Leviticus 24:19

KJV

And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him;

KJV (with Strong's)

And if a man {H376} cause {H5414} a blemish {H3971} in his neighbour {H5997}; as he hath done {H6213}, so shall it be done {H6213} to him;

Complete Jewish Bible

If someone injures his neighbor, what he did is to be done to him -

Berean Standard Bible

If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him:

American Standard Version

And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbor; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 24:19 articulates a foundational principle of justice within the Mosaic Law, commonly known as *lex talionis*, or "the law of retaliation." This verse establishes a standard of proportionate punishment for physical harm, ensuring that the penalty precisely corresponds to the injury inflicted. Far from promoting personal vengeance, this divine mandate served as a judicial ceiling, designed to limit excessive retribution, maintain social order, and uphold the sanctity of life by demanding an equitable response to wrongdoing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of Leviticus (chapter 24) that transitions from laws concerning sacred offerings and the Tabernacle service to various judicial and civil matters. Immediately preceding [Leviticus 24:19](/leviticus/24-19 "Leviticus 24:19 - Lex Talionis") is the account of a man who blasphemed the Lord’s name and was subsequently put to death, underscoring the severity of offenses against God and the community ([Leviticus 24:10-16](/leviticus/24-10-16 "Leviticus 24:10-16 - The Blasphemer's Judgment")). Following this judgment, the text pivots to laws governing murder, personal injury, and damage to property ([Leviticus 24:17-21](/leviticus/24-17-21 "Leviticus 24:17-21 - Laws of Injury and Property Damage")). [Leviticus 24:19](/leviticus/24-19 "Leviticus 24:19 - Lex Talionis"), along with [Leviticus 24:20](/leviticus/24-20 "Leviticus 24:20 - Continuation of Lex Talionis"), specifically details the application of *lex talionis* for physical harm. The entire chapter culminates in the declaration that these laws of justice apply equally to both native-born Israelites and foreigners residing among them, emphasizing God's impartial standard of righteousness for all within the covenant community ([Leviticus 24:22](/leviticus/24-22 "Leviticus 24:22 - Equal Justice for All")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The principle of *lex talionis* ("eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth") was not unique to Israel, with similar concepts appearing in other ancient Near Eastern law codes, such as the Code of Hammurabi. However, the Israelite application of this law possessed distinct characteristics. Unlike some contemporary codes where penalties varied based on social status, the Mosaic Law insisted on equal application for all, regardless of social standing, as highlighted in [Leviticus 24:22](/leviticus/24-22 "Leviticus 24:22 - Equal Justice for All"). Crucially, *lex talionis* in Israel was not a license for personal revenge but a judicial principle administered by appointed judges. Its primary purpose was to *limit* vengeance, preventing an escalating cycle of retribution where a minor injury could lead to disproportionate retaliation or a full-blown blood feud. By establishing a strict ceiling on punishment—that it should not exceed the original offense—it served as a powerful mechanism for maintaining social stability and ensuring a just, ordered society under God's divine law.

* **Key Themes:** [Leviticus 24:19](/leviticus/24-19 "Leviticus 24:19 - Lex Talionis") contributes significantly to several key themes pervasive throughout the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice and Righteousness**, showcasing God as the ultimate standard of fairness and equity, demanding that His people reflect His character in their legal system. This verse also underscores the **Sanctity of Human Life and the Body**, created in God's image, implying that harm to another is a grave offense against God's design. The principle of *lex talionis* further highlights the theme of **Social Order and Stability**, as it provides a mechanism to prevent chaos and blood feuds by establishing clear, proportionate penalties. It emphasizes **Accountability** for one's actions and the **Impartiality of the Law**, ensuring that justice is applied equally to all members of the community, whether native-born or sojourner, a principle reiterated in [Leviticus 24:22](/leviticus/24-22 "Leviticus 24:22 - Equal Justice for All"). Ultimately, it serves as a divine **Limitation of Vengeance**, channeling retribution through a judicial process rather than individual retaliation, thereby fostering a more just and peaceful society.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh_):** This term (H376) refers to an individual, a male person, or any human being. In this context, it emphasizes the personal responsibility of the perpetrator. The law applies to any "man" who causes harm, highlighting the universal application of justice within the community, regardless of social standing, as it pertains to individual actions.
* **cause (Hebrew, _nâthan_):** This primitive root (H5414) means "to give," but is used with the greatest latitude of application, including "to put," "to make," or "to inflict." Here, it denotes the active role of the individual in bringing about the injury. It signifies the direct action of the perpetrator in "giving" or "inflicting" a blemish upon another, establishing the causal link necessary for the law's application.
* **blemish (Hebrew, _mʼûwm_):** This term (H3971) refers to a physical defect, injury, or disfigurement, often implying a lasting mark or impairment. In Leviticus, *mʼûwm* is frequently used to describe physical imperfections that would disqualify an animal for sacrifice or a priest from service. Here, it signifies a tangible, often permanent, physical injury inflicted upon a person, underscoring the severity and physical nature of the harm being addressed by the law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour;":** This initial clause sets the premise for the legal principle. It describes an act of physical harm inflicted by one individual ("a man") upon another ("his neighbour"). The term "neighbour" (Hebrew, _ʻâmîyth_) in this legal context encompasses any fellow member of the community, including both Israelites and resident aliens, as confirmed by the broader context of [Leviticus 24](/leviticus/24 "Leviticus 24 - Laws and Judgments"). The focus is on the direct responsibility of the perpetrator for the physical injury caused, emphasizing that the action is a deliberate or negligent act resulting in a tangible "blemish."
* **"as he hath done, so shall it be done to him;":** This second clause dictates the consequence for the aforementioned act, articulating the core principle of *lex talionis*. It mandates a proportionate response, ensuring that the penalty mirrors the offense. This is the essence of "an eye for an eye," signifying that the legal system would impose a penalty equivalent in kind or value to the injury. This principle, further elaborated in [Leviticus 24:20](/leviticus/24-20 "Leviticus 24:20 - Specific Applications of Lex Talionis") with examples like "fracture for fracture," was designed to be a judicial limit, preventing disproportionate revenge and upholding a standard of equitable justice within the community.

#### Literary Devices
[Leviticus 24:19](/leviticus/24-19 "Leviticus 24:19 - Lex Talionis") effectively employs several literary devices to convey its legal and ethical weight. Primarily, it functions as a **Legal Maxim** or **Aphorism**, a concise and authoritative statement of a fundamental legal principle. Its brevity and directness make it memorable and easily applicable. The phrase "as he hath done, so shall it be done to him" demonstrates clear **Parallelism**, specifically a form of **Syntactic Parallelism** (also known as **Antithetic Parallelism** in its reciprocal nature) where the structure of the first clause ("as he hath done") is mirrored by the second ("so shall it be done to him"). This exact mirroring emphasizes the direct and reciprocal relationship between the action and its consequence, reinforcing the concept of **Retributive Justice**, where punishment is directly linked to the offense. Furthermore, the term "blemish" can be interpreted as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (the physical mark or injury) represents the whole act of physical harm or disfigurement, encapsulating the broader scope of physical injury the law addresses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Leviticus 24:19](/leviticus/24-19 "Leviticus 24:19 - Lex Talionis"), with its declaration of proportionate justice, profoundly reflects God's character as a righteous and just Judge who demands fairness and accountability within His covenant community. This principle underscores the sanctity of human life and the human body, created in God's image, implying that harm to another is a serious offense against both the individual and God's established order. Far from promoting personal vengeance, *lex talionis* was a divine safeguard against escalating cycles of retribution, setting a clear, impartial standard for judicial punishment and thereby fostering a stable and equitable society. It established a framework where justice was administered by the community's legal system, not by individual retaliation, ensuring that the penalty fit the crime and preventing excessive or arbitrary punishment.

* [Exodus 21:24](/exodus/21-24 "Exodus 21:24 - Eye for Eye, Tooth for Tooth")
* [Deuteronomy 19:21](/deuteronomy/19-21 "Deuteronomy 19:21 - Justice for False Witnesses")
* [Matthew 5:38-39](/matthew/5-38-39 "Matthew 5:38-39 - Jesus' Teaching on Retaliation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal application of "an eye for an eye" is not practiced in modern legal systems, which typically employ fines, imprisonment, or other forms of restitution, the underlying principle of proportionate justice remains profoundly relevant. [Leviticus 24:19](/leviticus/24-19 "Leviticus 24:19 - Lex Talionis") reminds us that actions have consequences and that society has a divine mandate to administer justice fairly. It highlights God's demand for accountability and His desire for a righteous social order that prevents chaos and ensures that victims receive appropriate redress, and perpetrators face suitable penalties. For believers, this verse also prompts reflection on the tension between societal justice and personal forgiveness. While governments are ordained by God to administer justice and are "God’s servant, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who does evil" ([Romans 13:4](/romans/13-4 "Romans 13:4 - Governing Authorities")), the New Testament calls individuals to a higher standard of mercy and forgiveness, particularly in personal interactions, as exemplified by Jesus' teaching on turning the other cheek. This challenges us to seek justice in the public square while cultivating a spirit of grace and reconciliation in our private lives, trusting God for ultimate justice and recognizing that true justice is ultimately found in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of proportionate justice in Leviticus 24:19 reflect God's character and His desire for a just society?**
* **In what ways does this ancient law still inform our understanding of justice today, even if its literal application has changed?**
* **How do we balance the Old Testament's emphasis on justice with the New Testament's call to forgiveness and mercy in our personal lives?**

### FAQ
**What is _lex talionis_ and how does Leviticus 24:19 relate to it?**

Answer: _Lex talionis_ is a Latin term meaning "the law of retaliation," often summarized by the phrase "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." It is a legal principle that dictates that the punishment should be equivalent to the harm caused. [Leviticus 24:19](/leviticus/24-19 "Leviticus 24:19 - Lex Talionis") is a direct articulation of this principle, stating, "And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him." This verse establishes the core idea that the penalty for physical injury must precisely match the injury inflicted, ensuring a proportionate and equitable judicial response. Its purpose was not to encourage personal vengeance but to set a strict limit on punishment, preventing excessive retaliation and promoting a just legal system.

**Was this law intended for personal revenge or judicial application?**

Answer: This law was unequivocally intended for judicial application by the courts, not for personal revenge. The context of [Leviticus 24](/leviticus/24 "Leviticus 24 - Laws and Judgments") and other passages like [Deuteronomy 19:18-21](/deuteronomy/19-18-21 "Deuteronomy 19:18-21 - Judicial Procedures and Justice") clearly show that these were legal statutes to be administered by judges and elders, not by individuals seeking personal retribution. The purpose of *lex talionis* was to provide a ceiling for punishment, ensuring that penalties did not exceed the original offense, thereby preventing blood feuds and cycles of escalating violence. It was a mechanism for maintaining social order and fairness under divine law, administered by the community's legal system.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Leviticus 24:19](/leviticus/24-19 "Leviticus 24:19 - Lex Talionis"), articulating the principle of proportionate justice, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in multiple dimensions. First, Jesus perfectly embodies divine justice, upholding the righteous standards of God's law. He is the one who will ultimately execute perfect justice, as all judgment has been committed to Him by the Father ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - Christ as Judge")). Second, Jesus fulfills the demand of *lex talionis* not by inflicting harm, but by *receiving* it on behalf of humanity. He took upon Himself the "blemish" of our sin and its just consequences, bearing the wounds and suffering that were due to us, thereby satisfying the demands of divine justice ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounds for Our Transgressions"); [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). He became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. Furthermore, while the Old Testament law established a judicial standard for society, Jesus reorients its personal application in the New Testament, teaching His followers to "turn the other cheek" and to love their enemies ([Matthew 5:38-39](/matthew/5-38-39 "Matthew 5:38-39 - Turn the Other Cheek")), shifting the focus from personal retaliation to sacrificial love, forgiveness, and trust in God's ultimate justice. In Christ, both the righteous demands of the law are met through His atoning sacrifice, and a higher call to grace and mercy is extended to those who follow Him, transforming the heart from vengeance to reconciliation.

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

Deuteronomy 19:21

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

Matthew 5:38

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

Matthew 7:2

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.