Topical Bible: The Eye: Often Put out As a Punishment

◄ The Eye: Often Put out As a Punishment ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the eye was not only a vital organ for physical sight but also a symbol of perception, understanding, and judgment. The Bible reflects the cultural and legal practices of its time, where the eye was sometimes targeted as a form of punishment, particularly in the context of retributive justice.

Lex Talionis: Eye for Eye

The principle of lex talionis, or the law of retaliation, is most famously encapsulated in the phrase "eye for eye, tooth for tooth." This principle is articulated in several passages within the Pentateuch, serving as a guideline for equitable justice. In Exodus 21:23-25 , the law states: "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." This legal standard was intended to limit retribution and prevent excessive punishment, ensuring that the penalty was proportionate to the offense.

Historical Context and Application

The practice of putting out an eye as punishment was not unique to Israel but was common in various ancient cultures, including the Code of Hammurabi. In the biblical narrative, the enforcement of such laws was meant to uphold justice and deter further wrongdoing. The severity of this punishment underscores the value placed on the eye, both as a physical organ and as a metaphor for insight and discernment.

Symbolism and Spiritual Implications

Beyond its physical implications, the eye holds significant symbolic meaning in Scripture. It represents knowledge, awareness, and moral perception. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, expands on the concept of retributive justice by urging a higher standard of mercy and forgiveness. In Matthew 5:38-39 , He teaches: "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." Here, the focus shifts from literal retribution to a call for grace and reconciliation.

Judicial and Moral Lessons

The biblical references to the eye as a target for punishment serve as a reminder of the importance of justice tempered with mercy. While the Old Testament law provided a framework for maintaining order and fairness, the New Testament teachings of Christ emphasize the transformative power of love and forgiveness. The evolution from strict retributive justice to a more compassionate approach reflects the broader biblical narrative of redemption and restoration.

In summary, the eye, as a subject of punishment, illustrates the balance between justice and mercy within the biblical legal system. It highlights the cultural and spiritual dimensions of justice, encouraging believers to seek a deeper understanding of God's righteousness and compassion.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 16:21
But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; and he did grind in the prison house.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 11:2
And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a covenant with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it for a reproach on all Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 25:7
And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Human Responsibility
... and you caught her with a tear in her eye, and you ... How often did she put up with
your angry temper, and bear ... is awful work; for I have as it were to PUT ON THE ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/human responsibility.htm

"Wash You, Make You Clean; Put Away the Evil of Your Doings from ...
... his heart and soul, it is the worse to put away: for ... off a right hand, or plucking
out of a right eye. ... Men often hate sin, only as it is circumstantiate, but ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xi wash you make.htm

Gratitude for Deliverance from the Grave
... can see an end and limit where natures dim eye sees endless ... and began to eat, and
it turned out that my ... "His compassions fail not." He may often put his hand ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/gratitude for deliverance from the.htm

The Valley of Achor
... Achan has to be killed and put safe out of the ... soul has its power of persistence
like the eye, and that ... We often see our departed joys, and gaze upon them all ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the valley of achor.htm

The Evil and Its Remedy
... The only question I ask myself is, "Can I put myself among ... know I am"a sinner, guilty,
consciously guilty, and often miserable on ... And when thine eye of faith ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the evil and its remedy.htm

1 Cor. Iv. 3, 4
... For this one hath often done, not rejoicing with his ... at by men, but by the unsleeping
Eye alone: and ... desire to carry off any valuable thing, put out the candle ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xi 1 cor iv.htm

"And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up ...
... Daniel, an eye witness, confirmeth this foretold truth, chap. ... and calling on his
name is often put for all ... repentance; all these should breathe out in prayer. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xviii and there is.htm

Sight Given to the Blind.
... confess Him to be Christ, he should be put out of the ... There is often so direct a
connection between sin and ... might not the opening of his inward eye accomplish? ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/xx sight given to the.htm

Christian Meekness
... as Seneca says) sparkles forth in the eye, this is ... be loath to trust them, their
river water often turning to ... Private men must put their sword into the sheath ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/12 christian meekness.htm

"Seek First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... but sin and unworthiness, that which God's holy eye cannot behold ... He esteems it so
little that he often casts it ... It is so far put out of question here, that it ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xix seek first the.htm