Does the bible teach an eye for an eye? IF it does does that mean the death penalty should be moral?

Answer 1

Yes the death penalty is completely moral. It teaches the notion that the punishment should fit the crime. The eye for an eye thing is given three times in the Bible all to the leaders who took care of the civic laws. It was never intended that if you were wronged you could enact an eye for an eye but that the magistrates could. Thus there is no conflict with the turn the other cheek thing given to individuals. If I wrong you you turn the other cheek, you forgive but it is right that you should still seek justice amongst those who take the eye for the eye.

Answer 2

I think you are falling into a common misunderstanding.

First, the Bible does teach "eye for an eye" (Ex 21:24 and Le 24:20). However, the context is that this was said in a time and place where if someone poked out your eye, you killed him. So, it is a call for restraint, not revenge. The passages are saying if someone pokes out your eye, the worst you can do to them is poke out their eye.

While that is the worst you can do, The Bible also teaches what is the best thing to do. Mt 5:39 tells us to turn the other cheek, to forgive and love those that hurt us.

Now the issue of the death penalty is a completely separate issue. It does not deal with the acts of individuals, but the acts of the powers of government. Rom 13:1-7 makes it clear that the government has certain powers not invested in the individual (it mentions taxation specifically). It goes on to say that we should submit to the authorities and to the rule of law, at least in as much as those laws do not violate God's law concerning Him. The government is allowed to use violence in order to insure the peace, otherwise there would be no means by which to control violent, sinful people. Capital punishment is currently the law of the land and is the ultimate expression of violence for the purpose of maintaining peace and order. That is why it is moral, though I personally advocate against it, but for other reasons.

Answer 3

Interesting question. If by the Bible, you mean the compiliation of both ancient Hebrew (and Aramaic) Scriptures (aka "the Old Testament) and the later Greek Scriptures (aka "the New Testament), then really the answer is both. The ancient Hebrews did practice a form of justice that followed the "eye for an eye" teaching. However, Jesus (aka the Jewish Messiah) turned that teaching over in favor of mercy in his famous teaching to the masses (often called the sermon on the mount). He taught forgiveness, even in the face of great evil, a huge diversion from the old Hebrew law. So, since both are included in "the Bible" then both are true.

Having said that, I realize I didn't answer the second part of your question. Sorry.

Answer 4

the New Testament does not. Read the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus discusses this. Read Matthew chapters 5-7. The death penalty is moral because the Bible clearly give the state the right to execute. In America, our system of justice is about as good as it is going to get. Several men have been freed off death row because of DNA evidence. That innocent men have been executed, there is not doubt. AS scientific investigation gets even more sophisticated, maybe no innocent man or woman will go to the death chamber.

Answer 5

Yes it does. But that is in the context of the Old Law Covenant set down for the Israelites when they were God's chosen nation. We are no longer under the that covenant. God is not directly ruling human affairs at this time.

As to the morality of the death penalty, that is for each person to decide. But I do propose: Do we have the right to judge another or take the life of another human being?

Answer 6

An eye for an eye actually means monatary payment. (The Talmud discusses it.) The death penalty is commanded right after the Flood of Noah- it's a solid proof.

Answer 7

Gen 9:6 Whoever sheds man's blood, his blood shall be shed by man. For He made man in the image of God.

This verse is part of the Noahtic covenant. It is here that God first states that capital punishment is acceptable for murder.

The eye for an eye verse is often misunderstood. It has to do with legal dealings and proper restitution for a crime. For example, if I stole a horse from you, then I owe you a horse or something of equal value. This statute was made to make sure that the restitution was not too little nor heavy handed.

Answer 8

i think if the death penalty is in effect that when that judgment is made why do we keep this person in prison for years instead of executing them. i also wonder how it would be if the people who are the jurors had to be the same people who pulled the switch in a sense. obviously the punishments for the crimes in the USA are not deterring criminals enough to keep us from building more prisons. it costs us some astronomical figure like over 50,000 to house a prisoner compared to some small figure spent on education. or people in social security and welfare get less than 12,000 a year.

Answer 9

The bible doesn't teach an eye for an eye. Atilla the Hun started that trend when he ruled over China. The bible teaches eternal forgiveness. Only God can judge and decide death.

Answer 10

The Gospel of Matthew teaches AGAINST "eye for an eye" rationalization.

Instead, in his famous "Sermon on the Mount," Jesus instructs Christians to "turn the other cheek" and "pray for those who persecute you."

True Christanity is not about revenge, it is about love.