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Hebrew Text
וְלֹא תָחוֹס עֵינֶךָ נֶפֶשׁ בְּנֶפֶשׁ עַיִן בְּעַיִן שֵׁן בְּשֵׁן יָד בְּיָד רֶגֶל בְּרָגֶל׃
English Translation
And thy eye shall not pity; but life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
Transliteration
Ve'lo tachos einecha nefesh be'nefesh ayin be'ayin shen beshen yad be'yad regel be'regel.
Hebrew Leining Text
וְלֹ֥א תָח֖וֹס עֵינֶ֑ךָ נֶ֣פֶשׁ בְּנֶ֗פֶשׁ עַ֤יִן בְּעַ֙יִן֙ שֵׁ֣ן בְּשֵׁ֔ן יָ֥ד בְּיָ֖ד רֶ֥גֶל בְּרָֽגֶל׃ {ס}
Parasha Commentary
📚 Talmud Citations
This verse is quoted in the Talmud.
📖 Bava Kamma 83b
The verse is discussed in the context of the principle of 'an eye for an eye' and how it is interpreted as monetary compensation rather than literal retribution.
📖 Sanhedrin 90b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the severity of certain sins and the concept of divine justice.
📖 Makkot 4b
The verse is cited in a debate about the interpretation of 'an eye for an eye' and whether it should be understood literally or as monetary compensation.
Literal vs. Monetary Compensation
The verse (Devarim 19:21) states, "And thy eye shall not pity; but life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot." At first glance, this appears to mandate physical retaliation. However, the Oral Torah (as recorded in the Talmud, Bava Kamma 83b-84a) clarifies that this refers to monetary compensation rather than literal bodily retribution. Rashi explains that the Torah uses this phrasing to indicate that the value of the injury must be assessed precisely—just as one cannot restore an actual eye, the compensation must be equivalent to the full damage caused.
Principles of Justice and Fairness
Rambam (Hilchot Chovel u'Mazzik 1:3-6) elaborates that the Torah's intent is to ensure justice, not vengeance. The court evaluates five categories of damages for bodily injuries:
Thus, "eye for eye" means the offender must compensate the victim for all these aspects proportionally.
Why the Torah Uses Physical Terminology
The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 190) notes that the Torah employs vivid language to emphasize the severity of causing bodily harm. By framing it as "eye for eye," the Torah teaches that harming another person is akin to harming oneself—underscoring the gravity of the sin. The Mechilta (Mishpatim 8) adds that this phrasing prevents excessive leniency, ensuring the punishment matches the crime's impact.
The Prohibition of Pity in Judgment
The phrase "And thy eye shall not pity" instructs judges to rule impartially, without favoring the wealthy or the poor (Rashi, Devarim 19:21). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 6b) warns that misplaced compassion for the offender leads to injustice for the victim. Rambam (Hilchot Sanhedrin 20:4) stresses that judges must evaluate damages objectively, without emotional bias.