"Eye for Eye, Tooth for Tooth"
These are notes for an incomplete "Concept" page.
- Information is being added as the Bible Pages are added. In the end, everything will be compiled, further information added (as necessary), broken links connected, etc.
|
This refers to the judicial concept of "Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth." It is sometimes called, "Lex Talionis."
Applicable to any situation, even when the harm is only intended (but not actually committed) through false testimony in court. Exodus 21:23-25; Leviticus 24:19-20; Deuteronomy 19:18-21. However, it is the duty of the civil government, not private vengeance.
What about situations in which the government is filled with injustice? Do we "take the matter into our own hands"? NO! Our personal attitude toward the person is not the same as the attitude that civil government is to have:
Mat 5:38-42
- "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you, don't resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. If anyone sues you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and don't turn away him who desires to borrow from you."
At the Fourth World Judgment, Lex Talionis will be the basis for the judgment - Matthew 25:31-46 and Revelation 20:11-15. However, those who are followers of the True God had their punishments borne by Jesus; so they will not experience it themselves.
Effects of Deviations from This Rule
Any deviation from this principle in civil judgments results in injustice - either resulting in injustice for the injured person (if the punishment is less), or injustice for the guilty person (if the punishment is more severe).
Many "modern" societies have abandoned this rule, in favor of putting the guilty person in prison. In effect, they are creating all kinds of injustice. For example, they are punishing all of society, by forcing society to provide free room and board for the guilty person! The injured persons rarely receive a justice that compensates for their loss (though the lawyers normally get rich). In prison, the guilty person is exposed to all kinds of evil influences, which often enable him to commit even worse crimes, if he is freed from prison. Also, if freed from prison, his ability to function in society is often effectively destroyed, causing all those around him to suffer permanently, and sometimes even encouraging him to return to further crime.
Some people attack this rule, claiming that there would be instances in which an innocent person might get punished (or put to death). In an imperfect world, this is possible, but this rule keeps such injustices to a minimum. Any other alternative does no better in preventing injustice, and usually does worse! Consider this: In the "modern" world, where this rule is often ignored, how often do people remain silent about a crime they see committed? How often do people tell "less than the truth" when giving testimony in court? How often do we hear about prosecuting lawyers or defense lawyers withholding information or distorting the evidence, so that it looks like it favors their position? How often are crime labs careless in their analysis of the evidence, resulting in inaccurate or false reports? If all these people knew that they would receive the same punishment that the guilty person deserved, they would be less inclined to do things that encouraged injustice. Once all the "crooked lawyers" (and the rest) were imprisoned or put to death for distorting or withholding evidence that either set criminals free or punished innocent people, there would be a whole lot more justice in the judicial system! The issue of injustice cannot be blamed on the rule of "Lex Talionis"!
Distortions of this principle - especially when wrongly applied to personal responses to a wrongdoing - may result in ongoing "feuds" between groups, with endless cycles of revenge.
Complementary Concepts
Mercy and forgiveness are not the negation of Lex Talionis and justice. Such a negation is a perversion, which can only occur when the Bible's definitions of those concepts are abandoned.
[to be completed]
Scripture Pages that Link to Here
- Various illustrations of how this applies to situations involving personal injury. These are violations of the Sixth Commandment.
Unless otherwise noted, all notes and comments are © by Dennis Hinks.
|
