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Deuteronomy 19 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
We find the familiar “eye for an eye” passage in Deuteronomy 19.
In such cases show no mercy; the punishment is to be a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, and a foot for a foot.
Deuteronomy 19:21 GNB
If we take a look back at the context of this verse, we will see exactly why this law was given. The entire last section of chapter 19 places boundaries for those testifying as a witness. It has already been established that one person’s testimony is not enough to convict. That one person could have been lying or could have been mistaken in what they saw. This naturally brings up the question – what will happen to someone who tries to falsely accuse another?
If you were a witness testifying against someone who was accused of murder, and the judge did a thorough investigation discovering that you are lying and the victim is innocent, the murder charge would go against you instead of the person you accused. This was a natural way to protect against false witnesses. This is where the “eye for an eye” and “tooth for a tooth” method was developed. As you can see, it’s not a license for revenge. It simply provides justice to the one who has been falsely accused. It provides a strong deterrent to keep others from bringing false charges against the innocent.
Furthermore, Jesus clarified this passage during His ministry.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But now I tell you: do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, let him slap your left cheek too. [40] And if someone takes you to court to sue you for your shirt, let him have your coat as well. [41] And if one of the occupation troops forces you to carry his pack one mile, carry it two miles. [42] When someone asks you for something, give it to him; when someone wants to borrow something, lend it to him.
Matthew 5:38-42 GNB
“The “eye for eye” and “tooth for tooth” principle is called the Lex talionis in Western culture (Latin for “law of retaliation”). It is commonly misrepresented as vindictive, but it is not. This law is not a license for cruelty, but a limit to it. In the context it refers to what kind of penalty could be inflicted upon a false witness.”
Believer’s Bible Commentary
I have to admit, before studying this, I had no idea this was the application for this passage! It makes much more sense that this law was not given to justify revenge with personal relationships, but rather, to guide the judges in giving a reasonable punishment to false witnesses. Another point to consider was that this law protected false witnesses from receiving an even greater punishment. It would not have been uncommon for the ancient world to prescribe the death penalty for someone who brought a false charge against another. This is an important reason to be saturated in the Scriptures. Sometimes what we have heard about a passage is not actually what God meant.