Topical Bible: The Eye: Punishment for Injuring

◄ The Eye: Punishment for Injuring ►

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In the biblical context, the eye is not only a vital organ for physical sight but also a symbol of perception, understanding, and moral discernment. The concept of justice concerning the injury of the eye is rooted in the ancient legal principle of lex talionis, or the law of retaliation, which is prominently featured in the Mosaic Law.

Biblical References:

1. 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." This passage is part of the Covenant Code, which outlines various laws given to the Israelites. The principle of "eye for eye" serves as a guideline for equitable retribution, ensuring that the punishment corresponds directly to the injury inflicted. It emphasizes justice and fairness, preventing excessive punishment and personal vengeance.

2. 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." This reiteration of the lex talionis underscores the importance of proportional justice within the community. It reflects the societal need to maintain order and deter individuals from committing acts of violence against one another.

3. Deuteronomy 19:21 : "Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot." This directive is part of the laws concerning witnesses and false testimony. It serves as a stern warning against bearing false witness, as the consequences of such actions could lead to unjust punishment. The emphasis on "show no pity" highlights the seriousness with which justice was to be administered, ensuring that the law was upheld without partiality.

Theological Implications:

The principle of "eye for eye" is often misunderstood as promoting vengeance; however, within its biblical context, it serves as a limitation on retribution, ensuring that justice is measured and not excessive. It reflects God's desire for a just society where individuals are held accountable for their actions, yet protected from disproportionate punishment.

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses this principle in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:38-39 , He states, "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, Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of righteousness, emphasizing mercy, forgiveness, and love over strict retribution.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The lex talionis was not unique to Israel but was a common legal principle in the ancient Near East, found in other law codes such as the Code of Hammurabi. Its inclusion in the Mosaic Law reflects the cultural and historical milieu of the time, where maintaining social order and justice was paramount.

In the context of ancient Israel, the application of "eye for eye" was likely more symbolic than literal, serving as a guideline for judges to ensure fair compensation and justice. Rabbinic tradition later interpreted these laws as requiring monetary compensation rather than physical retribution, aligning with the broader biblical themes of justice and mercy.

Conclusion:

The biblical principle of "eye for eye" underscores the importance of justice and accountability within the community. While it sets a standard for equitable retribution, it also points to the deeper moral and ethical teachings of the Bible, culminating in the New Testament's call for mercy and forgiveness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 21:24,26
Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 24:20
Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he has caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 5:38
You have heard that it has been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chapter xix.
... to do harm to another, with the desire of injuring and hurting ... injures does not deserve
merely as much punishment as the ... he cuts off an ear for an eye that has ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xix.htm

Matt. v. 38, 39, 40
... even when another is plucking out your eye, permits you ... whose offenses were very
great to a punishment less than ... do thou so treat them that are injuring thee. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xviii matt v 38.htm

Matt. v. 27, 28
... beauties that belong to another, thou art injuring both thy ... extravagant;" and then
as to the right eye, "what if ... one thing only, the day of punishment, and the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xvii matt v 27.htm

Psalm CI.
... To be feared by the wicked on account of punishment, to be ... But consider whether he
was injuring others: "He who loveth iniquity ... "With the proud eye, and the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm ci.htm

1 Cor. xii. 21
... For no man saith, "the eye is beautiful:" but what ... And he is a kind of drone, injuring
other men's ... the unthinking do who being minded to exact punishment of them ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxxi 1 cor xii.htm

The Law of Precedence in the Kingdom
... thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than ... it; and they were not only injuring
themselves, but ... other future retribution, is its own punishment; yet our ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the law of precedence in.htm

Acts xxiv. 22, 23
... The greater is the punishment, when having riches he does this. ... by all on account
of his power (of injuring): for in ... Again in the body, if the eye wish to take ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily li acts xxiv 22.htm

Matt. xxv. 1-30.
... but rather great will be the punishment, because, what ... And yet He allowed, eye for
eye,' and tooth ... not then vex ourselves with others, injuring ourselves, and ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxviii matt xxv 1-30.htm

Psalm XCIV.
... Eternal punishment. ... Nay, it is understood He fashioned the eye, made the eye. ... have
the will to profit them; for thus he will prevent their injuring him when ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xciv.htm

Faustus Denies that Manich??ans Believe in Two Gods. Hyle no God. ...
... of compensation, an eye for an eye, which you ... the race of darkness"of injuring both
friends ... to eternal destruction, and his friends to eternal punishment. ...
/.../faustus denies that manichaeans believe.htm