40 Bible verses about an eye for an eye

Bible verses about an eye for an eye reveal God’s original standard for justice, not personal revenge. This principle emphasized fairness, accountability, and limits, ensuring punishment never exceeded the offense committed.

In Scripture, “an eye for an eye” was meant to protect society from chaos, promote responsibility, and place judgment in lawful authority rather than emotional retaliation.

40 Bible verses about an eye for an eye

This list of 40 Bible verses about an eye for an eye guides readers through the biblical foundation of justice, accountability, and restraint as taught in both the Old and New Testaments.

Readers will discover where the phrase originated in the Law of Moses, how it was meant to prevent excessive punishment, and why it was never intended to promote personal revenge.

The verses also show how Jesus and the apostles expanded this teaching, emphasizing mercy, forgiveness, and trust in God as the ultimate judge of all wrongdoing.

This collection is ideal for Bible study, teaching, reflection, or deeper understanding of how God’s justice and grace work together throughout Scripture.

1. Exodus 21:23–25
   “And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.”

2. Leviticus 24:19–20
   “And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him; Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again.”

3. Deuteronomy 19:21
   “And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.”

Justice, Fairness, and Accountability

4. Proverbs 20:22
   “Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.”

5. Proverbs 24:29
   “Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.”

6. Deuteronomy 16:20
   “That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”

7. Psalm 37:28
   “For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever.”

8. Ecclesiastes 3:17
   “God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.”

Mercy Over Revenge

9. Leviticus 19:18
   “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

10. Proverbs 19:11
    “The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.”

11. Micah 6:8
    “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

12. Psalm 103:10
    “He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.”

Jesus Reframes “Eye for an Eye”

13. Matthew 5:38
    “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:”

14. Matthew 5:39
    “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

15. Matthew 5:40
    “And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.”

16. Matthew 5:44
    “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you.”

New Testament Teaching on Justice & Restraint

17. Romans 12:17
    “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.”

18. Romans 12:19
    “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

19. Romans 12:21
    “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

20. 1 Thessalonians 5:15
    “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good.”

God as the Righteous Judge

21. Deuteronomy 32:35
    “To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence.”

22. Psalm 94:1
    “O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.”

23. Hebrews 10:30
    “The Lord shall judge his people.”

24. Isaiah 30:18
    “For the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.”

Wisdom on Anger and Retaliation

25. Proverbs 15:1
    “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

26. Proverbs 16:32
    “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty.”

27. Proverbs 25:21
    “If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat.”

28. James 1:20
    “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”

Forgiveness and Higher Righteousness

29. Matthew 6:14
    “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

30. Matthew 18:21–22
    “I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”

31. Luke 6:27
    “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you.”

32. Luke 6:36
    “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”

Living Above Retaliation

33. Colossians 3:13
    “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another.”

34. Ephesians 4:32
    “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.”

35. 1 Peter 3:9
    “Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing.”

36. Galatians 6:7
    “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

Final Reflections on Justice & Mercy

37. Psalm 37:9
    “For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.”

38. Isaiah 1:17
    “Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed.”

39. Matthew 7:12
    “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”

40. James 2:13
    “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.”

Jesus’ Teaching on “An Eye for an Eye”

Jesus acknowledged the law of “an eye for an eye” but redirected its purpose from legal judgment to personal conduct. He challenged believers to resist retaliation and respond with humility.

Through His teaching, Jesus emphasized mercy, love for enemies, and trust in God’s justice rather than seeking personal revenge.

How “An Eye for an Eye” Applies to Christians Today

For Christians today, “an eye for an eye” is not a call to retaliation but a reminder to pursue justice without hatred. Believers are encouraged to act with wisdom and restraint.

Followers of Christ are called to forgive, seek peace, and leave judgment in God’s hands, even when wronged.

Lessons We Learn From Bible Verses About an Eye for an Eye

These Bible verses teach that God values fairness, order, and accountability, but never cruelty or uncontrolled anger.

They also reveal that mercy is greater than revenge and that true righteousness is shown through forgiveness, patience, and obedience to God’s will.

Conclusion

Bible verses about an eye for an eye reveal a principle of justice that emphasizes fairness and proportionality in response to wrongdoing. This teaching, found mainly in the Old Testament, was intended to limit excessive retaliation and promote balanced consequences.

However, the New Testament encourages believers to go beyond this by practicing forgiveness and mercy. Understanding these verses helps us grasp the balance between justice and compassion that the Bible advocates.