However, “an eye for an eye” does not belong to your own personal vengeance. “An eye for an eye” belongs to justice in a civil society. Therefore, Jesus taught to turn the other cheek, give away your cloak to whoever takes your tunic, and go the extra mile with the person who compels you to go one mile ( Matt 5:39–42). Evil is exposed and authorities have reason to take action. Much good can come enduring injustice before others.

Instead, Jesus taught, “Do not resist the one who is evil” ( Matt 5:38). Christ was revealing that the individual did not have the right to inflict one’s own personal justice. Jesus gave further instruction upon this command, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for tooth” ( Matt 5:38). Discipline that causes fear is a good thing for everyone, and it belongs to the governing authority and to a moderate extent in the home. This is to be done for “the rest shall hear and fear, and shall never again commit any such evil among you” ( Deut 19:20). It shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” ( Deut 19:21 cf. For this reason, Moses commanded justice for the judges to decide and instructed the people, “Your eye shall not pity. Moses wrote that the person who lied and slander should receive the punishment that he intended to bring upon another ( Deut 19:19–21). Whenever someone carelessly hurt a pregnant woman to cause her to miscarry her child, Moses commanded, “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” ( Exod 21:24). However, the quote among so many is a misinformed mockery of the Law of Moses outside of its biblical setting. For this reason, Paul taught that love fulfilled the Law ( Rom 13:8–10). Paul taught, “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all” ( Rom 12:17 ESV). The idea is that returning evil for evil accomplishes nothing but a bloody field and destruction. Can you explain “reproof” and “reprove?” Įnjoy our Bible studies? You may donate securely here.“An eye for an eye leaves everyone blind.” Back in the 20 th century, many world leaders have reflected on this sentiment to encourage peace and mercy when everyone bore some guilt.Sign me up! Last 10 Bible Questions Answered The attitude could be summarized as, “I see how much wealth you have, and I can gain that and more! I see how much you spent, and I can spend that and more! I see how much popularity you have, and I can become as famous than you and more!”Įnter your email address to receive email notifications when new Bible Q&A articles are posted. It is an obsession with wealth, to the point of competing so you can equal or outdo others. In short, “evil eye” is a euphemism for envy-seeing what advantages or possessions others have, and longing for them. Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee but his heart is not with thee.”Īs we can discern from the context, again, the “evil eye” is associated with affluence or material prosperity.

Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat. Read it in context now: “ When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. The “evil eye” is also seen in Proverbs 23:6. This is nothing more than a gambler or lottery player. Proverbs 28:22 is one such occurrence: “He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.” An “evil eye” is connected to wealth or materialism, a speedy endeavor to gain a fortune. Now, please understand, the eye in and of itself is not evil Scripture implies the eye is being used to commit evil.Īn “evil eye” appears two other times in the King James Bible. Thus, just by using this clue, we see (pun not intended!) “an evil eye” involves seeing something. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Of course, the eye is our organ of sight.

“ And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. One is “an evil eye.” To what is this a reference? In Mark 7:20-23, we find the Lord Jesus listing 13 specific sins that originate from the human heart.

Eye for an eye scripture