Exodus 21:24
Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
Original Language Analysis
עַ֔יִן
Eye
H5869
עַ֔יִן
Eye
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
1 of 12
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
תַּ֣חַת
H8478
תַּ֣חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
2 of 12
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
עַ֔יִן
Eye
H5869
עַ֔יִן
Eye
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
3 of 12
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
שֵׁ֑ן
for tooth
H8127
שֵׁ֑ן
for tooth
Strong's:
H8127
Word #:
4 of 12
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
תַּ֣חַת
H8478
תַּ֣חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
5 of 12
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
שֵׁ֑ן
for tooth
H8127
שֵׁ֑ן
for tooth
Strong's:
H8127
Word #:
6 of 12
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
יָ֔ד
for hand
H3027
יָ֔ד
for hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
7 of 12
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
תַּ֣חַת
H8478
תַּ֣חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
8 of 12
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
יָ֔ד
for hand
H3027
יָ֔ד
for hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
9 of 12
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
רָֽגֶל׃
foot
H7272
רָֽגֶל׃
foot
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
10 of 12
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
Cross References
Deuteronomy 19:21And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.Matthew 7:2For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.Revelation 16:6For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.
Historical Context
Eye-for-eye wasn't literally practiced in most cases—restitution and fines substituted. The principle established proportionality: punishment must match offense. This protected both victim (justice served) and perpetrator (not over-punished).
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'eye for eye' establish both justice for victims and protection for perpetrators?
- Why does Jesus reference 'eye for eye' in the Sermon on the Mount—what's His point about personal relationships?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
The famous formula: exact correspondence between crime and punishment. 'Eye for eye' (עַיִן תַּחַת עָיִן, ayin tachat ayin) means the punishment fits the crime—no more, no less. This prevents both excessive vengeance and inadequate justice. Rabbinic tradition interpreted this as monetary compensation (paying the value of an eye), showing the law's spirit was restitution, not mutilation. Jesus quotes this in Matthew 5:38 to contrast civil justice with personal forgiveness—governments execute justice; individuals extend mercy. Paul echoes: 'Do not avenge yourselves...let God avenge' (Romans 12:19). God's justice is perfect; our vengeance isn't.