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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
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...
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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.
Robert Hibbard
Supporter
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.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
"An eye for an eye" means proportional restitution, not literal retaliation. The Bible did not command gouging; it commanded judges to assign a remedy of equal value to the loss, ending feuds and restoring the victim justly. Jesus then calls his followers to give up even that just claim to restitution for the sake of mercy (Matthew 5:38-42). But I'm not gonna hate, even if I ache inside. I'm not gonna hurt someone, even if I'm justified. I'm not gonna lie, even if I've been deceived. An eye for an eye is not the life I choose to lead. By the grace and the mercy of Jesus, We can all learn to forgive. See song Eye For An Eye by Chynna & Vaughan 2009 3:54
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