King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death.
Complete Jewish Bible:
He who kills an animal is to make restitution, but he who kills another person is to be put to death.
Berean Standard Bible:
Whoever kills an animal must make restitution, but whoever kills a man must be put to death.
American Standard Version:
And he that killeth a beast shall make it good: and he that killeth a man shall be put to death.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
And he that killeth{H5221} a beast{H929}, he shall restore{H7999} it: and he that killeth{H5221} a man{H120}, he shall be put to death{H4191}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Leviticus 24:17
- And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death.
Leviticus 24:18
- And he that killeth a beast shall make it good; beast for beast.
Exodus 21:33
- And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein;
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Commentary for Leviticus 24:21
Leviticus 24:21 is part of the Holiness Code in the Book of Leviticus, which contains laws given to Moses by God for the Israelite community. The verse is situated within a legal framework that outlines various penalties for different offenses, reflecting the principle of "an eye for an eye," known as lex talionis, which was a common legal principle in the ancient Near East. This principle aimed to ensure that the punishment fit the crime and to prevent excessive retaliation.
The specific text of Leviticus 24:21 addresses two distinct cases of killing: the first involves the unlawful killing of an animal, which requires the offender to make restitution, presumably by compensating the owner for the loss of the beast. The second case is far more severe, dealing with the intentional killing of a human being. In this instance, the law prescribes the death penalty for the murderer. This reflects the high value placed on human life in biblical law and the belief that the life of a human being is not comparable to that of an animal; hence, the penalty for taking a human life is much more severe.
In its historical context, this law served to maintain order and justice within the Israelite society. It was designed to deter potential offenders and to provide a clear and structured response to serious crimes. The verse also underscores the concept of bloodguilt, which is a recurring theme in the Bible, where the shedding of innocent blood pollutes the land and requires the life of the murderer to atone for the crime.
In summary, Leviticus 24:21 encapsulates the gravity of taking a life, whether animal or human, within the legal system of ancient Israel. It emphasizes the principle of equivalent retribution and the sanctity of human life, which necessitates the ultimate punishment for murder. This verse is reflective of the broader legal and moral code that sought to govern the conduct of the Israelites, ensuring a just and orderly society.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H5221
There are 460 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָכָה
Transliteration: nâkâh
Pronunciation: naw-kaw'
Description: a primitive root; to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively); beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. - Strong's Number: H929
There are 172 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בְּהֵמָה
Transliteration: bᵉhêmâh
Pronunciation: be-hay-maw'
Description: from an unused root (probably meaning to be mute); properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective); beast, cattle. - Strong's Number: H7999
There are 107 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁלַם
Transliteration: shâlam
Pronunciation: shaw-lam'
Description: a primitive root; to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate (in various applications); make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. - Strong's Number: H120
There are 581 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָדָם
Transliteration: ʼâdâm
Pronunciation: aw-dawm'
Description: from אָדַם; ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.); [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. - Strong's Number: H4191
There are 694 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מוּת
Transliteration: mûwth
Pronunciation: mooth
Description: a primitive root; to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill; [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise.