What does it actually mean to "turn the other cheek"?

When someone strikes you on [your] right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. (Mt 5:39)

The above verse is one of the many from the bible that has made it into common language, but do people really know what it means? It looks like it means that we should keep giving in or do nothing, but no, that is not what Jesus means. He doesn't want us all to be doormats. On the contrary, he advises a form of retaliation which is non-violent, and which does not lower our dignity or give in to injustice. Rather, He teaches us to resist the injustice. That is what turning the other cheek means.

This is also a prime example of how important it is to understand the context of the times when the bible was written. You might wonder - why would hitting someone with the left hand be considered impure? But impure it was in those times, when Jews conducted themselves according to a strict social/moral/religious code. So the person striking you on your right cheek is using a backhanded slap with his/her right hand. This also has its own social connotation - people only do that to social inferiors, like a servant or slave. To give in to this kind of treatment would be do keep presenting the right cheek to the person. But no, Jesus tells us to do the opposite - present the left cheek instead. Now, what is the aggressor supposed to do? He/she will not use the left hand in whatever circumstances, but using the right hand to continue slapping would mean that the person being slapped is now an equal. The aggressor is stuck. You have made your point.

Reference:

- Barron, Robert. Catholicism - A Journey to the Heart of the Faith

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turning_the_other_cheek