<P> Isaac Kalimi explains that the "lex talionis was humanized by the Rabbis who interpreted "an eye for an eye" to mean reasonable pecuniary compensation . As in the case of the Babylonian' lex talionis', ethical Judaism and humane Jewish jurisprudence replaces the peshat (literal meaning) of the written Torah . Pasachoff and Littman point to the reinterpretation of the lex talionis as an example of the ability of Pharisaic Judaism to "adapt to changing social and intellectual ideas ." </P> <P> The Talmud interprets the verses referring to "an eye for an eye" and similar expressions as mandating monetary compensation in tort cases and argues against the interpretations by Sadducees that the Bible verses refer to physical retaliation in kind, using the argument that such an interpretation would be inapplicable to blind or eyeless offenders . Since the Torah requires that penalties be universally applicable, the phrase cannot be interpreted in this manner . </P> <P> The Oral Law explains, based upon the biblical verses, that the Bible mandates a sophisticated five - part monetary form of compensation, consisting of payment for "Damages, Pain, Medical Expenses, Incapacitation, and Mental Anguish"--which underlies many modern legal codes . Some rabbinic literature explains, moreover, that the expression, "An eye for an eye, etc ." suggests that the perpetrator deserves to lose his own eye, but that biblical law treats him leniently . − Paraphrased from the Union of Orthodox Congregations . </P> <P> However, the Torah also discusses a form of direct reciprocal justice, where the phrase ayin tachat ayin makes another appearance . Here, the Torah discusses false witnesses who conspire to testify against another person . The Torah requires the court to "do to him as he had conspired to do to his brother". Assuming the fulfillment of certain technical criteria (such as the sentencing of the accused whose punishment was not yet executed), wherever it is possible to punish the conspirators with exactly the same punishment through which they had planned to harm their fellow, the court carries out this direct reciprocal justice (including when the punishment constitutes the death penalty). Otherwise, the offenders receive lashes . </P>

Where does the term eye for an eye come from