Deuteronomy 19:21

KJV

And thine eye shall not pity; [but] life [shall go] for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thine eye {H5869} shall not pity {H2347}; but life {H5315} shall go for life {H5315}, eye {H5869} for eye {H5869}, tooth {H8127} for tooth {H8127}, hand {H3027} for hand {H3027}, foot {H7272} for foot {H7272}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

Berean Standard Bible

You must show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot.

American Standard Version

And thine eyes shall not pity; life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 19:21 encapsulates the foundational principle of *lex talionis*, or "law of retaliation," within Israel's judicial system, mandating that punishment must precisely fit the crime—life for life, eye for eye, and so forth. Far from promoting personal vengeance, this verse served as a crucial legal restraint, establishing a standard of proportionate justice administered by impartial courts. It aimed to prevent both excessive retaliation and insufficient penalty, thereby upholding the sanctity of life and body while ensuring equity and order within the community under God's righteous law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 19:21 stands as the culminating statement within a section (Deuteronomy 19:15-21) dedicated to the administration of justice, particularly concerning the integrity of witness testimony. The preceding verses establish the requirement for multiple witnesses in legal cases ([Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Requirement of Multiple Witnesses")), outline the procedure for dealing with false witnesses ([Deuteronomy 19:16](/deuteronomy/19-16 "Deuteronomy 19:16 - Dealing with False Witnesses")), and prescribe that a false witness should suffer the very penalty they intended for the innocent party ([Deuteronomy 19:18](/deuteronomy/19-18 "Deuteronomy 19:18 - Punishment for False Witness")). Thus, verse 21 provides the underlying principle—the "measure for measure" standard—that justifies the severity and precision of the punishment for such offenses, ensuring that justice is not only served but seen to be proportionate and strict. This section is nestled within a broader legal code that transitions from civil and criminal laws to specific regulations for warfare.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "life for life, eye for eye" was not unique to ancient Israel; similar principles of proportionate justice (though often more brutal or less equitable in application) can be found in other Ancient Near Eastern (ANE) legal codes, such as the Code of Hammurabi or the Laws of Eshnunna. However, Israel's *lex talionis* was distinctive. Unlike personal vengeance, which often led to escalating blood feuds, this law was to be applied judicially, by appointed judges, not by individuals. Its primary purpose was to *limit* retaliation to a just and equivalent recompense, preventing victims or their families from inflicting greater harm than what was originally suffered. It set a *maximum* penalty, not a minimum, and in many cases, especially for non-fatal injuries, the "eye for eye" could be commuted to monetary compensation, reflecting a more humane application than often perceived. This judicial control was a significant step towards a more ordered and just society.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the Mosaic Law and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it embodies **Proportional Justice** (*Lex Talionis*), ensuring that punishment precisely fits the crime, thereby preventing both excessive and insufficient retribution. This principle is not about personal vengeance but about establishing a fair, impartial, and controlled judicial system. Secondly, the command "And thine eye shall not pity" emphasizes **Impartiality and Strict Adherence to Law**. Judges and legal authorities were required to administer justice without personal bias, sentimentality, or favoritism, upholding the integrity of the legal process. This reflects God's own character as a righteous judge who is just in all His ways ([Psalm 11:7](/psalms/11-7 "Psalm 11:7 - God's Righteousness")). Thirdly, the detailed listing of body parts underscores the **Sanctity of Life and Bodily Integrity**, recognizing the immense value of each individual and the severity of any harm inflicted upon them. This principle is foundational to the covenant relationship, where God's people are called to reflect His justice in their societal structures ([Deuteronomy 16:20](/deuteronomy/16-20 "Deuteronomy 16:20 - Pursue Justice")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pity (Hebrew, _ḥûs_):** The Hebrew verb חוס (transliterated _ḥûs_) means "to spare," "to pity," "to look with compassion," or "to feel sorrow for." In this context, the negative command "thine eye shall not pity" (לֹא תָחוּס עֵינֶךָ, _loʾ tāḥûs ʿênekā_) is a strong injunction against judicial leniency or sentimentality. It instructs judges to apply the law strictly and impartially, without allowing personal feelings or social status to sway their judgment. This ensures that the punishment, once determined according to the law, is carried out precisely, thereby upholding the integrity and deterrent effect of the legal system.
* **Life (Hebrew, _nep̄eš_):** The Hebrew word נפש (transliterated _nep̄eš_) is multifaceted, often translated as "soul," "life," "person," or "being." Here, in the phrase "life for life" (_nep̄eš taḥat nep̄eš_), it primarily signifies the physical life of an individual. Its inclusion at the forefront of the *lex talionis* list underscores the supreme value of human life within the Mosaic Law. It dictates that the taking of a life (murder) demands the forfeiture of the perpetrator's life, establishing capital punishment as the ultimate consequence for such a grave offense and reflecting the sanctity of life as created in God's image.
* **Eye for eye (Hebrew, _ʿayin taḥat ʿayin_):** The phrase עין תחת עין (transliterated _ʿayin taḥat ʿayin_) literally means "eye under eye" or "eye in place of eye." The preposition תחת (_taḥat_) signifies "under," "instead of," or "in place of," emphasizing substitution or equivalence. This precise phrasing, repeated for other body parts, is the classic expression of *lex talionis*. While often misinterpreted as a literal call for physical mutilation, its primary intent within the legal code was to establish a principle of equitable compensation or punishment in a court of law. It set a precise standard for judges to ensure that penalties were commensurate with the damage inflicted, thereby limiting potential over-punishment and ensuring justice was proportionate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thine eye shall not pity;":** This opening clause serves as a stern directive to the judicial authorities. It commands absolute impartiality and strictness in the application of the law. Judges were not to allow personal sympathy, social standing, or any emotional bias to influence their decisions or the execution of the prescribed punishment. This ensured that justice was administered objectively and consistently, reflecting God's own righteous and unwavering character.
* **"[but] life [shall go] for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.":** This is the core declaration of the *lex talionis*. It enumerates specific instances of injury or loss, establishing a precise equivalence between the offense and its penalty. "Life for life" addresses capital offenses, while the subsequent phrases ("eye for eye," "tooth for tooth," etc.) apply to bodily harm. This principle was designed to set a maximum limit on retribution, preventing the escalation of violence and blood feuds common in ancient societies. It mandated that the punishment should be exactly proportionate to the harm caused, ensuring that justice was served without excessive or insufficient penalty, and often commutable to a monetary fine for non-fatal injuries within the judicial system.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 19:21 employs several potent literary devices to convey its legal and theological weight. The most prominent is **Repetition**, seen in the rhythmic listing of "life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot." This anaphoric repetition emphasizes the principle of exact equivalence and proportionality, making the law memorable and underscoring its non-negotiable nature. Closely related is **Merism**, where a comprehensive concept is conveyed by listing its constituent parts. By specifying various body parts (eye, tooth, hand, foot), the text implies the totality of potential bodily harm, extending the principle of proportionate justice to all forms of physical injury, rather than being limited to just those mentioned. The verse also functions as a **Legal Formula**, a concise and authoritative statement of a legal principle. Its declarative and prescriptive tone, combined with the imperative "thine eye shall not pity," gives it the force of an unyielding legal decree, designed to regulate societal behavior and judicial practice with absolute clarity and authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 19:21, with its stark declaration of "life for life, eye for eye," is deeply rooted in the theological understanding of God's justice and righteousness. It reflects a divine standard that demands accountability for actions, particularly those that inflict harm upon others. This principle underscores that God is not indifferent to injustice; rather, His character necessitates a system where wrongdoing is met with appropriate consequences. The law's purpose was to establish a just society that mirrored, albeit imperfectly, the order and equity of God's own governance. It served as a safeguard against unchecked vengeance, channeling the natural human desire for retribution into a controlled, judicial process that upheld the dignity of the victim while limiting the severity of the punishment to what was deserved. This balance between strict justice and the prevention of excessive cruelty reveals a nuanced understanding of divine law.

* [Exodus 21:23-25](/exodus/21-23 "Exodus 21:23-25 - Earliest Formulation of Lex Talionis")
* [Leviticus 24:19-20](/leviticus/24-19 "Leviticus 24:19-20 - Parallel Formulation of Lex Talionis")
* [Romans 13:4](/romans/13-4 "Romans 13:4 - Governing Authorities as Agents of Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 19:21, while seemingly harsh, offers profound insights into the nature of justice, both human and divine. For us today, it serves as a powerful reminder that true justice demands proportionality—that consequences should align with actions. This principle is foundational to any fair legal system, ensuring that victims receive appropriate redress and that offenders are held accountable without arbitrary or excessive punishment. Spiritually, it challenges us to consider the seriousness of sin and its consequences, echoing the biblical truth that "the wages of sin is death" ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). However, the New Testament's reinterpretation of *lex talionis* by Jesus ([Matthew 5:38](/matthew/5-38 "Matthew 5:38 - Jesus' Teaching on Eye for Eye")) calls believers to a higher standard of personal ethics, moving beyond strict legal retribution to embrace forgiveness, mercy, and non-retaliation. This does not nullify the need for societal justice but rather elevates the individual's response to personal injury, urging us to reflect God's grace and love even towards those who wrong us. We are called to pursue justice in society while practicing radical forgiveness in our personal lives, trusting that ultimate justice belongs to God ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to God")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of proportionality in Deuteronomy 19:21 inform our understanding of justice in modern society?**
* **In what ways does the command "thine eye shall not pity" challenge our natural human tendency towards bias or sentimentality in judgment?**
* **How do we reconcile the Old Testament's emphasis on "eye for eye" with Jesus' New Testament teaching to "turn the other cheek"?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the seriousness of sin and the necessity of consequences, both in human law and in God's divine order?**

### FAQ
**Is "eye for eye" a call for personal revenge?**

Answer: No, the principle of "eye for eye" (Hebrew: *lex talionis*) in Deuteronomy 19:21 is not a license for personal vengeance. It was a strict legal principle intended for the judicial system of ancient Israel, to be applied by judges in a court of law. Its primary purpose was to *limit* retribution to a proportionate measure, preventing excessive retaliation and blood feuds common in the ancient world. It set a maximum penalty, ensuring that punishment was commensurate with the crime, and in many cases, especially for non-fatal injuries, it could be commuted to monetary compensation rather than literal physical harm. This is evident from parallel passages in the Law, such as [Exodus 21:26-27](/exodus/21-26 "Exodus 21:26-27 - Compensation for Injury to a Servant"), which specify financial compensation for permanent injury to a servant, demonstrating that the literal application was not always the rule.

**How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:38-39 relate to this verse?**

Answer: In the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"), Jesus directly addresses the "eye for eye" principle in [Matthew 5:38-39](/matthew/5-38 "Matthew 5:38-39 - Jesus' Teaching on Non-Retaliation"). He states, "You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." Jesus is not abolishing the Old Testament law as a principle of *judicial* justice for society. Instead, He is reinterpreting and elevating its application for *personal* ethics within the Kingdom of God. While the Mosaic Law provided a framework for a just society, Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of personal conduct, emphasizing forgiveness, non-retaliation, and love for enemies ([Luke 6:27](/luke/6-27 "Luke 6:27 - Love Your Enemies")). He moves the focus from legal retribution to radical grace and mercy in interpersonal relationships, demonstrating the transformative nature of the New Covenant and the heart of God's love.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 19:21, with its stark demand for "life for life," finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the *lex talionis* in the Old Testament served as a principle of judicial justice, limiting human vengeance and upholding God's righteous standards, it also highlighted humanity's inability to perfectly fulfill the law or escape its just demands. Every sin committed by humanity incurred a debt, a "life for life" penalty, because "the wages of sin is death" ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), perfectly fulfilled the law's righteous requirements and, crucially, bore its ultimate penalty on our behalf. He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). On the cross, Christ offered His perfect life as the substitute for our forfeited lives, His suffering for our deserved punishment. He became "sin for us, who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Thus, the principle of "life for life" is satisfied not by our own death, but by Christ's sacrificial death, which justly atones for our sins and simultaneously extends immeasurable mercy and grace. He is the righteous Judge who will one day administer perfect justice ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "The Father Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son")), and also the compassionate Savior who bore the "eye for eye" penalty of divine justice for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 5:38

¶ Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

Matthew 5:39

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Exodus 21:23

And if [any] mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,

Exodus 21:25

Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

Deuteronomy 19:13

Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away [the guilt of] innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.

Leviticus 24:17

And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death.

Leviticus 24:21

And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death.