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Tooth

From: Boyd's Bible Dictionary: T By: James P. Boyd

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The Jewish law of retaliation permitted the deprivation of “eye for eye, tooth for tooth”

(Ex. 21:24²⁴Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, (Exodus 21:24)). The principle of this law was condemned by Christ (Matt. 5:38-42³⁸Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: ³⁹But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. ⁴⁰And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. ⁴¹And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. ⁴²Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. (Matthew 5:38‑42)). Teeth used figuratively for the inheritable quality of sin (Ezek. 18:2²What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge? (Ezekiel 18:2)); “cleanness of teeth” a figure for famine (Amos 4:6⁶And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord. (Amos 4:6)); “gnashing of teeth” indicative of rage and despair (Matt. 8:12¹²But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 8:12)).

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Boyd's Bible Dictionary: T

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• Tophet, Topheth