In this episode I go through the Old Testament verses that talk about the principle of an eye for an eye. Furthermore I also go through the New Testament verse in which Jesus references the same principle.

Podcast Notes: An eye for an eye

Questions to ask:

Readings

Exodus 21:22-25~ “When men strive together and hit a pregnant woman, so that her children come out, but there is no harm, the one who hit her shall surely be fined, as the woman's husband shall impose on him, and he shall pay as the judges determine. But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.”

Leviticus 24:17-22~ “Whoever takes a human life shall surely be put to death. Whoever takes an animal's life shall make it good, life for life. If anyone injures his neighbor, as he has done it shall be done to him, fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; whatever injury he has given a person shall be given to him. Whoever kills an animal shall make it good, and whoever kills a person shall be put to death. You shall have the same rule for the sojourner and for the native, for I am the LORD your God.”

Deuteronomy 19:15-21~ “A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established. If a malicious witness arises to accuse a person of wrongdoing, then both parties to the dispute shall appear before the LORD, before the priests and the judges who are in office in those days. The judges shall inquire diligently, and if the witness is a false witness and has accused his brother falsely, then you shall do to him as he had meant to do to his brother. So, you shall purge the evil from your midst. And the rest shall hear and fear and shall never again commit any such evil among you. Your eye shall not pity. It shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

Matthew 5:38-39~ “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

Ø There is no indication that an eye for an eye was ever followed literally.

Ø The phrase was used in the context of a case being judged.

Ø Main Principle: The punishment must fit the crime

Ø This was to guide the judges and the presiding lawgivers in executing justice for the people. It was never meant to be used for personal vengeance.

Ø For governments, not to settle personal slights or insults

Ø In the New Testament, Jesus is speaking against personal retaliation for petty insults. In our daily personal relationships, we have a responsibility to love our enemies.

Ø This does not excuse crimes like extortion, abuse, or murder. It is the government’s responsibility to punish those crimes justly.