Start with the text.
World English Bible Updated · public domain. The passages below are source text, not AI quotations.
Exodus 21:22-25 Read passage
22“If men fight and hurt a pregnant woman so that she gives birth prematurely, and yet no harm follows, he shall be surely fined as much as the woman’s husband demands and the judges allow.
23But if any harm follows, then you must take life for life,
24eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
25burning for burning, wound for wound, and bruise for bruise.
Matthew 5:38-42 Read passage
38“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’
39But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40If anyone sues you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also.
41Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.
42Give to him who asks you, and don’t turn away him who desires to borrow from you.
Romans 12:17-21 Read passage
17Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.
18If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.
19Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.”
20Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Read this in context.
Exodus 21 sets civil compensation standards for judges in Israel. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses how people were using a courtroom limit to justify personal vendettas.
What we can observe.
Exodus 21 surrounds the phrase with monetary restitution rules. Matthew 5:39-42 gives everyday examples of insult and coercion rather than capital crimes.
A reading to consider.
Jesus does not abolish fair protection of the vulnerable in public justice; he rejects using legal equivalence as an excuse for personal retaliation.
Where Christians differ.
Pacifist and Anabaptist traditions read Matthew 5:38-42 as a comprehensive prohibition of force for Christians. Just-war and magisterial traditions distinguish personal non-retaliation from public civic defense of the innocent.
Read it for yourself.
Where are you tempted to use fairness as a reason to get even in a personal relationship?
A question of your own?
Take what you have read into a guided study. Begin with the passages, explore their context, and keep room for your own reflection.