The concept of “eye for an eye” appears throughout the Bible as a guideline for justice and retribution. This principle, originating in the Old Testament, emphasizes a balanced approach to justice — ensuring that punishment fits the crime. It serves as a reminder of the importance of fairness in human interactions and the need for a moral foundation when addressing wrongs.
In a world where the instinct for revenge can often overshadow justice, these 30 Bible verses will guide you in understanding the deeper spiritual lessons behind this ancient principle. From teachings on mercy and forgiveness to the importance of maintaining justice, these scriptures will inspire reflection on how we apply these timeless principles in our own lives.
Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
Fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he has caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him.
Your eye shall not pity; life shall be for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
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.
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.
Do not say, I will recompense evil; wait for the LORD, and He will save you.
To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either.
Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth.
Judge not, that you be not judged.
But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required.
He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
Do not say, I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Whoever rewards evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.
The merciful man does good for his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm.
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
If someone says, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?
He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, he who despises the gain of oppressions, who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes, who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed, and shuts his eyes from seeing evil.
With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful; with a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless.
Then Peter came to Him and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?
Famous and Strong Quotes about 17 38 eye for an eye
An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
The quality of mercy is not strained; it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven.
Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.
In anger, we find the root of all suffering.
Seeking Justice Through Grace
Heavenly Father,
As we reflect on the teaching of Matthew 5:38 regarding the principle of “an eye for an eye,” we humbly seek Your wisdom in understanding justice and mercy. We acknowledge our inclinations to seek vengeance and to repay wrongs with wrongs. Yet, Lord, we remember Your call to love and forgive, even when it feels difficult.
Help us to rise above our human instincts and to embody the grace You have extended to us. Encourage us to respond to conflict with compassion, to offer understanding in the face of anger, and to turn the other cheek when wronged. May Your love guide our actions and transform our hearts, so we can be beacons of peace in a world that often seeks retribution.
Grant us the strength to forgive, the patience to endure, and the wisdom to know that true justice lies in Your hands. May we be instruments of Your peace, reflecting the love of Christ in all we do.
In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.