Biblical Philosophy

Biblical Interpretation In the Bible, one of the most important sayings is Lex Talionis. This involves the concepts of life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand and foot for foot. These ideas are influencing human behavior and the way someone embraces different morale standards. To fully comprehend these teachings requires carefully examining the readings from Deuteronomy 17: 8-13 and 19:15-21. Together, these elements will illustrate the way humankind is supposed to be living in accordance with these ideals.

The interpretation of the formula, Life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.u The concept of Lex Talionis is designed to show the way God will disperse vengeance and retribution against someone who goes against his philosophy. This can happen, with God utilizing various tools to extract revenge. In some cases, this may not come in the form of literal retribution against the person. Instead, the individual could suffer some kind of loss on an equal or greater level.

The only difference is these effects will be just as debilitating for the person. ("Holly Bible New International Version," 2007) Evidence of this can be seen in the passage from Deuteronomy 17: 8-13 which says, "If cases come before your courts that are too difficult for you to judge -- whether bloodshed, lawsuits or assaults -- take them to the place the Lord your God will choose. Go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who is in office at that time.

Inquire of them and they will give you the verdict. You must act according to the decisions they give you at the place the Lord will choose. Be careful to do everything they instruct you to do. Act according to whatever they teach you and the decisions they give you. Do not turn aside from what they tell you, to the right or to the left.

Anyone who shows contempt for the judge or for the priest who stands ministering there to the Lord your God is to be put to death. You must purge the evil from Israel. All the people will hear and be afraid, and will not be contemptuous again." This is showing how God will extract vengeance, by taking something equally as damaging for those who sin against him.

("Holly Bible New International Version," 2007) To accuse him of apostasy, that is, rebellion against God [not wrongdoing]? Those who are Christians and turn against God are seen someone who is in a form of rebellion. This is because they are questioning their beliefs. When this happens, someone must purge themselves of evil. This can take place in several different ways. In certain cases, the individual could be learning about who they are by questioning and re-questioning their own beliefs. While at other times, more extreme actions must be taken.

The basic point is that the individual must take steps to cleanse their body of evil. This is when God will be more accepting. ("Holly Bible New International Version," 2007) A good example of this can be seen in Deuteronomy 19:15-21 which says, "One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense they may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

If a malicious witness takes the stand to accuse someone of a crime, the two people involved in the dispute must stand.