Mat 5:38 | RWP | e4.org | An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth ( οφθαλμον αντ οφθαλμου κα οδοντα αντ οδοντος ). Note αντ with the notion of exchange or substitution. The quotation is from ; ; . Like divorce this jus talionis is a restriction upon unrestrained vengeance. "It limited revenge by fixing an exact compensation for an injury" (McNeile). A money payment is allowed in the Mishna. The law of retaliation exists in Arabia today.

‏ Matthew 5:38

An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth ( οφθαλμον αντ οφθαλμου κα οδοντα αντ οδοντος ). Note αντ with the notion of exchange or substitution. The quotation is from Ex 21:24; De 19:21; Le 24:20. Like divorce this jus talionis is a restriction upon unrestrained vengeance. "It limited revenge by fixing an exact compensation for an injury" (McNeile). A money payment is allowed in the Mishna. The law of retaliation exists in Arabia today.