{An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth} (ophthalmon
anti ophthalmou kai odonta anti odontos). Note anti with the
notion of exchange or substitution. The quotation is from  Ex
21:24  De 19:21  Le 24:20 . Like divorce this _jus talionis_ is a
restriction upon unrestrained vengeance. "It limited revenge by
fixing an exact compensation for an injury" (McNeile). A money
payment is allowed in the Mishna. The law of retaliation exists
in Arabia today.