasonable.  No one can do that, unless it is a very light one.  And it didn't mention the primary appropriate response - flight, other than fight back or accept it whatever.

 

 

 

In the medieval era of knights didn't they slap each other with gloves as a sign of disrespect to issue challenges. I think it might be compared to that.

 

If you think about it, clan blood feuds and clan genocides were big in past eras. The wrong gesture of disrespect carried the potential to trigger generations long conflict. And so people naturally would take steps to avoid that if possible by being unusually polite. The type of extremely rude and disrespectful behavior commonly found on social media might have been a death sentence in ancient times.

 

In the modern era of police and governments protecting civilians, flight is the response.

 

But in eras before police and governments adopted this role, people generally had to protect themselves or they would not be protected. And so fight was their only option.

 

If they ran into trouble, where would they flee to? All their belongings, their family and everything they owned was in one place. If they left that one place, people could carry all their possessions and valuables away. They might take their wife and sell their kids into slavery. And so running wasn't necessarily as popular an option back then as it is today.

 

 

Edited yesterday at 10:19 AM by Sanity Check

[Surya]

10 hours ago, Nungali said:

That always makes me think of  'Sword of Doom '   - what a nasty fellow !  

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sword_of_Doom#Plot

Quote from the article:

 

Further, he is haunted by the words of Shimada: "The sword is the soul. Study the soul to know the sword. Evil mind, evil sword." 

[Nungali]

16 hours ago, Sanity Check said:

 

 

He offered his virgin daughters to placate the mob.

 

But they wanted Lot's guests.

 

Right ....  so, do you still see this story of lot as an example of Jesus teaching about not resisting an evil man / men .

 

That Jesus' way   would be to offer your virgin daughters to a mob rape ? 

[Nungali]

11 hours ago, Sanity Check said:

 

 

In the medieval era of knights didn't they slap each other with gloves as a sign of disrespect to issue challenges. I think it might be compared to that.

 

If you think about it, clan blood feuds and clan genocides were big in past eras. The wrong gesture of disrespect carried the potential to trigger generations long conflict. And so people naturally would take steps to avoid that if possible by being unusually polite. The type of extremely rude and disrespectful behavior commonly found on social media might have been a death sentence in ancient times.

 

In the modern era of police and governments protecting civilians, flight is the response.

 

But in eras before police and governments adopted this role, people generally had to protect themselves or they would not be protected. And so fight was their only option.

 

If they ran into trouble, where would they flee to? All their belongings, their family and everything they owned was in one place. If they left that one place, people could carry all their possessions and valuables away. They might take their wife and sell their kids into slavery. And so running wasn't necessarily as popular an option back then as it is today.

 

 

 

'Interesting ' opinion but not based on reality . That is a  very narrow view  based on local and recent historical private perceptions ... ie. its removed entirely from reality and seems based on  old movies and TV shows . 

 

' People never used to be as rude back then as they are on social media now due to fear of reprisals  '  .  Really ?!   Thats ridiculous ! 

 

let's start at the top  :

 

Medieval knights issued challenges by  a formal public declaration and / or hanging their shield ( with their identifying coat of arms ) at a special location, or at the location of the  joust , 'melee' or fight . Often the shield would have extra symbols , designs or colors  outlining the 'rules' ; type of battle, weapons allowed , etc  ( so the general 'audience' would know what 'entertainment ' they were in for .  and also  a formal written out challenge  would be issued by a herald  to  to opponent . 

 

What people took steps to avoid being impolite  during a time of oppression, and feudal slavery ?    The slaves ... the peasants ... the farmer grovelling in the dirt before his ' lord '?   The 'Lord' may have been polite to another 'Lord'  but you seem to be ignorant of the major 'impoliteness'  of the ruling class  .... torture chambers are not that 'polite' , you know . 

 

But I guess that isnt as rude as  '' The type of extremely rude and disrespectful behavior commonly found on social media ''  ? 

 

When was this era of no 'police' and people having to protect themselves ?     Down here we have access to one of the oldest remaining cultures in the world ... they had tribal policeman .. and if you felt wronged you would go to the elders council ( government ) and anyone that needed to be disciplined, tacked down, bought back, punished ... the 'tribal policeman ' would do that .  I even have a friend that is one nowadays .  Its been going since at least 9000 BC . 

 

As far as people not running away because they had to 'leave their stuff at home'  .... have you ever heard of refugees ?  ... Displaced persons ?   Even migrants ... you think migrants take everything with them when they go ?  However yo u might be surprised what they do  manage  to  take -    .   I worked in refugee relocation for some time , by the way .     

 

 

[Nungali]

6 hours ago, Surya said:

Quote from the article:

 

Further, he is haunted by the words of Shimada: "The sword is the soul. Study the soul to know the sword. Evil mind, evil sword." 

 

If you have an evil mind ... then anything you put your  hand to will become evil as you will use it to suit the purposes that your nature has dictated to you .

 

Even good spiritual teachings !   I recently observed this . A person with a  'bad personality problem'  got taught something valuable .... they immediately used it as 'ammunition'  to be able to 'get' others  in their typical mode of behavior .   It became an 'evil teaching' .  other people that got the same teaching ,  took it in and applied it to themselves ... then it was a 'good teaching' .

[Nungali]

Now ... the opposite ;  pure sword : pure mind . 

 

'  Twilight  Samurai '   -   'Old Twilight '  as the other 'higher rank '  Samurai  called him ( behind his back ) ;  past his prime ,  about to set, tattered and worn , no use but as a lowly storage clerk    .... but was he ?  ? ? 

 

Eg.  He was advised NOT to  pointlessly keep looking after his old and demented Mother - in - law ... '' your wife is dead , you have no obligation '' ... it was suggested he tie her to a pole and leave her in the back of his garden .     That is why he was 'poor' , he spends his money looking after others .   He does several righteous deeds     .. that go against 'tradition' , but he knows what is right to do . 

 

Eventually it gets out that he is more than he seems , as he has to protect a friend from being killed  .... then he demonstrates proper 'use' of his sword  .... 

 

 

 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Twilight_Samurai

 

It is interesting to watch both films  ( both are very well made and acclaimed  )   and see both sides of 'sword philosophy ' . 

 

I prefer :  

 

' He who lives by the sword  ( righteously )  shall have a righteous life ... and death .  He who lives by the sword  ( badly ) will have a bad life and a bad death . '    

[Nungali]

A further snippet of  similar  ' good spirit ' .  After the above fight the  Captain of the Guard ( who happens to be a drinking companion of the one defeated ) sees 'Twilight' and tells him  that the knocked out man is in his drinking circle and he has asked him to seek revenge on 'Twilight' for him .    Twilight  ....  Seibei   says  ;  '' Oh ? '' 

 

The Captain responds  ; '' Yes. ... some 'men' are like that .''  and walks off .  

[Sanity Check]

7 hours ago, Nungali said:

 

'Interesting ' opinion but not based on reality . That is a  very narrow view  based on local and recent historical private perceptions ... ie. its removed entirely from reality and seems based on  old movies and TV shows . 

 

' People never used to be as rude back then as they are on social media now due to fear of reprisals  '  .  Really ?!   Thats ridiculous ! 

 

let's start at the top  :

 

Medieval knights issued challenges by  a formal public declaration and / or hanging their shield ( with their identifying coat of arms ) at a special location, or at the location of the  joust , 'melee' or fight . Often the shield would have extra symbols , designs or colors  outlining the 'rules' ; type of battle, weapons allowed , etc  ( so the general 'audience' would know what 'entertainment ' they were in for .  and also  a formal written out challenge  would be issued by a herald  to  to opponent . 

 

What people took steps to avoid being impolite  during a time of oppression, and feudal slavery ?    The slaves ... the peasants ... the farmer grovelling in the dirt before his ' lord '?   The 'Lord' may have been polite to another 'Lord'  but you seem to be ignorant of the major 'impoliteness'  of the ruling class  .... torture chambers are not that 'polite' , you know . 

 

But I guess that isnt as rude as  '' The type of extremely rude and disrespectful behavior commonly found on social media ''  ? 

 

When was this era of no 'police' and people having to protect themselves ?     Down here we have access to one of the oldest remaining cultures in the world ... they had tribal policeman .. and if you felt wronged you would go to the elders council ( government ) and anyone that needed to be disciplined, tacked down, bought back, punished ... the 'tribal policeman ' would do that .  I even have a friend that is one nowadays .  Its been going since at least 9000 BC . 

 

As far as people not running away because they had to 'leave their stuff at home'  .... have you ever heard of refugees ?  ... Displaced persons ?   Even migrants ... you think migrants take everything with them when they go ?  However yo u might be surprised what they do  manage  to  take -    .   I worked in refugee relocation for some time , by the way .     

 

 

 

 

Think of wars, genocides and clan feuds that occurred throughout the ages. 

 

Were those things ever prevented by tribal policeman.

 

In modern society people can call the police and they'll often show up in 5 minutes.

 

What was law enforcement response time in ancient eras? If you sent a messenger to call them, they might not arrive for weeks or months. In some cases, they might not show up at all. Has there ever been a case of a king or emperor implementing specific measures to keep their working class safe from harm? 

 

If the ruling class cracked down, it was usually because there was a band of thieves and raiders who were harassing merchants who had the wealth & influence to demand the ruling class step in to protect them. It was not so much to protect lower social classes or commoners. 

 

Under those circumstances, the best model for longevity & safety was for people to have a warrior culture which prepared them to best defend themselves. And perhaps this is where we see family inherited styles of martial arts being developed. People developed these warrior skills to protect themselves & their families in eras where they could not rely on governments or the ruling class to dispense justice.

 

 

 

 

 

[Sanity Check]

8 hours ago, Nungali said:

 

Right ....  so, do you still see this story of lot as an example of Jesus teaching about not resisting an evil man / men .

 

That Jesus' way   would be to offer your virgin daughters to a mob rape ? 

 

 

 

I don't think I ever had issue with Lot's choices.

 

People of today say: "why didnt Lot simply call the police".

 

They don't understand what it means to live under threat of violence.

 

Which isn't to say that Lot made the right choice by offering up his daughters.

 

He may have made the wrong choice which is why he was later punished by his daughters getting him drunk.

[Surya]

3 hours ago, Nungali said:

Now ... the opposite ;  pure sword : pure mind . 

 

'  Twilight  Samurai '   -   'Old Twilight '  as the other 'higher rank '  Samurai  called him ( behind his back ) ;  past his prime ,  about to set, tattered and worn , no use but as a lowly storage clerk    .... but was he ?  ? ? 

 

Eg.  He was advised NOT to  pointlessly keep looking after his old and demented Mother - in - law ... '' your wife is dead , you have no obligation '' ... it was suggested he tie her to a pole and leave her in the back of his garden .     That is why he was 'poor' , he spends his money looking after others .   He does several righteous deeds     .. that go against 'tradition' , but he knows what is right to do . 

 

Eventually it gets out that he is more than he seems , as he has to protect a friend from being killed  .... then he demonstrates proper 'use' of his sword  .... 

 

 

 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Twilight_Samurai

 

It is interesting to watch both films  ( both are very well made and acclaimed  )   and see both sides of 'sword philosophy ' . 

 

I prefer :  

 

' He who lives by the sword  ( righteously )  shall have a righteous life ... and death .  He who lives by the sword  ( badly ) will have a bad life and a bad death . '    

Thank you, Sensei 🤺

 

see god in the darkest things
in the quiet of night i hear villages sing
"there's a demon in that dragon purge it out."

in my second third world on a motorbike
i learned a waking prayer so i could sleep at night
then i took my chances and realized many dreams.

wild dogs tumbling along rice fields
and i asked hanuman take away shield
i am loud and reckless this is how i play
you are loud and reckless thats no way to play

i fear nothing, no thing fears me
justice has different hats for different days

release my anger, love thy neighbor
put that pain to some good use anyway

teach me honor, must remember
don't be selfish with all your love anyway

tilt my head back howl like you said
in the end my body's spirit anyway

i will do things i've never done before
cuz i'm powerful and i'm not afraid no more

i feel god in the slightest wind
at the rate i manifest every dream deepens
and i know i never want to stay the same

on a day of silence while the island slept
i cast my demons out at the feet of ganesh
said, "remove the obsticles bravely with grace."

in a past life i cut throats and scalps
and in this life i mend the wounds i dealt
maybe by my hands or by my words alone.

[Sanity Check]

3 hours ago, Nungali said:

 

Eg.  He was advised NOT to  pointlessly keep looking after his old and demented Mother - in - law ... '' your wife is dead , you have no obligation '' ... it was suggested he tie her to a pole and leave her in the back of his garden .   

  

 

 

I'm not saying where it happened or who it happened to.

 

But not long ago in the news there was a case where someone was found keeping their elderly wife chained up in a shed in the backyard and it went viral.

 

Apparently she had been chained up in the shed for years, maybe even decades.

 

"Tie her to a pole and leave her in the back of the garden" sounds like a joke.

 

Crazy to think things like this still happen.

 

 

Edited 10 hours ago by Sanity Check