Text: Deuteronomy 19:18-21
OT Text Referred to: Leviticus 24:20
Subject: lex talionis (eye for eye) principle
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Direct Quotation
Connection Method(s): Longitudinal Theme
Significance: Leviticus 24:20 states the lex talionis: "fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth" (עַיִן תַּחַת עַיִן, ayin tachat ayin) — proportional restitution for bodily injury. Deuteronomy 19:18-21 applies this same principle specifically to the case of false witnesses: "you must do to the false witness as he intended to do to his brother... life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth." The Deuteronomic application narrows the lex talionis to a judicial context — perjury in court proceedings — and adds the deterrent rationale: "the rest of the people will hear and be afraid, and will never again do such a wicked thing among you." Both texts establish proportional justice as the standard, preventing both excessive punishment and inadequate compensation.