DEFINITION:
Lex Talionis refers to the principle of retributive justice expressed in the phrase “an eye for an eye.” It is a legal principle where the punishment corresponds directly to the offense, aiming to ensure justice is proportionate.
SCRIPTURE:
1. Leviticus 24:19-20 – “Anyone who injures their neighbor is to be injured in the same manner: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth.”
2. Exodus 21:23-25 – “But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.”
3. Deuteronomy 19:21 – “Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.”
4. Matthew 5:38-39 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.”
5. Romans 12:19 – “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘
