Exodus 21:23-25
But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just about "an eye for an eye" in a crude sense; it's about establishing a principle of proportionate justice administered by authorities, not private vengeance. The "life for life" mandate likely refers to the penalty a judge would impose, rather than a direct execution by the wronged party, safeguarding against escalating chaos and personal revenge.
This passage follows an earlier scenario where a pregnant woman is accidentally injured, causing a miscarriage. Here, the law clarifies that if a more serious consequence, like death, results from such an injury, the penalty is severe: life for life. This principle of exact retaliation, also known as "an eye for an eye," is established to guide judges in determining just compensation for harm.
This ancient law sounds harsh – 'life for life.' But what was its real purpose? Was it about revenge, or something more profound?
The principle of 'life for life' (lex talionis) in Exodus 21:23 wasn't about encouraging personal vengeance. Instead, it served as a judicial principle for the magistrate.
A Framework for Justice
Beyond Literal Interpretation
While the phrase sounds absolute, the broader context of the law and later interpretations (including Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5) show that it was often applied through compensation rather than exact replication of the injury. The principle was about justice, not a blind, literal tit-for-tat.
What happens when harm isn't intentional? Does 'life for life' still apply in the same way? The text hints at a crucial distinction.
The context of Exodus 21 reveals that the penalty was directly tied to the result of the action, but the severity of application could depend on intent.
Consequences and Intent
Understand the original words
nephesh tachat nephesh · Hebrew Noun Phrase
A fundamental legal principle known as lex talionis (the law of retaliation). It mandates that the penalty must exactly match the nature and severity of the crime, ensuring proportionality in justice.
petsa · Hebrew Noun
Physical injury or a bruise caused by a blow. It signifies the lasting mark or damage left on the body by violence, necessitating corresponding restitution.
chabbuwrah · Hebrew Noun
A weal or welt resulting from a lash or blow. It represents the physical evidence of corporal punishment or violent assault.
This passage directly echoes the principle of 'life for life' by stating 'If anyone injures their neighbor, whatever injury they have inflicted, it is to be inflicted on them.'
Deuteronomy 19:21This verse reiterates the lex talionis principle in the context of false testimony, stating 'Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.'
Matthew 5:38Jesus directly addresses this principle, quoting 'You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.'
Numbers 35:31This passage highlights the absolute prohibition against accepting monetary compensation for a murderer, underscoring the value of life, stating 'Moreover, you shall accept no ransom for the life of a murderer, who is guilty of death, but he shall be put to death.'
gillExodus 21:23: "And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,"
And if any mischief follow,.... According as that is, so shall it be done to the smiter: if death follows: then thou shalt give life for life; if death to the woman, so Jarchi and Aben Ezra interpret it; to which agrees the Targum of Jonathan,"but if there is death in her, then ye shall judge or condemn the life of the murderer for the life of the woman;''about which, Jarchi says, there is a difference among their d…
cambridgeExodus 21:23: "And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,"
23–25 . The Lex Talionis . But if any mischief happen , then compensation is to be made on the principle of the lex talionis . Vv. 23–25 are, however, worded quite generally, and mention many injuries not at all likely to happen to the woman in the special case contemplated in v. 22, or even to the combatants themselves (injuries to whom Di. thinks might be included in the ‘mischief’ meant): hence, probably, either…
This verse isn't just about "an eye for an eye" in a crude sense; it's about establishing a principle of proportionate justice administered by authorities, not private vengeance. The "life for life" mandate likely refers to the penalty a judge would impose, rather than a direct execution by the wronged party, safeguarding against escalating chaos and personal revenge.
This passage follows an earlier scenario where a pregnant woman is accidentally injured, causing a miscarriage. Here, the law clarifies that if a more serious consequence, like death, results from such an injury, the penalty is severe: life for life. This principle of exact retaliation, also known as "an eye for an eye," is established to guide judges in determining just compensation for harm.
This passage follows an earlier scenario where a pregnant woman is accidentally injured, causing a miscarriage. Here, the law clarifies that if a more serious consequence, like death, results from such an injury, the penalty is severe: life for life. This principle of exact retaliation, also known as "an eye for an eye," is established to guide judges in determining just compensation for harm.
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The Weight of Unintended Consequences
Commentaries point out that while accidental harm might not always lead to death, it still required significant accountability. This law grappled with the immense value of life and the severe consequences of actions, even those not driven by malice.
"But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe." — This verse isn't just about "an eye for an eye" in a crude sense; it's about establishing a principle of proportionate justice administered by authorities, not private vengeance. The "life for life"…
