◄ Exodus 21:24 ►
eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
Study Bible
eye for eye
This phrase originates from the Hebrew "עַיִן תַּחַת עַיִן" (ayin tachat ayin). It is part of the lex talionis, or the law of retaliation, which is a principle of justice that ensures the punishment fits the crime. Historically, this was a revolutionary concept in ancient legal systems, which often allowed for excessive retribution. The principle here is not about promoting vengeance but about limiting it, ensuring that justice is proportional and fair. In a broader scriptural context, Jesus later references this law in Matthew 5:38-39, urging His followers to transcend the literal application of this law by practicing forgiveness and mercy.

tooth for tooth
The Hebrew "שֵׁן תַּחַת שֵׁן" (shen tachat shen) continues the theme of proportional justice. In ancient times, personal injury could lead to blood feuds and cycles of revenge. By instituting this law, God provided a legal framework to prevent such escalation. It underscores the value of each individual and the importance of justice in maintaining societal order. This phrase also invites reflection on the deeper spiritual principle of justice tempered with mercy, as seen throughout the Bible.

hand for hand
The phrase "יָד תַּחַת יָד" (yad tachat yad) emphasizes the importance of equitable retribution. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the hand was symbolic of power and action. This law served to protect individuals from disproportionate punishment and to uphold the dignity of every person. It reflects God's desire for a just society where actions have consequences, but those consequences are measured and fair.

foot for foot
The Hebrew "רֶגֶל תַּחַת רֶגֶל" (regel tachat regel) completes the series of examples illustrating the principle of lex talionis. The foot, representing movement and progress, signifies the broader implications of justice in community life. This law was intended to maintain balance and prevent the chaos that unchecked vengeance could bring. It points to a God who values justice and order, and who calls His people to reflect His character in their dealings with one another.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the Law from God on Mount Sinai, including the laws found in Exodus 21.

2. Israelites
The people to whom the Law was given, forming the basis of their covenant relationship with God.

3. Mount Sinai
The place where God delivered the Law to Moses, including the civil and moral laws for the Israelite community.
Teaching Points
Principle of Justice
The "eye for eye" law was intended to ensure justice and prevent excessive punishment. It established a legal framework for fair retribution.

Limitation of Retaliation
This law served to limit personal vengeance, ensuring that punishment was proportional to the offense and not driven by personal vendetta.

Foundation for Mercy
While the law provided a basis for justice, it also pointed to the need for mercy and forgiveness, as later emphasized by Jesus.

Christ's Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus' teaching in the New Testament calls believers to transcend the literal application of this law, embracing a spirit of forgiveness and love.

Application in Modern Context
In contemporary society, this principle can be applied by seeking justice through legal systems while personally practicing forgiveness and reconciliation.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the principle of "eye for eye" reflect God's character of justice, and how can we apply this understanding in our daily lives?

2. In what ways does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:38-39 challenge us to go beyond the literal interpretation of this law?

3. How can we balance the pursuit of justice with the call to forgive those who wrong us, as taught in Romans 12:17-19?

4. What are some practical ways we can apply the principle of proportionality in our responses to personal offenses?

5. How does understanding the historical and cultural context of this law help us apply its principles in a modern Christian context?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 24:19-20
This passage reiterates the principle of "eye for eye" within the context of personal injury, emphasizing justice and proportionality.

Deuteronomy 19:21
This verse also repeats the "eye for eye" principle, highlighting its role in maintaining justice and deterring false witnesses.

Matthew 5:38-39
Jesus references this law in the Sermon on the Mount, teaching a higher standard of personal conduct and forgiveness.

Romans 12:17-19
Paul advises believers to avoid repaying evil for evil, echoing Jesus' teaching on forgiveness and leaving vengeance to God.
Sermons
Bodily InjuriesJ. Orr Exodus 21:18-36
Equitable JudgmentExodus 21:22-25
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Exodus 21:22-25
Life for LifeExodus 21:22-25
Stripe for StripeGreat ThoughtsExodus 21:22-25
The Criminal Law: was it Written in BloodH. M. Field, D. D.Exodus 21:22-25
The Requirement of Strict Equivalents in Making Compensation for InjuriesD. Young Exodus 21:22-25
An Eye for an EyeJ. Orr Exodus 21:23-26
People
Moses
Places
Mount Sinai
Topics
Eye, Foot, Tooth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 21:15-25

     6206   offence

Exodus 21:22-25

     5061   sanctity of life
     5733   pregnancy

Exodus 21:23-25

     5372   knife
     5493   retribution

Exodus 21:23-27

     5483   punishment

Library
The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws
[Sidenote: First the principle, and then the detailed laws] If the canon of the New Testament had remained open as long as did that of the Old, there is little doubt that it also would have contained many laws, legal precedents, and ecclesiastical histories. From the writings of the Church Fathers and the records of the Catholic Church it is possible to conjecture what these in general would have been. The early history of Christianity illustrates the universal fact that the broad principles are …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Kinsman Redeemer
'After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him.'--LEV. xxv. 48. There are several of the institutions and precepts of the Mosaic legislation which, though not prophetic, nor typical, have yet remarkable correspondences with lofty Christian truth. They may be used as symbols, if only we remember that we are diverting them from their original purpose. How singularly these words lend themselves to the statement of the very central truths of Christianity--a slavery …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Non-Resistance
'Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39. But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. 41. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.'--MATT. v. 38-42. The old law …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of the House of God; with Counsels and Directions to the Inhabitants Thereof.
BY JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. 'Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.'--Psalm 26:8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Beautiful in its simplicity is this treatise on the Church of Christ, by John Bunyan. He opens, with profound knowledge and eminent skill, all those portions of sacred writ which illustrate the nature, excellency, and government of the house of God, with the personal and relative duties of its inhabitants. It was originally published in …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
BY A.E. GRIMKE. "Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not within thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place: but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this. And Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer:--and so will I go in unto the king, …
Angelina Emily Grimke—An Appeal to the Christian Women of the South

The Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force Has Been Professed by a Minority of Men from the Very Foundation of Christianity. Of the Book "What
CHAPTER I. THE DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE TO EVIL BY FORCE HAS BEEN PROFESSED BY A MINORITY OF MEN FROM THE VERY FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIANITY. Of the Book "What I Believe"--The Correspondence Evoked by it-- Letters from Quakers--Garrison's Declaration--Adin Ballou, his Works, his Catechism--Helchitsky's "Net of Faith"--The Attitude of the World to Works Elucidating Christ's Teaching--Dymond's Book "On War"--Musser's "Non-resistance Asserted"--Attitude of the Government in 1818 to Men who Refused to …
Leo Tolstoy—The Kingdom of God is within you

The Sermon on the Mount - the Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic Teaching.
It was probably on one of those mountain-ranges, which stretch to the north of Capernaum, that Jesus had spent the night of lonely prayer, which preceded the designation of the twelve to the Apostolate. As the soft spring morning broke, He called up those who had learned to follow Him, and from among them chose the twelve, who were to be His Ambassadors and Representatives. [2500] [2501] But already the early light had guided the eager multitude which, from all parts, had come to the broad level …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes - Examination of their Distinctive Doctrines.
APART from the repulsively carnal form which it had taken, there is something absolutely sublime in the continuance and intensity of the Jewish expectation of the Messiah. It outlived not only the delay of long centuries, but the persecutions and scattering of the people; it continued under the disappointment of the Maccabees, the rule of a Herod, the administration of a corrupt and contemptible Priesthood, and, finally, the government of Rome as represented by a Pilate; nay, it grew in intensity …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not kill.' Exod 20: 13. In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, Thou shalt not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others. The sin forbidden is murder: Thou shalt not kill.' Here two things are to be understood, the not injuring another, nor ourselves. I. The not injuring another. [1] We must not injure another in his name. A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name. We injure others in …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

That Deep Things Ought not to be Preached at all to Weak Souls.
But the preacher should know how to avoid drawing the mind of his hearer beyond its strength, lest, so to speak, the string of the soul, when stretched more than it can bear, should be broken. For all deep things should be covered up before a multitude of hearers, and scarcely opened to a few. For hence the Truth in person says, Who, thinkest thou, is the faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord has appointed over his household, to give them their measure of wheat in due season? (Luke xii. 42). …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia.
Part I. History of the Councils. Reason why two Councils were called. Inconsistency and folly of calling any; and of the style of the Arian formularies; occasion of the Nicene Council; proceedings at Ariminum; Letter of the Council to Constantius; its decree. Proceedings at Seleucia; reflections on the conduct of the Arians. 1. Perhaps news has reached even yourselves concerning the Council, which is at this time the subject of general conversation; for letters both from the Emperor and the Prefects …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
Ver. 8. "Judah, thou, thy brethren shall praise thee; thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; before thee shall bow down the sons of thy father. Ver. 9. A lion's whelp is Judah; from the prey, my son, thou goest up; he stoopeth down, he coucheth as a lion, and as a full-grown lion, who shall rouse him up? Ver. 10. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto Him the people shall adhere." Thus does dying Jacob, in announcing …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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