Deuteronomy 19:16-21
19:21 a The legal principle described as life for life is known as lex talionis (“law of retaliation”), according to which the punishment must fit the crime (see Exod 21:23 b; Lev 24:20 c); it should be neither too lenient nor too severe. Appropriate punishment is a necessary function of government (cp. Rom 13:1-7 d), and it served to maintain Israel’s spiritual integrity as God’s people (see study note on Deut 17:7). But vengeance belongs to God, not individuals (see 1 Sam 25:26 e, 33 f; Matt 5:38-39 g; 1 Cor 6:1-8 h).
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