Eye For Eye: Bible Verses Eye For Eye

The “eye for an eye” principle is an ancient law established in the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically in the book of Leviticus. It is a principle of retribution, which states that a person who has been wronged should receive an equal punishment in retribution.

This principle was intended to prevent excessive punishments and to ensure that justice was served in a fair and equitable manner. The concept of “eye for an eye” has been used throughout history as a form of punishment, but its origins and purpose can be found in the Old Testament. In this context, the principle is rooted in the idea of justice and was intended to provide a sense of justice and fairness in society.

1. Exodus 21:24 – “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” This verse is part of the law code God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai. It’s a principle of justice, meaning that when an individual is harmed, the punishment should be equal to the damage done.
2. Leviticus 24:19-20 – “If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. As he has injured the other, so he is to be injured.” This verse is an extension of the law given to Moses in Exodus 21. It emphasizes the principle of equal justice.
3. Deuteronomy 19:21 – “Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” This is another example of the law code given to Moses. It emphasizes the importance of justice for those who have been wronged.
4. Matthew 5:38 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’” This verse is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. He is referencing the law code of Exodus 21, but He is also challenging the audience to go beyond the law.
5. Matthew 5:39 – “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” This is Jesus’ response to the law of Exodus 21. He is teaching His followers to go beyond the law and forgive their enemies.
6. Luke 6:29 – “If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them.” This is Jesus’ teaching on mercy and forgiveness. He is instructing His followers to go beyond the law of Exodus 21 and show mercy to others.
7. Romans 12:17-20 – “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.’” This is Paul’s teaching on how to respond to those who have wronged us. He is instructing us to leave justice up to God, and to show mercy to our enemies.
8. 1 Peter 3:9 – “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” This is Peter’s instruction to believers on how to respond to those who have wronged them. He is teaching us to go beyond the law of Exodus 21 and show mercy and kindness instead of taking revenge.
9. Proverbs 24:29 – “Do not say, ‘I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.’” This verse is part of Solomon’s wisdom literature. He is teaching us to go beyond the law of Exodus 21 and not take revenge, but leave justice up to God.
10. Proverbs 20:22 – “Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.” This is another example of Solomon’s teaching on revenge. He is instructing us to wait for God to avenge us, and not take matters into our own hands.
11. Isaiah 1:17 – “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” This is God’s call to justice for those who have been wronged. He is instructing us to seek justice for the oppressed and not take revenge.
12. Romans 12:19 – “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” This is Paul’s teaching on revenge. He is instructing us to leave justice up to God, and not take revenge into our own hands.
13. Hebrews 10:30 – “For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’” This is a reminder that God will judge those who have wronged us. He is the only one who has the right to avenge us and bring justice.
14. James 5:6 – “You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.” This is James’ warning against taking revenge into our own hands. He is reminding us that God will judge those who have wronged us, and that we should leave justice up to Him.
15. 1 Peter 3:8-9 – “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” This is Peter’s call to mercy and forgiveness. He is instructing us to go beyond the law of Exodus 21 and show mercy and kindness to those who have wronged us.