An eye for an eye

The quote refers to an Old Testament reference from regarding the legal implication for violence against fellow man. The passage is contextually surrounded by examples of proper consequences for men who mistreat women, children and servants.

• 22 If men fight, and hurt a woman with child, so that she gives birth prematurely, yet no harm follows, he shall surely be punished accordingly as the woman's husband imposes on him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. 23 But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.
  • Exodus 21:22-25, Bible, New King James translation

• An eye for an eye leaves the entire world blind.
  • Mohandas Karmchand (Mahatma) Gandhi.
• "The old law about "an eye for an eye" leaves everybody blind."
  • Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.