Exodus 21:25

Exodus 21:25 is part of the Covenant Code, a collection of civil and ceremonial laws given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, immediately following the Ten Commandments. This particular verse, "Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe," is a concise statement of the principle known as Lex Talionis, or the Law of Retribution, which stipulates that punishment should be proportionate to the offense committed.

Context

The laws in Exodus 21-23 govern various aspects of ancient Israelite society, addressing issues from slavery and personal injury to property rights and justice in the courts. Verses 22-25 specifically deal with cases of physical injury, particularly when one person causes harm to another, often unintentionally, in the context of a fight or accident. The broader principle is famously articulated as "eye for eye, tooth for tooth" in Exodus 21:24, and repeated in other parts of the Pentateuch, such as Leviticus 24:20 and Deuteronomy 19:21. These laws were foundational for establishing a just and orderly society under God's covenant.

Key Themes

• Proportional Justice: The primary message is that penalties for harm must be equivalent to the injury inflicted. This was not a command to exact literal, physical retaliation in every case, but rather to ensure that punishment was fair and not excessive. It served to limit vengeance, preventing a cycle of escalating retribution.
• Equality Before the Law: The principle applied universally, regardless of social status, ensuring that justice was administered impartially to all members of the community.
• Restitution and Compensation: While often interpreted literally, Jewish tradition and legal practice understood these provisions largely in terms of monetary compensation for damages. For instance, a "burning for burning" would typically mean compensating the victim for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering related to the burn.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "burning for burning" (כְּוִיָּה תַּחַת כְּוִיָּה, k'wiyah tachath k'wiyah) literally means "a burn under a burn" or "a burn in place of a burn." The repetition emphasizes the direct correspondence and exactness of the retribution. The term Lex Talionis itself is Latin for "law of retaliation" or "law of exact retribution." It's crucial to understand that in ancient Near Eastern law codes (like Hammurabi's Code), this principle often applied more literally and harshly, especially across social classes. However, the Mosaic Law, while sharing the principle, typically applied it with a view towards monetary compensation and limiting private vengeance, reflecting God's ultimate desire for righteous justice and compassion.

Practical Application

For believers today, Exodus 21:25 provides insights into God's character as a God of justice and order. While the New Testament emphasizes grace, forgiveness, and turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-39), the Old Testament principle of proportionate justice remains vital for civil governance. It underpins modern legal systems that aim for fair sentencing, compensation for victims, and the prevention of excessive punishment. It reminds us that justice is a divine attribute and a necessary component of a healthy society, even as we are called to embody the higher law of love and reconciliation in our personal relationships.