An eye for an eye
An Eye For An Eye is a principle stated in the Bible, in verse in Exodus 21.
| “ | 23But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, 24eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.
26An owner who hits a male or female slave in the eye and destroys it must let the slave go free to compensate for the eye. 27And an owner who knocks out the tooth of a male or female slave must let the slave go free to compensate for the tooth. -Exodus 21:23-27 |
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This passage of Exodus speaks on the matter of penalties for doing wrong to another person. It serves as a deterrent to harming another, as doing so entails harm to the aggressor as well.
However, it was not intended to enforce vengeance, but rather to establish a version of "the golden rule."
According to the Talmud [B.K.83], this refers to monetary payments.
Some sages explain that from the God's perspective, the offender deserves to be punished likewise. But that is not the job of man.[Citation Needed]
New Testament teachings
The New testament adds context to this saying. Jesus stated the "golden rule."
| “ | So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. -Matthew 7:12 | ” |
However, he also directly addressed the passage in Exodus, as well, in Matthew 5. Jesus clearly indicated that forgiveness, not vengeance, is appropriate for the person who was wronged.
| “ | 38You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. -Matthew 5:38-48 | ” |
While this does not mean that there will not be consequences to the wrongdoer, often in the form of law enforcement actions from the government, it does put a stop to the idea that a victim should immediately lash out in revenge.