where in the bible does it say an eye for an eye

The phrase "an eye for an eye" appears multiple times in the Old Testament of the Bible, primarily as a principle of proportional justice known as lex talionis. It originates in the legal codes given to Moses, emphasizing fair retribution rather than excessive revenge. This concept limited punishments to match the crime, preventing cycles of escalating violence in ancient Israelite society.

Key Bible References

These verses explicitly state the principle:

• Exodus 21:23-25 : "But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise".

• Leviticus 24:19-20 : "Anyone who injures their neighbor is to be injured in the same manner: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. The one who has inflicted the injury must suffer the same injury".

• Deuteronomy 19:21 : "Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot".

These passages appear in the Torah's covenant laws, drawing from even earlier codes like Hammurabi's but adapted for Israel's theocratic justice system.

New Testament Perspective

Jesus references this in the Sermon on the Mount to elevate personal ethics beyond legal retaliation. Matthew 5:38-39 states: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also”. This shifts focus from judicial equity to radical forgiveness, applying to individuals rather than courts.

Historical and Cultural Context

In biblical times, "eye for an eye" curbed vengeance feuds common in the ancient Near East, ensuring judges imposed measured penalties. Modern interpretations often highlight its role in promoting justice over vendettas, though some discussions frame it as outdated under grace-based teachings. No major recent news or forum trends alter these core locations as of late 2025.

TL;DR : Primary spots are Exodus 21:23-25, Leviticus 24:19-21, and Deuteronomy 19:21—principles of fair justice Jesus later reframed for mercy.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.