Gospel of Matthew Chapter 5 Vs. 38

 Retaliation

Verses 38-39: The principle of retaliation is common in both Hebrew and other ancient Near Eastern law codes (the Code of Hammurabi). The judicial penalty of “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” is stated (in Exodus 21:24), as a means of ending feuds. However, Jesus is clearly saying this method is not a license for vengeance.

The Savior’s point is that we should “resist not evil”. Evil is seen here, not as a state, but rather as the action of the evil ones or the malicious ones.

It represents the evil and sinful element in man which provokes him to an evil act. Jesus shows how the believer should respond to personal injury. He is not discussing the government’s obligation to maintain law and order.

These passages do not mean that a man should not defend his family or his country, but rather that he should not attempt personal vengeance, even through the means of the law, to compensate for a personal injury. Jesus gives five examples (verses 39-42), of how the believer should react to unfair or unreasonable treatment.

In retaliation to physical violence, he is to “turn to him the other (cheek) also”. Man’s natural impulse is to strike back, but the disciple is not to be a natural man. He is to “overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21). There is no greater example of this ethical truth that the life and death of Jesus Himself.

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

An eye for... The law did establish this standard as a principle for limiting retribution to that which was just (Exo. 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21). Its design was to ensure that the punishment in civil cases fit the crime. It was never meant to sanction acts of personal retaliation.

So again, Jesus made no alteration to the true meaning of the law. He was merely explaining and affirming the law’s true meaning.

(Luke 6:29-30) The words Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth come from several Old Testament passages (Exo. 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21); they are called the lex talionis, the law of retaliation. This law was given to protect the innocent and to make sure retaliation did not occur beyond the offense. Jesus pointed out, however, that while the rights of the innocent were protected by the Law, the righteous need not necessarily claim their rights.