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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Deuteronomy 19:21 You must show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/19-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/05_Deu_19_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 19:21 - The Testimony of Two or Three Witnesses" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You must show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/deuteronomy/19-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/deuteronomy/19-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/">Deuteronomy</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/19.htm">Chapter 19</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-20.htm" title="Deuteronomy 19:20">◄</a> Deuteronomy 19:21 <a href="/deuteronomy/20-1.htm" title="Deuteronomy 20:1">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/19.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/19.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/19.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />You must show no pity for the guilty! Your rule should be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/19.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Your eye shall not pity. It shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/19.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And thine eye shall not pity; <i>but</i> life <i>shall go</i> for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/19.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Your eye shall not pity: life <i>shall be</i> for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So you shall not show pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, <i>and</i> foot for foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/19.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Thus you shall not show pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Thus you shall not show pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Thus your eye shall not show pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />You shall not show pity [to the guilty one]: <i>it shall be</i> life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not show pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must not show pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/19.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And thine eyes shall not pity; life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/19.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And thine eye shall not pity; life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Have no pity on him: [Take] a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, and a foot for a foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />In such cases show no mercy; the punishment is to be a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, and a foot for a foot. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/19.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Your eyes must not show pity—life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/19.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You must not show pity; the principle will be a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, and a foot for a foot. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Your eyes shall not pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And thy eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/19.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Your eyes shall not pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And your eye does not pity—life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and thine eye doth not pity -- life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And thine eye shall not pity; soul for soul, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />21Thou shalt not pity him, but shalt require life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />You shall not take pity on him. Instead, you shall require a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/19.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do not show pity. Life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And your eye shall not pity; but life shall be for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/19.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Your eye shall not have pity, but a life in exchange for life, an eye in exchange for an eye, a tooth in exchange for a tooth, a hand in exchange for a hand, a foot in exchange for a foot.” <div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/19.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And thine eye shall not pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/19.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thine eye shall not spare him: <i>thou shalt exact</i> life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/19-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=5465" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/19.htm">The Testimony of Two or Three Witnesses</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>Then the rest of the people will hear and be afraid, and they will never again do anything so evil among you. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">You must show no pity:</a> <a href="/hebrew/2347.htm" title="2347: ṯā·ḥō·ws (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To pity, look upon with compassion. A primitive root; properly, to cover, i.e. to compassionate."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·ne·ḵā (N-csc:: 2ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: ne·p̄eš (N-fs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">life</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: bə·ne·p̄eš (Prep-b:: N-fs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">for life,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘a·yin (N-cs) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">eye</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: bə·‘a·yin (Prep-b:: N-cs) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">for eye,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8127.htm" title="8127: šên (N-cs) -- Tooth, ivory. From shanan; a tooth; specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff.">tooth</a> <a href="/hebrew/8127.htm" title="8127: bə·šên (Prep-b:: N-cs) -- Tooth, ivory. From shanan; a tooth; specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff.">for tooth,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yāḏ (N-fs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yāḏ (Prep-b:: N-fs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">for hand,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7272.htm" title="7272: re·ḡel (N-fs) -- Foot. From ragal; a foot; by implication, a step; by euphem. The pudenda.">and foot</a> <a href="/hebrew/7272.htm" title="7272: bə·rā·ḡel (Prep-b:: N-fs) -- Foot. From ragal; a foot; by implication, a step; by euphem. The pudenda.">for foot.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/21-23.htm">Exodus 21:23-25</a></span><br />But if a serious injury results, then you must require a life for a life— / eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, / burn for burn, wound for wound, and stripe for stripe.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/24-19.htm">Leviticus 24:19-20</a></span><br />If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: / fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Just as he injured the other person, the same must be inflicted on him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-38.htm">Matthew 5:38-39</a></span><br />You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ / But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a></span><br />Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/24-29.htm">Proverbs 24:29</a></span><br />Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-2.htm">Matthew 7:2</a></span><br />For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-31.htm">Luke 6:31</a></span><br />Do to others as you would have them do to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7</a></span><br />Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-13.htm">James 2:13</a></span><br />For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/21-12.htm">Exodus 21:12</a></span><br />Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/35-16.htm">Numbers 35:16-21</a></span><br />If, however, anyone strikes a person with an iron object and kills him, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. / Or if anyone has in his hand a stone of deadly size, and he strikes and kills another, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. / If anyone has in his hand a deadly object of wood, and he strikes and kills another, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-52.htm">Matthew 26:52</a></span><br />“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-37.htm">Luke 6:37</a></span><br />Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-25.htm">Colossians 3:25</a></span><br />Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And your eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.</p><p class="hdg">thine eye</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/19-13.htm">Deuteronomy 19:13</a></b></br> Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away <i>the guilt of</i> innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.</p><p class="hdg">life shall</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/21-23.htm">Exodus 21:23-25</a></b></br> And if <i>any</i> mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/24-17.htm">Leviticus 24:17-21</a></b></br> And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/5-38.htm">Matthew 5:38,39</a></b></br> Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/19-13.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-2.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-12.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-20.htm">Life</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-13.htm">Pity</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-13.htm">Show</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-13.htm">Spare</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-20.htm">Tooth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/25-12.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-7.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-13.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-19.htm">Life</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-12.htm">Pity</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-12.htm">Show</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-12.htm">Spare</a> <a href="/job/39-28.htm">Tooth</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 19</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-1.htm">The cities of refuge</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-4.htm">The privilege thereof for the manslayer</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-14.htm">The landmark is not to be removed</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">At least two witnesses are required</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-16.htm">the punishment of a false witness</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/19.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/19.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>You must show no pity:</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of justice and the need for impartiality in legal matters. In the context of ancient Israel, the judicial system was designed to reflect God's holiness and righteousness. The command to show no pity underscores the seriousness of maintaining justice and order within the community. It reflects the principle that justice should be blind to personal feelings or relationships, ensuring fairness and equality before the law.<p><b>Life for life:</b><br>This part of the verse is rooted in the principle of lex talionis, or the law of retaliation, which is also found in <a href="/exodus/21-23.htm">Exodus 21:23-25</a> and <a href="/leviticus/24-19.htm">Leviticus 24:19-20</a>. It served as a deterrent against crime and ensured that the punishment fit the crime. In a broader biblical context, this principle points to the sanctity of life, as life is a gift from God. The ultimate fulfillment of justice and the sanctity of life is seen in Jesus Christ, who gave His life as a ransom for many (<a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a>).<p><b>Eye for eye:</b><br>The phrase "eye for eye" is a call for proportional justice. It was intended to prevent excessive punishment and personal vengeance, ensuring that the response to an offense was measured and just. This principle is echoed in the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, where He calls His followers to a higher standard of love and forgiveness (<a href="/matthew/5-38.htm">Matthew 5:38-39</a>), highlighting the transformative power of grace over strict retribution.<p><b>Tooth for tooth:</b><br>This phrase continues the theme of equitable retribution. In the ancient Near Eastern context, similar laws existed in other cultures, such as the Code of Hammurabi. However, the biblical application was unique in its emphasis on justice as a reflection of God's character. The New Testament expands on this by encouraging believers to overcome evil with good (<a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17-21</a>), pointing to a deeper understanding of justice rooted in love and mercy.<p><b>Hand for hand:</b><br>The mention of "hand for hand" indicates the importance of personal responsibility and accountability. In a society where manual labor was essential for survival, the loss of a hand would have significant implications. This underscores the seriousness of causing harm to another person and the need for restitution. The broader biblical narrative reveals that true restoration and reconciliation are found in Christ, who heals and restores broken relationships (<a href="/2_corinthians/5-18.htm">2 Corinthians 5:18-19</a>).<p><b>Foot for foot:</b><br>The final phrase in this verse reiterates the principle of proportional justice. The loss of a foot would greatly impact a person's ability to work and provide for their family, highlighting the gravity of such an injury. This principle of justice is ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who, through His sacrifice, brings ultimate justice and peace (<a href="/isaiah/53-5.htm">Isaiah 53:5</a>). The call for justice in Deuteronomy points forward to the perfect justice and mercy found in the gospel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The author of Deuteronomy, who is delivering God's laws to the Israelites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, receiving the law as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/promised_land.htm">Promised Land</a></b><br>The land of Canaan, which the Israelites are about to enter and where these laws will be applied.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/judges_and_officials.htm">Judges and Officials</a></b><br>Appointed leaders responsible for ensuring justice and applying the law among the people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/covenant_community.htm">Covenant Community</a></b><br>The collective body of Israelites bound by the covenant with God, under which these laws are given.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/p/principle_of_justice.htm">Principle of Justice</a></b><br>The law emphasizes fairness and proportionality in justice, ensuring that the punishment fits the crime.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/deterrence_and_order.htm">Deterrence and Order</a></b><br>This principle served to deter crime and maintain social order within the covenant community.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/human_limitations.htm">Human Limitations</a></b><br>Recognizes human limitations in administering perfect justice, pointing to the need for divine guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/mercy_and_forgiveness.htm">Mercy and Forgiveness</a></b><br>While the law calls for justice, the New Testament encourages believers to practice mercy and forgiveness, reflecting God's character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/transformation_through_christ.htm">Transformation through Christ</a></b><br>Jesus' teachings transform the understanding of justice, calling believers to a higher standard of love and forgiveness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 19</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_'eye_for_eye'_oppose_'turn_cheek'.htm">Deuteronomy 19:21: Does the “eye for eye” principle contradict New Testament teachings such as turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:38–39)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_deut._25_11-12_fit_today.htm">Deuteronomy 25:11–12: How can the punishment of cutting off a woman's hand be reconciled with present-day ethical standards? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'eye_for_an_eye'_mean.htm">What does "eye for an eye" mean biblically?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_'eye_for_eye'_conflict_with_forgiveness.htm">Exodus 21:22–25 describes “eye for eye” justice; does this literal approach to retribution conflict with later biblical injunctions on forgiveness? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - The <span class="accented">lex talionis</span> was in this case to be observed (cf. <a href="/exodus/21-23.htm">Exodus 21:23</a>; <a href="/leviticus/24-20.htm">Leviticus 24:20</a>). Practically, however, a pecuniary compensation might be accepted for the offence (cf. Josephus, 'Antiq.,' 4:8, 35). <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/19-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">You must show no pity:</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">life</span><br /><span class="heb">נֶ֣פֶשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(ne·p̄eš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><br /><span class="word">for life,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנֶ֗פֶשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ne·p̄eš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><br /><span class="word">eye</span><br /><span class="heb">עַ֤יִן</span> <span class="translit">(‘a·yin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for eye,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעַ֙יִן֙</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘a·yin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">tooth</span><br /><span class="heb">שֵׁ֣ן</span> <span class="translit">(šên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8127.htm">Strong's 8127: </a> </span><span class="str2">A tooth, ivory, a cliff</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for tooth,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּשֵׁ֔ן</span> <span class="translit">(bə·šên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8127.htm">Strong's 8127: </a> </span><span class="str2">A tooth, ivory, a cliff</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hand</span><br /><span class="heb">יָ֥ד</span> <span class="translit">(yāḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for hand,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּיָ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(bə·yāḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] foot</span><br /><span class="heb">רֶ֥גֶל</span> <span class="translit">(re·ḡel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7272.htm">Strong's 7272: </a> </span><span class="str2">A foot, a step, the pudenda</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for foot.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּרָֽגֶל׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·rā·ḡel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7272.htm">Strong's 7272: </a> </span><span class="str2">A foot, a step, the pudenda</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/19-21.htm">Deuteronomy 19:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/19-21.htm">Deuteronomy 19:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/19-21.htm">Deuteronomy 19:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/19-21.htm">Deuteronomy 19:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/19-21.htm">Deuteronomy 19:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/19-21.htm">Deuteronomy 19:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/19-21.htm">Deuteronomy 19:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/19-21.htm">Deuteronomy 19:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/19-21.htm">Deuteronomy 19:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/19-21.htm">Deuteronomy 19:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/19-21.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 19:21 Your eyes shall not pity (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/19-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 19:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 19:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 20:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 20:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>