👁️ An Eye for an Eye: Exacting Justice, One Tooth at a Time 🦷
Definition
Revenge or retribution, repayment in kind. This term comes from Mosaic law as expressed in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy (19:21): “Thine eye shall not pity, but life shall for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” The sentiment and wording were repeated in the Book of Leviticus (24:20) but countermanded in the Gospel of St. Matthew (5:38–39), which tells us instead to turn the other cheek.
Related Terms
- Tit for Tat: Doing something bad to someone because they did it to you.
- Lex Talionis: The law of retaliation, where the punishment matches the crime.
- Karma: The idea that a person gets what they deserve.
Similar Expressions
- What goes around comes around.
- Payback time.
- Get even.
Synonyms
- Vendetta
- Retribution
- Retaliation
Antonyms
- Forgiveness
- Mercy
- Clemency
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “Revenge is sweet and not fattening.” — Alfred Hitchcock
- “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.” — Confucius
Proverbs
- “He who seeks revenge should remember to dig two graves.” — Chinese Proverb
- “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” — Proverb (origin debated)
Recommendations
Literature
- “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas: An epic story of betrayal and revenge.
- “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare: A pivotal revenge drama.
- “No Country for Old Men” by Cormac McCarthy: Includes themes of pursuit for justice and revenge.
Film
- “Gladiator”: For justice to be served with a sword!
- “Kill Bill”: The definitive tale of vendetta, katana-style.
- “John Wick”: An action-packed dive into personal retribution.
Music
- “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift: A pop revenge anthem.
- “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele: A vengeful ballad of lost love.
- “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood: A country ode to sweet (and destructive) revenge.
Poetry
- “Vengeance is my Love” by John Dryden: Classical poetic justice.
- “Revenge” by Letitia Elizabeth Landon: Verses aimed at repaying betrayal.
Educational
From a suggestive glance through millennia-old scriptures to modern-day tales spun from triumphs and betrayary, the phrase “an eye for an eye” has taught humanity the balance of justice and forgiveness. Frederick Douglass once said, “The soul that is within me no man can degrade.” Thus, through the lexicon of retribution, one finds the weight of human morality and the struggle forever wrought in its wake.
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell
While revenge may promise satisfaction and a twisted form of justice, the heart truly free is one that can forgive and grow beyond the wrongs of the past. Ultimately, it’s not what we do to others that defines us, but how we choose to rise above. Turn the page on vengeance and seek the higher path.
