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

MATTHEW 5:38KJV
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Matthew 5:38 (KJV)

What does Matthew 5:38 mean?

Matthew 5:38 refers to the well-known principle of "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth," which was a standard of justice in the ancient world. Jesus is reminding his listeners of this rule, which allowed for equal retribution when someone was wronged.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd during his Sermon on the Mount, addressing people familiar with Jewish law and tradition. By quoting this phrase, Jesus sets up a contrast with what he will say next, preparing his audience for a new way of thinking about justice and personal retaliation.

The Greek behind Matthew 5:38

  • ὀφθαλμὸν (ophthalmon) — "eye": This word specifically means the physical eye, emphasizing the concrete and literal nature of the rule being quoted.
  • ἀντὶ (anti) — "for": This preposition means "in place of" or "in exchange for," highlighting the idea of exact equivalence in justice.
  • ὀδόντα (odonta) — "tooth": Like "eye," this word is literal, reinforcing that the original law was about fair and measured retribution, not excessive punishment.

Why Matthew 5:38 matters

  • Matthew 5:38 helps clarify that the "eye for an eye" rule was originally about limiting revenge, not encouraging violence or cruelty.
  • By quoting this law, Jesus prepares his listeners for his teaching on responding to wrongdoing, which will go beyond the old standard.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus often contrasts traditional teachings with his own deeper interpretation.

Where else these words appear

“tooth” Greek G3599 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
  • Matthew 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
  • Mark 9:18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.

“for” Greek G473 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Luke 12:3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.
  • Ephesians 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

“said” Greek G4483 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Matthew 5:31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
  • Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place,(whoso readeth, let him understand:)

“eye” Greek G3788 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Luke 10:23 And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:
  • Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.