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Eye for an Eye: Understanding the Bible in Relationship to Capital Punishment

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Does an "eye for an eye" justify the death penalty?

One of the most common arguments in favor for Capital Punishment is that the Bible justifies this when saying "an eye for an eye." But, is this what the verse really means? Noting one type of theology limits the amount of people that can be persuaded, so is this the most effective method to argue in favor of the Death Penalty. The purpose of this lens is to look at an "eye for an eye" references in the Bible and to discuss the limitations of using theology in a persuasive essay. Throughout the lens, there are places for you to vote, add comments, and leave feedback. Thanks for taking the time to look through the material.

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passages that use "an eye for an eye"

One of the most common arguments in favor for the Death Penalty is that this act is justified in the Bible. It is true that there are references to "an eye for an eye" throughout the book. However, how one analyzes the information changes according to the specific passage that is used. Also, noting one form of theology does limit the number of people who can be reached. The following passages are examples of where the reference is used in the Bible and how it limited the intended audience.

Exodus 21:24

...But if there is harm then you shall pay life for life ... eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, ...

this image can be found at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/?CTT=97This passage is from the Old Testament and is a law that is intended to explain how to deal with personal injury - such as attaches, kidnaps, and other serious crimes. The punishment for these crimes is harsh.

This is a passage that would apply to those who follow the message found in the Old Testament, such as those who follow Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. of the Jewish, Christians, and Muslims faiths. However, this would limit the Christians who follow the New Testament, all Buddhists, atheists, and so forth.

Leviticus 24:20

... Anyone who injures another person must be dealt with according to the injury inflicted ... fracture for a fracture, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Whatever anyone does to injure another person must be paid back in kind...

this image can be found at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/?CTT=97The "eye for an eye" reference is taken from a passage discussing how to deal with blaspheme. In Lev. 24:15-16, it says that "'If anyone curses his God, he will be held responsible; 16anyone who blasphemes the name of the LORD must be put to death..." Here, it notes how to deal with the crime of blaspheme. The passage continues to expand on this law noting in Lev. 24:17-20 "'If anyone takes the life of a human being, he must be put to death. 18Anyone who takes the life of someone's animal must make restitution-life for life. 19If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: 20fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. As he has injured the other, so he is to be injured. ....'" So, if a person is injured, he shall receive the same injury.

Just as in the other above example in Exodus, the Leviticus passage only can persuade persons from a cross-section of faiths who also initially share the same analysis of the passage.

Deuteronomy 19:21

...You must show no pity for the guilty! Your rule should be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot ...

The final passage from the Old Testament can be found in Deuteronomy 19:21. This passage discusses how to punish someone who gives false witness. Deut. 19:18-19 note that "The judges must make a thorough investigation, and if the witness proves to be a liar, giving false testimony against his brother, 19then do to him as he intended to do to his brother." So, accusing an innocent person of a crime results in "show[ing] no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot" (Deut. 19:21). Unlike the above books, the crime in this instance is not injuring someone physically but by the person's words.

As in the Lev. and Exo. books, the Deut. passage would apply to those who follow the message found in the Old Testament, such as those of the Jewish, Christians, and Muslims faiths. As well, arguing in favor of Capital Punishment would immediately exclude Christians who follow the New Testament, all Buddhists, atheists, and so forth.

Matthew 5:38

...You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth... But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also...

this image can be found at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/?CTT=97The above passage says that follows are not to assume vengeance. For Christians to use an "eye for an eye" argument in support for Capital Punishment, it is simply against the teachings in the New Testament. It is important when referencing any document, be it religious material or results from a study, that the whole text be assessed versus portions. Therefore, to use an "eye for an eye" reference used in the Bible does not support Capital Punishment.

To assume that the readers follow your understanding of the Bible or any religious text immediately limits the number of people who you can persuade. It is important to understand your audience and accurately present material that can appeal to them.

Conclusion

some final thoughts on the topic

Referencing a religious document in a paper becomes problematic. First, including notes from just one religious text immediately limits a writer's ability to reach and others who may not share similar convictions. In a world of overwhelmed with religions debates, a writer can never be certain about the theological background of an audience. Finally, writers can easily misquote the information; religious material needs to be analyzed in its entirety versus a few passages.

The whole theological confusion is easy to avoid. When gathering information for a persuasive essay, it is important to focus on the data and research so that the material can persuade persons from any faiths.

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additional resources

Additional Articles Online

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Here are a few more articles online about this topic. Feel free to rank the articles according to your preferences and add more resources to the list.

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An Eye for an Eye by Ángel Manuel Rodríguez

"This piece of legislation sounds barbaric an more...1 point

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God's Change in Old and New Testaments: Eye for an Eye or Turn the Other Cheek - 2pi.info

"Perhaps the most commonly felt difference be more...1 point

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An Eye for an Eye by Paul M. Bischke

"Get-Tough Laws Under Biblical Scrutiny ... & more...0 points

Additional Versus

The Bible is filled with law and how to govern. Are there additional references that relate to "an eye for an eye" that should also be noted? Feel free to add suggestions as well as the specific versus (or versus).

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Proverbs 13:3

"He who guards his lips guards his life, but more...1 point

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Leviticus 19:18

"'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge agains more...1 point

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Matthew 5:44

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for tho more...1 point

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Leviticus 23:22

"'When you reap the harvest of your land, do more...0 points

Balanced Debate

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These are books that discusses both sides of the capital punishment debate.
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Ethics & Religion

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Granted, this is a huge topic that cannot be summarized via a few books. However, the following are a few examples of this via ethics and religion.
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Global Perspective

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The topic of capital punishment is not just an American debate but occurs throughout the world as well. Following are a few books that discuss from a global prescriptive.
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