Leviticus 24:19

Leviticus 24:19 is a concise expression of a foundational principle within the Mosaic Law, dealing with justice and retribution for physical harm. It sets a standard for proportionate punishment, ensuring that the penalty for an injury directly corresponded to the harm inflicted.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Leviticus (chapter 24) that addresses various judicial matters and sacred laws. Immediately preceding it is the account of a man who blasphemed the Lord's name and was put to death (Leviticus 24:10-14). Following the judgment for blasphemy, the text transitions to laws concerning murder, injury, and damage to property, emphasizing that the same standard of justice applies to both native-born Israelites and foreigners living among them (Leviticus 24:22). This particular verse, along with Leviticus 24:20, details the specific application of the principle known as lex talionis, or "the law of retaliation."

Key Themes

• Proportionate Justice: The core message is that punishment should fit the crime. "As he hath done, so shall it be done to him" establishes a strict equivalence, preventing either excessive revenge or insufficient penalty.
• Restraint of Vengeance: While seemingly harsh, this law was revolutionary for its time. It served not as a license for personal vengeance, but as a judicial limit on it. Without such a law, a minor injury could easily escalate into a blood feud, leading to disproportionate retaliation. This law was a ceiling, ensuring that punishment did not exceed the original offense.
• Equality Before the Law: The broader context of Leviticus 24 emphasizes that these laws applied equally to all members of the community, regardless of social standing or origin.
• Divine Authority: These principles of justice were not human inventions but were divinely ordained by God, reflecting His character and His desire for a righteous society.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "as he hath done, so shall it be done to him" directly translates the Hebrew concept of reciprocal justice. The term "blemish" (Hebrew: מוּם, mum) refers to a physical defect or injury. The emphasis is on the direct and exact nature of the retribution, ensuring that the injury inflicted by the perpetrator would be precisely mirrored back upon them by the judicial system.

Cross-References & Connections

This principle of "eye for eye, tooth for tooth" is also found in other parts of the Pentateuch, reinforcing its importance in the Mosaic Law. It appears in Exodus 21:24, specifically in the context of personal injury, and again in Deuteronomy 19:21, where it is applied to false witnesses who intended to harm another. While the Old Testament established this principle for judicial application, Jesus later reinterpreted its personal application in the New Testament, teaching believers to "turn the other cheek" (Matthew 5:38-39), thereby shifting the focus from personal retaliation to divine judgment and individual forgiveness.

Practical Application

While the literal application of "an eye for an eye" is not practiced in modern legal systems (which typically involve fines, imprisonment, or other forms of restitution), the underlying principle of proportionate justice remains foundational. It reminds us that:

• Actions Have Consequences: The verse underscores the biblical truth that individuals are accountable for the harm they inflict on others.
• Justice is Essential: It highlights God's demand for justice within society, providing a framework for civil law to ensure fairness and prevent chaos.
• Balancing Justice and Mercy: The New Testament's emphasis on forgiveness and mercy does not negate the need for justice, but rather refines its application, particularly on a personal level. Governments are still ordained by God to administer justice (Romans 13:4), ensuring that crimes are met with appropriate consequences.