Is the phrase "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" from the Bible?

The phrase "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" is indeed from the Bible and is found in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Exodus, Chapter 21, verses 23-25. This principle, often referred to as the law of retaliation or lex talionis, forms part of the Mosaic Law and reflects a foundational aspect of ancient Israelite jurisprudence and ethical principles.

The passage in question states, "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." This principle is reiterated in other Old Testament passages, including Leviticus 24:19-20 and Deuteronomy 19:21, where the concept of proportional justice is emphasized as a guiding principle in matters of retribution and restitution.

The phrase "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" has often been misconstrued as a call for vengeful and indiscriminate retaliation. However, within its original biblical and historical context, this principle served as a foundational tenet of ancient Israelite legal and ethical norms, intended to establish limits on retribution and ensure fair and proportional justice.

The underlying purpose of the law of retaliation was to curtail excessive and disproportionate responses to offenses and to institute a system of justice that upheld the principle of proportional recompense. In a society where blood feuds and unbridled retaliation were prevalent, the law of retaliation sought to establish a framework of equitable justice and to mitigate the cycle of escalating violence and vendettas.

Moreover, the principle of "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" was intended to ensure that retribution and restitution were commensurate with the offense committed, thereby serving as a deterrent against excessive and unjust retribution. It represented a departure from the prevailing norms of indiscriminate vengeance and sought to mitigate the potential for escalating cycles of violence and retribution.

While the law of retaliation represented a significant advance in establishing principles of justice and equity within the ancient Israelite legal system, it is important to note that its interpretation and application evolved over time. In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the concept of retribution and retaliation, offering a transformative perspective that emphasizes forgiveness, mercy, and the rejection of vindictive attitudes.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus challenges the prevailing understanding of retribution by advocating for a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation. He states, "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" (Matthew 5:38-39). This transformative reinterpretation of the law of retaliation underscores the ethical imperative of forgiveness, mercy, and the rejection of retaliatory attitudes.