50:6 I offered my back to those who attacked, 1
my jaws to those who tore out my beard;
I did not hide my face
from insults and spitting.
3:30 Let him offer his cheek to the one who hits him; 2
let him have his fill of insults.
1 tn Or perhaps, “who beat [me].”
2 tn Heb “to the smiter.”
3 sn The phrase strikes you on the cheek probably pictures public rejection, like the act that indicated expulsion from the synagogue.
4 sn This command to offer the other cheek as well is often misunderstood. It means that there is risk involved in reaching out to people with God’s hope. But if one is struck down in rejection, the disciple is to continue reaching out.
5 tn Or “cloak.”
6 tn See the note on the word “tunics” in 3:11.
7 sn The command do not withhold your tunic either is again an image of continually being totally at risk as one tries to keep contact with those who are hostile to what Jesus and his disciples offer.