Charles Spurgeon 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)

The law of an eye for an eye, as administered in the proper courts of law, was founded in justice and worked far more equitably than the more modern system of fines, for that method allows rich men to offend with comparative impunity.

But when the lex talionis came to be the rule of daily life, it fostered revenge and our Savior would not tolerate it as a principle carried out by individuals. Good law in court may be very bad custom in common society. He spoke against what had become a proverb and was heard and said among the people, Ye have heard that it hath been said.

Our loving King would have private dealings ruled by the spirit of love and not by the rule of law.

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

The law of an eye for an eye, as administered in the proper courts of law, was founded in justice and worked far more equitably than the more modern system of fines; for that method allows rich men to offend with comparative impunity, but when the lex talionis came to be the rule of daily life, it fostered revenge, and our Saviour would not tolerate it as a principle carried out by individuals.

Good law in court may be very bad custom in common society. He spoke against what had become a proverb and was heard and said among the people, "Ye have heard that it hath been said." Our loving King would have private dealings ruled by the spirit of love and not by the rule of law.