What does Matthew 5:38 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 5:38, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth," is part of Jesus Christ's Sermon on the Mount.

In this statement, Jesus references a common understanding of Old Testament law, which was used to administer justice, stipulating that a person who has inflicted injury on another should suffer an equivalent injury in punishment.

The literal meaning of the text is that justice should match the crime, no more, no less.

However, the deeper meaning Jesus imparts is one of transcending the law of retaliation (also known as lex talionis) by urging forgiveness and non-retaliation instead.

Historical Context

This verse is set in the wider context of Jesus' teachings during the Sermon on the Mount, which is found in the Gospel of Matthew chapters 5-7.

Historically, the law of "an eye for an eye" was known in several ancient Near Eastern cultures and served as a guideline for justice in societies that might otherwise engage in escalating cycles of vendetta and violence.

By the time of Jesus' teaching, Jewish law aimed to regulate violence and provide fair and proportional justice within the community.

However, Jesus challenges his followers to respond to wrongdoing with acts of mercy rather than seeking equal retribution.

Theological Insights

There are varying theological insights regarding this verse.

Many Christian theologians see it as a call to ethical perfection and non-violence reflective of God's mercy.

St.

Augustine, for example, thought Matthew 5:38-42 urged believers towards a standard of behavior not achievable by human effort alone, requiring divine grace.

Reformation leaders like Martin Luther also saw this as a directive towards the inner attitude of Christians, where the spirit of the law should prevail over the letter of the law.

On the other hand, some theologians have suggested that Jesus does not abolish the law but fulfills it, pointing to a difference between public justice and personal retaliation.

From this viewpoint, the verse does not void the pursuit of justice through legal means but shapes the personal attitudes of Christians towards others.

Practical Applications

In daily life, Matthew 5:38 can be applied through the practice of forgiveness and resisting the urge for retaliation when wronged. It encourages individuals to break the cycle of revenge and offer the other cheek, committed to nonviolence and reconciliation.

This verse empowers believers to show grace and compassion in the face of injustice, striving to reflect God’s character in how they treat others, including enemies and those who do harm.

Cross-References

• 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,"
• 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."
• 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."
• 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."

Language Study

The phrase "An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth" translates from the Greek text "ὀφθαλμὸν ἀντὶ ὀφθαλμοῦ καὶ ὀδόντα ἀντὶ ὀδόντος." The term "ἀντὶ" (anti) signifies "in place of" indicating the idea of exact equivalent or replacement, which emphasizes the original intent of precise compensation in the law.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of "an eye for an eye" is not unique to Hebrew law. It appears in the Code of Hammurabi, an ancient Babylonian code of law, and was widespread in other ancient legal systems. The idea was meant to restrict excessive punishment or escalating vengeance.

In contrast, Jesus’ teachings, situated within and yet reforming this context, emphasize forgiveness and mercy that contrast with the more stringent applications of justice in other ancient cultures.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, particularly within the fields of psychology and social science, the principles of restorative justice reflected in this verse can have positive societal implications.

Studies on the emotional and psychological effects of revenge suggest that cycles of retaliation do not necessarily lead to satisfaction or resolution.

Instead, promoting forgiveness and nonviolent responses can lead to healthier communities and better mental health outcomes for individuals.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentaries have provided different insights into this verse:

• The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges notes that the law of retaliation was meant to limit vengeance, but in Christ's teaching, it finds its fulfillment, which is not in retaliation, but in forbearance.
• The Pulpit Commentary stresses the distinction between taking revenge and seeking justice.

While legal systems may adjudicate "eye for an eye" principles to maintain order, on a personal level, followers of Christ are called to show mercy.

• John Calvin explains that while civil governments might uphold laws for retribution, Christians are to practice self-denial and patience, not seeking personal retribution even when justice might allow it.

These perspectives generally agree that while Jesus’ teaching does not do away with justice, it does redefine the believer’s personal response to injury in terms of mercy and peacemaking rather than retaliation.