Who said an eye for an eye5/2/2023 This doesn't mean being weak or passive in the face of blatant violence (Luke 22:36), but it does prohibit seeking to "get even" when we're insulted or abused (Romans 12:19). The phrase actually originates in the Mesopotamian Empire under Hammurabi. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. In other words, if someone wrongs you in the sight of the law, justice needs to be served and consequences often occur. 43 You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor b and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. So far as it goes between individual people, God's will is that we do not take revenge, at all (Matthew 5:39). According to John Gill’s commentary, retribution law existed long before the phrase eye for an eye occurs in the Old Testament. God's teaching about "eye for an eye" was meant to limit violence, not encourage it.Ĭhrist's teaching on the matter, given in the next few verses, reveals the true intent God has for His people. God's rule for Israel was to limit retaliation and punishment to a fair equivalent of harm. This pattern of revenge is what turns petty insults into riots, and minor crimes into wars. Human nature is to retaliate "plus one." In other words, if you slap me, I'll punch you. Just as he injured the other person, the same must be inflicted on him. The reason God gave that law was to prevent escalation, including excessive punishment for crimes. In 1947 the book Jesus said, 'Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth' Who said it Gandhi was the leader of the Indian nationalist movement against British rule, and a great voice for freedom and independence. It's a testament to Christ's influence in changing mankind that modern readers often see "eye for an eye" as vicious or harsh. It shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot." This comes from God's system of justice for the Israelites as described in Deuteronomy 19:21, "Your eye shall not pity. This time, He expects His audience has heard the "law of retaliation," often summed up as an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Jesus moves on to another "you have heard," "but I say" topic.
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