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What does the Bible mean by 'an eye for an eye'?



    
    

Clarify Share Report Asked July 01 2013 Mini Anonymous (via GotQuestions)

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Shea S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries
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. The principle is that the punishment must fit the c...

July 01 2013 2 responses Vote Up Share Report


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Mini Albert Ogier Supporter
Even the official teaching gets this wrong. The bible is quite clear that you “give” an eye for an eye, not have it taken from you. So if there is an accident and someone loses their sight you become their eyes. This could be walking them around or providing a career or guide dog for them. If they have lost a limb or limbs then you provide whatever they need to get around. This teaching does not talk about blame, so it can be for any accident, fault or no fault.

November 04 2022 1 response Vote Up Share Report


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Mini Robert Hibbard Supporter Retired Christian High School Teacher
This admonition can also simply mean, "the punishment should fit the crime." In historical context, punishment could be extended to harsher than the original offense by familial revenge, leading to a "cycle of violence." The Old Testament here meant to be more just, that punishments should not be excessive given the nature of the original offense. Though not the same, "Hammurabi's Code" from the "Old Babylonian" civilization's King attempted something similar.

January 24 2023 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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