• Exodus 21:22-25
    “If men fight, and hurt a woman with child, so that she gives birth prematurely, yet no harm follows, he shall surely be punished accordingly as the woman’s husband imposes on him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.
     
  • Matthew 5:38-40
    "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.
     
  • Leviticus 24:19-20
    ‘If a man causes disfigurement of his neighbor, as he has done, so shall it be done to him— fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he has caused disfigurement of a man, so shall it be done to him.
     
  • Deuteronomy 19:21
    Your eye shall not pity: life shall be for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

     


Related Scriptures

  • Romans 12:19
    Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.
     
  • Romans 12:17
    Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
     
  • 1 Peter 2:21-23
    For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
    "Who committed no sin,
    Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;
     

For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Eye for an Eye


Resources

Vengeance is Mine

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

Christ counsels us to love our enemies in order that we may be children of God, demonstrating not only His mercy but also our sonship by being peacemakers.


The Sixth Commandment

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The sixth commandment, forbidding murder, is rare among the Ten Commandments in that a clear line can be drawn between its commission and its consequences.


The Sixth Commandment

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus magnifies the Law in Matthew 5, moving beyond the behavior into the motivating thought behind the deed, warning that we do not retaliate in kind.


The Sixth Commandment (Part One) (1997)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Our society is becoming increasingly violent. The sixth of the Ten Commandments covers crime, capital punishment, murder, hatred, revenge and war.


Are Some Sins Worse Than Others?

'Ready Answer' by Martin G. Collins

It seems that some sins should be worse than others in God's eyes. Though all sin merits the death penalty, some sins carry greater consequences and penalties.


Go the Extra Mile

'Ready Answer' by John O. Reid (1930-2016)

The Sermon on the Mount contains a explanation of what it takes to be a Christian. Matthew 5:38-42 provides the principles behind the 'above and beyond' attitude.


'But I Say to You' (Part Six): Retaliation

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Jesus, using hyperbole to shock His disciples into a change of behavior or attitude, emphasizing that they should resist the impulse to retaliate.


Amos (Part Ten)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

God requires a higher standard of righteous behavior from those who have consciously made a covenant with Him and are acquainted with His Law.



For more resources, please see the library topic for Eye for an Eye