Apparent Contradictions

Eye for an Eye vs. Turn the Other Cheek

Matthew 5:38-39 vs. Exodus 21:24

“Did Jesus contradict the Old Testament law of "eye for an eye" with his command to turn the other cheek?”

The Passage

The Question

Did Jesus contradict the Old Testament law of "eye for an eye" with his command to turn the other cheek?

Before You Read

☀Watch for these thinking traps

Hard verses are where our biases and assumptions do the most damage. Before diving into scholarly perspectives, consider which thinking patterns might be shaping how you read this passage.

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Harmonization at All Costs

Forcing texts to agree can obscure what each author actually intended.

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False Dilemma

Contradictions often arise from assuming only two options exist.

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Genre Blindness

Different genres use numbers, sequence, and detail differently.

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Socratic Method

Systematic questioning helps you examine assumptions before reaching conclusions.

Explore all thinking tools →

Scholarly Perspectives

conservativeCatholic Answers

not really sure whether he's an atheist agnostic but the big deal is right now it's about slavery and so recently he sent me exodus 21 verses 20 to 21 where it talks about beating...

theologicalCross Examined

s to do with adultery of the heart >> right >> so interiorizing God's ethical demand you can't even get away now, not just with what you do overtly externally, but what's going on...

historicalBibleProject

name is Madison and I live in Allen, Texas. My question comes from episode four of the series going through the Deuteronomy scroll. Y'all discussed seeing the broader wisdom...

Original Language Notes

Hebrew / Greek Analysis

Key Context

Historical & Literary Context

Read Matthew 5:38-39 vs. Exodus 21:24 in Context

Faith vs. Works: Does the Bible Contradict Itself?

The Rapture: Is It in the Bible?

Sources: Published scholarship View all →

All Hard Verses