Who said eye for an eye tooth for a tooth

In Jewish Oral Tradition , called the Talmud and among Christian scholars, the consensus is no; this was not taken literally but instead used as a standard by judges to set the fine and appropriately punish the perpetrator for the harm he caused. It was simply a formula for proportionate punishment or compensation. One implication, however, is that the death of the baby seems to be judged according to the same principle that applies to the taking of other human life e.

The penalty from shedding blood or taking the mother's life and the baby's life comes from all people being made in the image of God. Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind Genesis This verse was to ensure a proportionate penalty for the loss of life, limb, and future lost benefits. Anyone who injures their neighbor is to be injured in the same manner: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth.

The one who has inflicted the injury must suffer the same injury. Not only does the biblical law address punishment for physical harm to people and animals, but it also applies to the potential damage caused by a false witness. Then do to the false witness as that witness intended to do to the other party. You must purge the evil from among you. The rest of the people will hear of this and be afraid, and never again will such an evil thing be done among you. Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot Deuteronomy The one who has inflicted the injury must suffer the same injury.

For both passages, the phrase is used in the circumstance of a court case before a civil authority such as a judge. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. Free word lists and quizzes from Cambridge. Tools to create your own word lists and quizzes.

Word lists shared by our community of dictionary fans. Sign up now or Log in. Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. Follow us. Choose a dictionary. This concept is also found in the Bible, specifically Deuteronomy The shortened phrase, an eye for an eye , has the same meaning as the full phrase, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

In most modern contexts, this phrase refers to getting justice or revenge for a crime.