An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth

What's the meaning of the phrase 'An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth'?

The notion that for every wrong done there should be a compensating measure of justice.

What's the origin of the phrase 'An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth'?

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.

See also: the List of Proverbs.