Topical Encyclopedia The phrase "eye for an eye" originates from the ancient legal principle known as lex talionis, which is Latin for the "law of retaliation." This principle is found in the Old Testament and is a foundational concept in biblical law, emphasizing justice and proportional retribution. The phrase is most notably mentioned in three key passages: Exodus 21:23-25, Leviticus 24:19-20, and Deuteronomy 19:21.Exodus 21:23-25 : "But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, and stripe for stripe." In this passage, the law is given as part of the Mosaic Law to the Israelites. It serves as a guideline for judges to ensure that the punishment fits the crime, neither exceeding nor falling short of what is just. The principle is meant to prevent excessive retribution and to maintain social order by providing a clear standard for justice. Leviticus 24:19-20 : "If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Just as he injured the other person, the same must be inflicted on him." Here, the law is reiterated to emphasize fairness and equity in dealing with personal injuries. It underscores the importance of treating others with the same respect and consideration one would expect for oneself. This passage reinforces the idea that justice should be impartial and that personal vendettas have no place in a just society. Deuteronomy 19:21 : "Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot." In Deuteronomy, the context is the establishment of cities of refuge and the administration of justice. The directive to "show no pity" is a call for judges to uphold the law without partiality, ensuring that justice is served and that the community is protected from further harm. New Testament Perspective The New Testament offers a transformative perspective on the principle of "eye for an eye." In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses this law directly: Matthew 5:38-39 : "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also." Jesus' teaching does not abolish the law but rather fulfills and transcends it by introducing the principle of grace and forgiveness. He calls His followers to a higher standard of love and mercy, encouraging them to respond to wrongdoing with kindness rather than retaliation. This teaching highlights the transformative power of love and the call to live in a way that reflects the character of God. Theological Implications The principle of "eye for an eye" reflects God's justice and the importance of maintaining order and fairness within society. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for accountability. However, through Christ's teachings, believers are called to embrace a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation, recognizing that ultimate justice belongs to God. This dual emphasis on justice and mercy is central to the Christian understanding of God's character and His expectations for human relationships. Topical Bible Verses Exodus 21:24-25Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, Topicalbible.org Matthew 5:38-39 Greek 5168. trumalia -- a hole, eye (of a needle) ... a hole, eye (of a needle). Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: trumalia Phonetic Spelling: (troo-mal-ee-ah') Short Definition: the eye of a needle ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5168.htm - 6k 3788. ophthalmos -- the eye 3659. omma -- an eye 5169. trupema -- eye. 3442. monophthalmos -- having one eye 2854. kollourion -- eye salve. 5299. hupopiazo -- to strike under the eye 4493. rhipe -- any rapid movement, spec. a twinkling (of lights or ... 3787. ophthalmodoulia -- eye service 2855b. kollurion -- a small bread roll, an eye salve (shaped like ... Strong's Hebrew 892. babah -- the apple (of the eye)... 891, 892. babah. 893 . the apple (of the eye). Transliteration: babah Phonetic Spelling: (baw-baw') Short Definition: apple. ... apple of the eye. ... /hebrew/892.htm - 6k 5870. ayin -- an eye 5869. ayin -- an eye 5770. avan -- eye 380. ishon -- the pupil (of the eye) 5870a. ayin -- an eye 5770a. avan -- eye 5870b. in -- to eye 1354. gab -- a back 1323. bath -- daughter Library True Hearing A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible On a Single Eye The Eye or Hand Allegorized. January the Tenth the Lust of the Eye The Offending Hand, or Foot, or Eye. February the Twenty-Fifth the Fresh Eye A Bird's-Eye view of the Early Church An Eye-Witness's Account of the Crucifixion Tatian Speaks as an Eye-Witness. Resources Is there such a thing as the evil eye? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He said, “the eye is the lamp of the body” (Matthew 6:22)? | GotQuestions.org Eye: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Eye of Evil Desire, Never Satisfied The Eye: (Anointing With Eyesalve) of Healing by the Spirit The Eye: (Open) Spiritual Illumination The Eye: Actions of, Mentioned in Scripture: Directing The Eye: Actions of, Mentioned in Scripture: Seeing The Eye: Actions of, Mentioned in Scripture: Weeping The Eye: Actions of, Mentioned in Scripture: Winking The Eye: Not Evil Thing to be Set Before The Eye: Not Satisfied With Riches The Eye: Not Satisfied With Seeing The Eye: Often Put out As a Punishment The Eye: Parts of Mentioned in Scripture: The Apple or Ball The Eye: Parts of Mentioned in Scripture: The Brow The Eye: Parts of Mentioned in Scripture: The Lid The Eye: Punishment for Injuring The Eye: The Jewish Women often Painted The Eye: The Jews: Cast, on the Ground in Humiliation The Eye: The Jews: Not to Make Baldness Between The Eye: The Jews: Raised Up, in Prayer The Eye: The Jews: Wore Their Phylacteries Between The Eye: The Light of the Body The Eye: The Light of, Rejoices the Heart Related Terms |