thinking bible.

You asked

how did 'an eye for an eye' function in ancient israelite law, and what was jesus challenging?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Exodus 21:23-25

But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

This passage comes from the book of Exodus, within the section detailing the laws given to Moses on Mount Sinai for the Israelite community shortly after their escape from Egypt. Specifically, it's part of a series of civil laws concerning personal injury and restitution.

What does it look like to pursue true justice and genuine peace in situations where harm has been done?

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Read alongside it

  • Leviticus 24:19-20

    This passage reiterates the principle of 'eye for an eye' within the Holiness Code, emphasizing proportional justice.

  • Deuteronomy 19:18-21

    This text applies 'eye for an eye' to the punishment of false witnesses, further defining its use in legal contexts.

  • Matthew 5:38-42

    Jesus directly references and reinterprets 'an eye for an eye,' calling for a radical response of non-retaliation and generosity.

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