What principle is highlighted in the phrase "eye for an eye" from Exodus?

The phrase "eye for an eye" from Exodus emphasizes the principle of equitable retaliation. This concept advocates that the punishment for a wrongdoing should be proportionate to the offense. In this context, if someone causes harm to another, the response should correspond directly to that harm, ensuring that the punishment is neither excessive nor insufficient.

This idea serves to limit vengeance and prevent the escalation of conflict, establishing a legal framework that seeks justice without allowing emotional impulses to dictate the severity of the response. It underscores a systematic approach to justice, where each action has a calculated and balanced reaction.

By focusing on the fairness of retaliation, it reinforces the notion that justice is not merely about revenge but rather about maintaining social order and accountability, highlighting the importance of proportionality in legal and moral judgments.