Board index ‹ Specific Bible verses, texts, and passages ‹ Exodus

[Representative]

Why does God command we take an eye for an eye?? Isn’t this against what He wants us to do?

[jimwalton]

An eye for an eye is an expression asking for punishment to fit the crime. It is not an expression about vengeance and getting people back for what they did to you. Instead, it the rule that punishment should fit the crime, it should be limited to the extent and depth of the crime (and not overreach). "Eye for "eye" can even include concepts like fair financial recompense for injuries or loss. The idea is that punishment should always be appropriate to the situation in strength, duration, and effect.

> Isn’t this against what He wants us to do?

No. God wants us to live in fairness, appropriate response, self-control, and justice.