Matthew 5:38 - “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21
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What does "Matthew 5:38" mean?
This verse in Matthew 5:38 is part of Jesus's Sermon on the Mount, where he's challenging and reinterpreting Jewish law. Let's break down what it means:
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.'": Jesus is referencing a well-known principle from the Old Testament law (found in the passages cited: Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy). This principle is often referred to as the "law of retaliation" or lex talionis in Latin.
The original intention of "an eye for an eye" was to limit revenge and ensure proportional justice. Instead of a family feud escalating over generations because of one initial injury, the punishment should be equivalent to the crime.
It was also a legal principle meant to be applied by judges in courts, not an individual mandate for personal revenge. In practice, it was generally interpreted as monetary compensation equivalent to the loss. For example, if someone lost an eye, the perpetrator would pay an amount of money that compensated for the loss of sight, earning capacity, and so on.
Context within Matthew: It's crucial to understand the context. Jesus is about to say, "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." (Matthew 5:39). He's contrasting the traditional understanding of justice with a radically different approach based on love, forgiveness, and non-retaliation.
Therefore, Matthew 5:38 means:
Jesus acknowledges that the principle of "an eye for an eye" was a common and accepted part of Jewish law and tradition.
However, he is preparing to challenge that principle with a new teaching, moving away from strict retribution and towards a higher standard of compassion and non-violence.
In essence, Jesus uses this verse to set up a contrast, highlighting the difference between the old covenant's emphasis on justice and the new covenant's emphasis on grace and forgiveness. He is not saying the Old Testament is wrong or invalid, but that he is presenting a more complete and transformative way to live.
Matthew 5:38 - “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21
What does "Matthew 5:38" mean?
This verse in Matthew 5:38 is part of Jesus's Sermon on the Mount, where he's challenging and reinterpreting Jewish law. Let's break down what it means:
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.'": Jesus is referencing a well-known principle from the Old Testament law (found in the passages cited: Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy). This principle is often referred to as the "law of retaliation" or lex talionis in Latin.
The original intention of "an eye for an eye" was to limit revenge and ensure proportional justice. Instead of a family feud escalating over generations because of one initial injury, the punishment should be equivalent to the crime.
It was also a legal principle meant to be applied by judges in courts, not an individual mandate for personal revenge. In practice, it was generally interpreted as monetary compensation equivalent to the loss. For example, if someone lost an eye, the perpetrator would pay an amount of money that compensated for the loss of sight, earning capacity, and so on.
Context within Matthew: It's crucial to understand the context. Jesus is about to say, "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." (Matthew 5:39). He's contrasting the traditional understanding of justice with a radically different approach based on love, forgiveness, and non-retaliation.
Therefore, Matthew 5:38 means:
Jesus acknowledges that the principle of "an eye for an eye" was a common and accepted part of Jewish law and tradition.
However, he is preparing to challenge that principle with a new teaching, moving away from strict retribution and towards a higher standard of compassion and non-violence.
In essence, Jesus uses this verse to set up a contrast, highlighting the difference between the old covenant's emphasis on justice and the new covenant's emphasis on grace and forgiveness. He is not saying the Old Testament is wrong or invalid, but that he is presenting a more complete and transformative way to live.