Luke 6:29 (KJV)

What does Luke 6:29 mean?

Luke 6:29 describes Jesus teaching his listeners not to retaliate when wronged, but instead to respond with unexpected generosity and patience—even to the point of offering the other cheek if struck, and not withholding one’s coat if the cloak is taken. This verse challenges the reader to go beyond normal expectations of fairness or self-defense.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, including his disciples, as part of what’s often called the “Sermon on the Plain.” The examples he gives—being struck on the cheek and having one’s cloak taken—were real-life insults or losses in that culture. Jesus uses these vivid situations to illustrate a radical kind of mercy and non-retaliation, urging his followers to break the cycle of revenge.

The Greek behind Luke 6:29

• "smiteth" (τύπτω, typtō, G5180) means to strike or hit. The Greek word here suggests a physical blow, often understood as an insult or act of hostility, not just a random act of violence.
• "cloke" (ἱμάτιον, himation, G2440) and "coat" (χιτών, chitōn, G5509) refer to two different garments. The "cloke" was the outer garment, and the "coat" was the inner tunic. Jesus’ mention of both highlights the idea of giving up even what is essential, not just what is extra.
• "forbid" (κωλύω, kōlyō, G2967) means to prevent or hinder. The instruction not to "forbid" someone from taking your coat emphasizes a deliberate choice not to resist or hold back, even when it feels justified.

Why Luke 6:29 matters

• Luke 6:29 often gets misunderstood as a call to passivity or weakness, but the context shows Jesus is describing a powerful, voluntary choice to respond to wrongdoing with mercy, not simply surrender.
• The verse connects to the wider passage where Jesus teaches about loving enemies and doing good to those who mistreat you, setting a high standard for how his followers should treat others.
• By using practical, everyday examples, Jesus makes his teaching concrete and challenging, inviting listeners to rethink what it means to act with true generosity and forgiveness.