What is an eye for an eye?

Answer 1

"You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth". But I say to you, do not resist an evildoer. If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." Matthew 5:38-39

There's also a quote from Ghandi :- "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."

Answer 2

This is a reference to the Bible verse in Leviticus about appropriate punishments. If someone was blinded in an eye, they were free to gouge out the eye of the person who blinded them - but not allowed to do anything more than that to them. The basis for this is also a part of the Code of Hammurabi, a code of ethics designed to put limits on punishment and revenge.

It is also sometimes used today in the shortened form "eye for an eye" to condemn getting revenge, especially in situations of anger and rash/hasty action, and as an admonishment to be more wise.

The related saying, "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind" originated by William Shakespeare, and later reiterated by Mahatma Gandhi. The Biblical reference to "an eye for an eye" is found in the Mosaic Law of the Old Testament (Leviticus), regarding the punishment of crime amongst the Israelite tribes, in accordance with the Covenant of the Law.