#misunderstoodjudaism

“An eye for an eye” (עין תחת עין) is one of the most misunderstood phrases in the Torah. Judaism never took it literally. The Talmud (Bava Kama 83b–84a) makes clear: it’s about financial compensation, not physical retaliation.

Maimonides explained that the dramatic language emphasizes the severity of the harm; the perpetrator must recognize the gravity of their actions and do teshuva (repentance). Justice in Judaism is about accountability, not vengeance. It's about repairing harm with dignity, not perpetuating pain.