The law of retribution, sometimes referred to as the law of retaliation or lex talionis, is the principle of retributive justice found in the Bible that states punishment should match the offense. The key verse associated with this concept comes from Exodus 21:23-25 (ESV): “But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.”
In essence, the law of retribution established proportionality – the punishment fits the crime. It was meant to curb excessive punishment and establish a system of fair and equitable justice. Under this principle, the person who caused harm should receive the same type and degree of harm in return.
There are several key aspects to understand about the biblical law of retribution:
- It applied “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” – meaning the punishment must match the offense, no more and no less.
- It was meant to restrain unlimited revenge or vigilantism by ensuring proportional retribution.
- It established causality between actions and consequences.
- It was instituted to be carried out by magistrates or judges, not individuals taking matters into their own hands.
- Over time, it became more about monetary compensation than physical retaliation.
The law of retribution served several important purposes in ancient Israelite society:
- Deterrence of crime – The threat of like-for-like punishment was meant to deter people from committing offenses in the first place.
- Justice – The law established a system of equitable justice rather than letting victims pursue unlimited vengeance.
- Compensation – It allowed for victims to be compensated for their losses.
- Proportionality – The core principle of matching punishment to crime was meant to curb excessive punishment.
There are several examples of the law of retribution in action in the Old Testament:
- Exodus 21:23-25 presents the general principle.
- Leviticus 24:19-20 repeats the “eye for eye” standard.
- Deuteronomy 19:16-21 applies it specifically to false witnesses.
- 2 Samuel 12:1-7 demonstrates the prophet Nathan invoking the law with David after his sin with Bathsheba.
While on its surface the law of retribution appears harsh, in its historical and cultural context it represented a major advancement over the previously common practice of unlimited vengeance. By putting parameters around payback and setting punishment in proportion to the offense, it reduced escalating cycles of violence and established a more humane system of justice.
Some key points of debate and discussion around the law of retribution include:
- To what extent was it meant to be applied literally versus serving as a general principle of proportional justice?
- How well did it restrain vigilantism and unlimited retaliation in actual practice?
- Does it contradict other biblical principles like grace and forgiveness?
- Should any form of retributive justice be practiced today?
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks about the law of retribution and introduces a higher standard of non-retaliation and forgiveness:
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 (Matthew 5:38-39 ESV).
While Jesus told individuals not to retaliate, some theologians argue he did not reject the need for proportional justice to be administered by courts and governments. How his teaching relates to civil justice and the punishment of crime remains widely discussed. Ultimately though, Jesus placed grace, mercy and reconciliation above strict retribution.
In summary, the law of retribution was an important development in biblical law meant to curb unrestrained vengeance and establish justice. It prescribed punishments that fit crimes. While harsh by today’s standards, in its time it brought more moderation. Jesus introduced a higher ethic of non-retaliation, forgiveness and love. Christians continue to debate how biblical principles about crime and punishment should be applied.
The law of retribution reflects God’s concern for justice and proportionality. Though blunt and severe, in its context it represented progress. It highlights principles like causality, compensation to victims, and punishment fitting offenses. Christians are called to a higher standard, yet societies still struggle to balance justice with mercy. The biblical wisdom provides insights we still wrestle with today.
The law of retribution, also known as “eye for eye, tooth for tooth”, is one of the most widely discussed principles in the Bible. Though controversial and debated, it sheds light on God’s views of justice, crime and punishment. While Christ called for grace and forgiveness, not vengeance, it provides a perspective on law, retribution and justice that still challenges societies today as we aim for both compassion and consequences in our systems of justice.