where did eye for an eye originate
The meaning and origin of the expression: An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. more like this... Meaning. The notion that for every wrong done there should be a compensating measure of justice. Origin. From the Code of Hammurabi. Hammurabi was King of Babylon, 1792-1750BC. The code survives today in the Akkadian language. Used in the Bible, Matthew 5:38 (King James Version): Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.