Is there a passage in the Bible that condones revenge?
The eye-for-an-eye phrase quoted above was from Exodus 21:23–27. However this simply means that one should compensate an offended party by giving up from themselves what they have taken from the other party, or to compensate them with something of equal value. However this is from the Old Testament, and the New testament is sometimes seen as contradicting it. An eye for an eye is more accepted in Judaism. However in Christianity the more common phrase when it comes to revenge is…. You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth”. But I say to you, do not resist an evildoer. If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. (Matthew 5:38–39) So I suppose no, the Bible does not outright condone revenge, but rather says if you are going to accept compensation, let the compensation be equal to what you have suffered, and no more.
