Manny people think it’s simply about nonviolence, but I like this alternative interpretation an old friend of mine had:
For the Pharisees, the left hand was considered unclean and it was taboo to use it.
The backhanded slap was always intended as an insult - given to someone who is considered inferior.
The foreslap (slapping with the palm of the hand) was reserved for equals.
So, if someone strikes your right cheek, then it must be a backhanded slap (i.e. an insult), because a Pharisee must use his right hand, to avoid the taboo. If, instead of slapping the person back, you present your left cheek, you force the attacker to break a taboo, acknowledge your equality, or simply stop hitting you. In one simple act, the balance of power is shifted.
“Turn the other cheek” is generally attributed to Christian doctrine.
Manny people think it’s simply about nonviolence, but I like this alternative interpretation an old friend of mine had:
So, if someone strikes your right cheek, then it must be a backhanded slap (i.e. an insult), because a Pharisee must use his right hand, to avoid the taboo. If, instead of slapping the person back, you present your left cheek, you force the attacker to break a taboo, acknowledge your equality, or simply stop hitting you. In one simple act, the balance of power is shifted.