A.T. Robertson Commentary Matthew 5:38

"Ye have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:" — Matthew 5:38 (ASV)

An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth (οφθαλμον αντ οφθαλμου κα οδοντα αντ οδοντος). Note αντ with the notion of exchange or substitution. The quotation is from Ex 21:24; Deuteronomy 19:21; Leviticus 24:20. Like divorce this jus talionis is a restriction upon unrestrained vengeance. "It limited revenge by fixing an exact compensation for an injury" (McNeile). A money payment is allowed in the Mishna. The law of retaliation exists in Arabia today.