In biblical times, the act of slapping someone carried significant cultural and social implications. The slap, often a backhanded strike, was not merely a physical assault but also a profound insult, symbolizing disdain or contempt. This act is referenced in several passages throughout the Bible, illustrating its significance in both personal interactions and broader societal norms.

Old Testament Context

While the Old Testament does not explicitly mention the act of slapping, it does address the broader concept of physical violence and personal insult. The Mosaic Law, for instance, emphasizes the principle of justice and retribution, famously encapsulated in the phrase "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" (Exodus 21:24). This principle was intended to limit excessive retribution and ensure that punishment was proportional to the offense.

New Testament References

The New Testament provides more direct references to the act of slapping, particularly in the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the issue of retaliation and personal insult. He instructs His followers: "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also" (Matthew 5:39). This teaching challenges the prevailing norms of retribution and encourages a response of non-violence and forgiveness, reflecting the transformative ethic of the Kingdom of God.

The act of slapping is also mentioned in the context of Jesus' own suffering. During His trial, Jesus was struck by an officer of the high priest for the way He answered the high priest (John 18:22). This incident highlights the use of slapping as a means of asserting authority and delivering insult, even in judicial settings.

Cultural and Theological Implications

In the cultural context of the Bible, a slap was more than a mere physical blow; it was a symbolic gesture of humiliation and subjugation. The right cheek, typically struck with the back of the hand, was considered a greater insult than a direct blow. Jesus' teaching to "turn the other cheek" thus subverts the expected response, advocating for a radical form of humility and resistance to evil that does not perpetuate the cycle of violence.

Theologically, the call to turn the other cheek is seen as an embodiment of Christ-like love and forgiveness. It challenges believers to transcend natural inclinations toward revenge and to embody the grace and mercy that Jesus Himself demonstrated. This teaching has been a cornerstone of Christian ethics, influencing countless believers to pursue peace and reconciliation in the face of personal affronts.

Conclusion

The concept of a slap in biblical literature serves as a powerful symbol of insult and authority, yet it is transformed by Jesus' teachings into an opportunity for demonstrating the values of the Kingdom of God. Through His example and instruction, believers are called to respond to personal offenses with grace, reflecting the character of Christ in their interactions with others.1. (n.) A blow, esp. one given with the open hand, or with something broad.

2. (v. t.) To strike with the open hand, or with something broad.

3. (n.) With a sudden and violent blow; hence, quickly; instantly; directly.

4474. rhapizo -- to strike with a rod, hence to strike with the ...
... to strike with the palm of the hand. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: rhapizo
Phonetic Spelling: (hrap-id'-zo) Short Definition: I slap, strike Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4474.htm - 6k

4475. rhapisma -- a blow (with a stick or the palm of the hand)
... stick or the palm of the hand). Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: rhapisma
Phonetic Spelling: (hrap'-is-mah) Short Definition: a slap Definition: a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4475.htm - 6k

5606. saphaq -- to slap, clap
... 5605, 5606. saphaq or saphaq. 5607 . to slap, clap. Transliteration: saphaq
or saphaq Phonetic Spelling: (saw-fak') Short Definition: clap. Word Origin a prim ...
/hebrew/5606.htm - 6k

8628. taqa -- to thrust, clap, give a blow, blast
... A primitive root; to clatter, ie Slap (the hands together), clang (an instrument);
by analogy, to drive (a nail or tent-pin, a dart, etc.); by implication, to ...
/hebrew/8628.htm - 6k

Men and Mannerisms
... To press the fist in the hollow of the back in order to "support" the speaker, to
clutch the lapels of the coat, to slap the hands audibly together, to place ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/men and mannerisms.htm

Letter vii. Tact --Unobtrusiveness.
... affairs. She will not slap an acquaintance familiarly on the shoulder, or make
special displays of affection or intimacy before people. ...
/.../letter vii tactunobtrusiveness.htm

Letter Lxxxiv. To Pammachius and Oceanus.
... For their women finger their breasts, slap their chests, pinch their legs and arms,
and say, "What will a resurrection profit us if these frail bodies are to ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxxxiv to pammachius and.htm

The Discourse on the Holy Theophany.
... xiv. p. 143; also the Appendix, pp. 139-142.]. [1819] rhapizomenos, referring to
the slap in the process of manumitting slaves. [1820] Hebrews 1:3. ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/the discourse on the holy.htm

The Sermon on the Mount.
... The example given, a slap in the face, has been regarded as a gross insult
in all ages, but it is not an assault which imperils life. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlii the sermon on the 4.htm

Slum Novelists and the Slums
... say, "Ia man expert." No; he must imitate the workman in the Adelphi play.
He must slap himself on the chest and say, "I am a man.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/xix slum novelists and the.htm

Betrayed by a Kiss.
... over?". Selpha said, "His defense has turned out badly," and Balbus added,
"After all it gained him a smart slap over the face.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter iv betrayed by a.htm

(And Last): Homeward Bound
... The next night I was woke by a slap which shook the Neva from stem to stern, and
made her stagger and writhe like a live thing struck across the loins. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xvii and last homeward.htm

A Leap Year Sermon *
... flash of lightning, and then you wait severed seconds before you hear the thunder;
but when a storm is right, overhead, the flash and the slap are simultaneous ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/a leap year sermon .htm

Chapter xxxii
... The most common device of our day is to regard it as a legend, "originating," as
some say, "on a low level of religion." All such approaches are a slap in the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxii.htm

Slap (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) With a sudden and violent blow; hence, quickly; instantly; directly.
Multi-Version Concordance Slap (3 Occurrences). Matthew ...
/s/slap.htm - 7k

Buffet (4 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A blow with the hand; a slap on the face; a cuff. ... 6. (vt) To strike
with the hand or fist; to box; to beat; to cuff; to slap. ...
/b/buffet.htm - 9k

Lick (8 Occurrences)
... 6. (vt) To strike with repeated blows for punishment; to flog; to whip or conquer,
as in a pugilistic encounter. 7. (n.) A slap; a quick stroke. ...
/l/lick.htm - 10k

Blow (124 Occurrences)
... expulsion of the breath (Ezekiel 21:31; Ezekiel 22:20, 21 Haggai 1:9 Isaiah 40:7;
Isaiah 54:16 Job 20:26); nashaph, with reference to a forcible slap or stroke ...
/b/blow.htm - 42k

Clap (11 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To strike; to slap; to strike, or strike together, with a quick motion,
so, as to make a sharp noise; as, to clap one's hands; a clapping of wings. ...
/c/clap.htm - 11k

Slaps (4 Occurrences)
... Matthew 5:39 but I -- I say to you, not to resist the evil, but whoever shall slap
thee on thy right cheek, turn to him also the other; (See NAS). ...
/s/slaps.htm - 7k

Slant (1 Occurrence)

/s/slant.htm - 7k

Slapped (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Slap. Multi-Version Concordance
Slapped (5 Occurrences). Matthew 26:67 Then they spit in ...
/s/slapped.htm - 7k

Spat (7 Occurrences)
... 6. (vi) To dispute. 7. (vt) To slap, as with the open hand; to clap together; as
the hands. 8. (pp) of Spit. Multi-Version Concordance Spat (7 Occurrences). ...
/s/spat.htm - 9k

Slapping (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Slap. 2. (a.) Very large; monstrous;
big. Multi-Version Concordance Slapping (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/slapping.htm - 6k

What did Jesus mean when He instructed us to turn the other cheek? | GotQuestions.org

How can I forgive those who sin against me? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that Jesus is the King of the Jews? | GotQuestions.org

Slap: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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