Exodus 21:23
And if [any] mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,
But if any harm follows, then you are to give life for life,
But if a serious injury results, then you must require a life for a life—
But if any harm follow, then thou shalt give life for life,
Cross-References
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Deuteronomy 19:21 (4 votes)
And thine eye shall not pity; [but] life [shall go] for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. -
Numbers 35:31 (2 votes)
Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which [is] guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death. -
Leviticus 24:19 (1 votes)
And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him;
Commentary
Exodus 21:23 is a pivotal verse within the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 21-23), which outlines specific laws and judgments given to Israel immediately after the Ten Commandments. This particular statute addresses serious injury or death resulting from an assault, emphasizing the principle of proportional justice.
Context
This verse follows directly from the scenario presented in Exodus 21:22, where men fighting inadvertently strike a pregnant woman, causing her to miscarry or give birth prematurely. If no further "mischief" (serious harm or death) occurs, the offender is fined. However, verse 23 specifies the severe consequence "if any mischief follow." The "mischief" here refers to the death of the woman herself, or potentially the death of the child if it was born alive and subsequently died due to the injury. This law highlights God's concern for justice and the protection of vulnerable lives within the community.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "mischief" in this context is ason (אָסוֹן), which means calamity, harm, or fatal injury. When the text says "if any mischief follow," it is referring to a grave consequence, specifically death or severe, life-altering injury to the woman. The phrase "life for life" translates the Hebrew nephesh tachath nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ תַּחַת נֶפֶשׁ). Nephesh can mean soul, life, or person, signifying a direct and equivalent exchange, emphasizing the value of the life lost.
Practical Application
While modern legal systems have evolved from the literal application of lex talionis, the underlying principles of Exodus 21:23 remain relevant. It teaches us about:
Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.