Matthew 5:38

“¶ Yee haue heard that it hath beene said, An eie for an eie, and a tooth for a tooth.”

1611 King James Version (KJV)




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Other Translations

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
- King James Version

"You have heard that it was said, 'AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.'
- New American Standard Version (1995)

Ye have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
- American Standard Version (1901)

You have knowledge that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
- Basic English Bible

Ye have heard that it has been said, Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.
- Darby Bible

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.
- Webster's Bible

You have heard that it was said, `Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.'
- Weymouth Bible

You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.'
- World English Bible

Ye han herd that it hath be seid, Iye for iye, and tothe for tothe.
- Wycliffe Bible

`Ye heard that it was said: Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth;
- Youngs Literal Bible

Bible commentary

Wesley's Notes for Matthew 5:38


5:38 Ye have heard - Our Lord proceeds to enforce such meekness and love on those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake (which he pursues to the end of the chapter) as were utterly unknown to the scribes and Pharisees. It hath been said - In the law, as a direction to judges, in ease of violent and barbarous assaults. An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth - And this has been interpreted, as encouraging bitter and rigorous revenge. #Deut 19:21|.


People's Bible Notes for Matthew 5:38


Mt 5:38 An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. The law quoted is found in Ex 21:23-25 Le 24:18-20. Moses intended it to protect person and property by prescribing what punishment the law should inflict. He who took a life should lose his life; he who robbed another of an eye should be punished by the loss of an eye. The Jews perverted it to justify private retaliation.

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