Question 11.4.2: Practices Towards Others: What does "eye for an eye" mean?


                                  Answer:
   
   The Written Law does, in Exodus 21:24 demand an "eye for an eye"
   (Exodus 21:24). However, the Oral Law explains that the verse must be
   understood as requiring monetary compensation: the value of an eye is
   what must be paid.
   
   Note that the Written Law does NOT imply "lex talionis" - gouging out
   the perpetrator's eye as retaliatory punishment. Gandhi and many
   others misunderstood this verse.

Top Document: soc.culture.jewish FAQ: Worship, Conversion, Intermarriage (5/12)
Previous Document: Question 11.4.1: Practices Towards Others: Does Judaism permit slavery?
Next Document: Question 11.4.3: Practices Towards Others: Is it permitted for a Jew to sell Christian objects?

Single Page

[ Usenet FAQs | Web FAQs | Documents | RFC Index ]

Send corrections/additions to the FAQ Maintainer:
SCJ FAQ Maintainer <maintainer@scjfaq.org>

Last Update October 22 2009 @ 05:26 AM