An Eye for An Eye, A Tooth for A Tooth

Prof. Milianus Beck here explains the meaning of Lex Talionis in the Hebrew Bible in the light of Exodus 21, 22-25 and related Biblical texts. He argues that lex talionis (the principle of An Eye for an Eye, A Tooth for a Tooth) announces good news to the community whenever it is wounded and fractured due to human insubstantiality. He discusses the many meanings of lex talionis that emerge, arguing that it is not a bloody principle of revenge but one of justice as the selected biblical passages involve women and children. It explores numerous aspects relating to the lex talionis such as suffering of loss/injury, the sense of respect, livelihood concerns, the concept of punishment, the notion of retaliation and blood guilt.