In giving this “new” command, Jesus is not nullifying the Old Testament law (Matthew 5:17). Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you” (Matthew 5:39–42). If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. Jesus then proceeds to reveal God’s heart concerning interpersonal relationships: “Do not resist an evil person. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus counters the common teaching of personal retaliation: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day ignored the judicial basis of the giving of that law. If someone punched you, you could punch him back if someone insulted you, he was fair game for your insults. They taught that seeking personal revenge was acceptable. In the New Testament, it seems the Pharisees and scribes had taken the “eye for an eye” principle and applied it to everyday personal relationships. “An eye for an eye” was thus intended to be a guiding principle for lawgivers and judges it was never to be used to justify vigilantism or settling grievances personally. Each time, the phrase is used in the context of a case being judged before a civil authority such as a judge. Although capital crimes were repaid with execution in ancient Israel, on the basis of multiple witnesses (Deuteronomy 17:6), most other crimes were repaid with payment in goods-if you injured a man’s hand so that he could not work, you compensated that man for his lost wages.īesides Exodus 21, the law of “an eye for an eye” is mentioned twice in the Old Testament (Leviticus 24:20 Deuteronomy 19:21). Also, before this particular law was given, God had already established a judicial system to hear cases and determine penalties (Exodus 18:13–26)-a system that would be unnecessary if God had intended a literal “eye for an eye” penalty. We have no indication that the law of “an eye for an eye” was followed literally there is never a biblical account of an Israelite being maimed as a result of this law. Justice should be equitable excessive harshness and excessive leniency should be avoided. The principle is that the punishment must fit the crime and there should be a just penalty for evil actions: “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, bruise for bruise” (Exodus 21:23–25). ( H) 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? ( I) Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.The concept of “an eye for eye,” sometimes called jus talionis or lex talionis, is part of the Mosaic Law used in the Israelites’ justice system. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ( C) Love for EnemiesĤ3 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor ( D) and hate your enemy.’ ( E) 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ( F) 45 that you may be children ( G) of your Father in heaven. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. ( B) 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ ( A) 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.

Eye for an eye punishment