Retaliation(evil for evil, eye for eye, lex talionis)
/ree-tal-ee-AY-shun/
Summary
Retaliation—returning evil for evil—is forbidden to Christians, who are called to overcome evil with good and leave vengeance to God.
☩Old Testament Regulation
The Mosaic law's 'eye for an eye' principle limited retaliation to proportional justice administered by proper authorities, restraining unlimited private vengeance. This was not permission for personal revenge but a standard for judicial punishment.
Key verses:Exodus 21:23-25Leviticus 24:19-20Deuteronomy 19:21
☩Jesus' Higher Standard
Jesus explicitly superseded the old standard, calling His followers not to resist evil but to turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, and love their enemies. Paul reinforced this: 'Recompense to no man evil for evil .... Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.' This radical non-retaliation reflects God's own character.
Key verses:Matthew 5:38-44Romans 12:17-211 Peter 3:9
Related Verses29 mentions
See Also
1/2
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Retaliation," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Retaliation," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Retaliation," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).