Does God Endorse an Eye For an Eye?

Does God Endorse an Eye For an Eye?

Throughout the Old Testament, the Bible seems to say an eye for an eye is a valid punishment. However, in the New Testament, this idea seems to be seen as immoral. So, what is the truth? Is there a contradiction? Today we will be taking a look at this topic.

Verses:

"If a man injures his neighbor, just as he has done, so it shall be done to him: 20 fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; just as he has injured a man, so it shall be inflicted on him. 21 Thus the one who kills an animal shall make it good, but the one who kills a man shall be put to death," (Leviticus 24:19-21 NASB1995).

"23 But if there is any further injury, then you shall appoint as a penalty life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise. 26 If a man strikes the eye of his male or female slave, and destroys it, he shall let him go free on account of his eye. 27 And if he knocks out a tooth of his male or female slave, he shall let him go free on account of his tooth," (Exodus 21:23-27 NASB 1995).

"21 Thus you shall not show pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot," (Deuteronomy 19:21 NASB1995).

"38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also," (Matthew 5:38-39 NASB1995).

"Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord," (Romans 12:17-19 NASB1995).

"See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people," (1 Thessalonians 5:15 NASB1995).

Firstly, we must note that for the Old Testament laws, it is not saying a civilian should be the one acting out the punishment of the offenser. In the Exodus passage quoted, the very verse before it speaks of a judge deciding a payment. "...and he shall pay as the judges decide," (Exodus 21:22 NASB1995).

In Deuteronomy, " then both the men who have the dispute shall stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges who will be in office in those days. 18 The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is a false witness and he has accused his brother falsely," (Deuteronomy 19:17-18 NASB1995). The same of course applies to the Leviticus passage. The point is that the law was given as a thing for judges/lawgivers to have in mind to keep things fair for the citizens. This was not an endorsement of vigilantes and violence but a tip to provide proper justice. Now, let us check out the other verses.

A few verses after the Matthew passage quoted, this is said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven..." (Matthew 5:43-45 NASB1995). In Matthew, Jesus is speaking on forgiveness, not how one is to provide judgment.

How about the passage in Romans? "14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good," (Romans 12:14-21). Once again, about forgiveness, not the judicial system. 

The 1 Thessalonians 5:15 passage? "14 We urge you, brethren, admonish(i.e. warn) the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people," (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 NASB1995). Once again, about forgiveness. Always read context.

Work Cited:

New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.