CINXE.COM
Leviticus 24:20 fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Just as he injured the other person, the same must be inflicted on him.
<!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>Leviticus 24:20 fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Just as he injured the other person, the same must be inflicted on him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/leviticus/24-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/03_Lev_24_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Leviticus 24:20 - An Eye for an Eye" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Just as he injured the other person, the same must be inflicted on him." /><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/leviticus/24-20.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/leviticus/24-20.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="/leviticus/">Leviticus</a> > <a href="/leviticus/24.htm">Chapter 24</a> > Verse 20</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="/ad20.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="/leviticus/24-19.htm" title="Leviticus 24:19">◄</a> Leviticus 24:20 <a href="/leviticus/24-21.htm" title="Leviticus 24:21">►</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/leviticus/24.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/leviticus/24.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. The one who has inflicted the injury must suffer the same injury.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/leviticus/24.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />a fracture for a fracture, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Whatever anyone does to injure another person must be paid back in kind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/leviticus/24.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; whatever injury he has given a person shall be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/leviticus/24.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/leviticus/24.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him <i>again</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/leviticus/24.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he has caused disfigurement of a man, so shall it be done to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/leviticus/24.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; just as he has injured a person, so shall it be inflicted on him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/leviticus/24.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; just as he has injured a man, so it shall be inflicted on him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/leviticus/24.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; just as he has injured a man, so it shall be inflicted on him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/leviticus/24.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; just as he has injured a man, so it shall be inflicted on him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/leviticus/24.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; just as he has injured a man, so shall the same be done to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/leviticus/24.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Whatever injury he inflicted on the person, the same is to be inflicted on him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/leviticus/24.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Whatever injury he inflicted on the person, the same is to be inflicted on him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/leviticus/24.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be rendered unto him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/leviticus/24.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />a broken bone for a broken bone, an eye for an eye, or a tooth for a tooth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/leviticus/24.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be rendered unto him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/leviticus/24.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />a broken bone for a broken bone, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Whoever injures another person must receive the same injury in return.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/leviticus/24.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If you break a bone, one of your bones shall be broken; if you put out an eye, one of your eyes shall be put out; if you knock out a tooth, one of your teeth shall be knocked out. Whatever injury you cause another person shall be done to you in return. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/leviticus/24.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth—just as he had caused a disfigurement against another man, so it is to be done against him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/leviticus/24.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="versiontext"><a href="/net/leviticus/24.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth--just as he inflicts an injury on another person that same injury must be inflicted on him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/leviticus/24.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he has injured someone, so shall it be done to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/leviticus/24.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/leviticus/24.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. It shall be done to him as he has injured someone. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/leviticus/24.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he puts a blemish in a man so it is done in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/leviticus/24.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he putteth a blemish in a man so it is done in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/leviticus/24.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he shall give a blemish in a man so it shall be given in him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/leviticus/24.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, shall he restore. What blemish he gave, the like shall he be compelled to suffer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/leviticus/24.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, shall he repay. Whatever degree of blemish he has inflicted, so shall he be compelled to suffer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/leviticus/24.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. The same injury that one gives another shall be inflicted in return.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/leviticus/24.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; the injury inflicted is the injury to be suffered.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/leviticus/24.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Wound for wound, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he has caused a blemish in his neighbor, so shall it be done to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/leviticus/24.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Breaking in place of breaking, an eye in place of an eye, a tooth in the place of a tooth; just as he causes a flaw to his fellow, thus it shall be done to him.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/leviticus/24.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he hath maimed a man, so shall it be rendered unto him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/leviticus/24.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />bruise for bruise, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as any one may inflict a blemish on a man, so shall it be rendered to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/leviticus/24-20.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/NWs_V1RyMFo?start=6584" 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/leviticus/24.htm">An Eye for an Eye</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7667.htm" title="7667: ḇer (N-ms) -- Or sheber; from shabar; a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution.">fracture</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/7667.htm" title="7667: še·ḇer (N-ms) -- Or sheber; from shabar; a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution.">fracture,</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/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">for</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/8127.htm" title="8127: šên (N-cs) -- Tooth, ivory. From shanan; a tooth; specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff.">tooth</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">for</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/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">Just as</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: yit·tên (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">he injured</a> <a href="/hebrew/3971.htm" title="3971: mūm (N-ms) -- Blemish, defect. Usually muwm; as if passive participle from an unused root probably meaning to stain; a blemish."></a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: bā·’ā·ḏām (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">the other person,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">the same</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: yin·nā·ṯen (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">must be inflicted</a> <a href="/hebrew/bōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">on him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>Whoever kills an animal must make restitution, but whoever kills a man must be put to death.…<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="/deuteronomy/19-21.htm">Deuteronomy 19:21</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="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="/exodus/21-12.htm">Exodus 21:12-14</a></span><br />Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death. / If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee. / But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to 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="/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17-19</a></span><br />Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. / If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / 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="/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12</a></span><br />In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.<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="/genesis/9-6.htm">Genesis 9:6</a></span><br />Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.<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="/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="/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="/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="/1_thessalonians/5-15.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:15</a></span><br />Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/12-31.htm">Mark 12:31</a></span><br />The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he has caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again.</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="/deuteronomy/19-21.htm">Deuteronomy 19:21</a></b></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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/5-38.htm">Matthew 5:38</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="/leviticus/24-19.htm">Blemish</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-19.htm">Breach</a> <a href="/leviticus/23-43.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-19.htm">Damage</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-18.htm">Disfigured</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-20.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-26.htm">Fracture</a> <a href="/exodus/8-12.htm">Inflicted</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-22.htm">Injured</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-22.htm">Maimed</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-19.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/exodus/38-21.htm">Rendered</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-5.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/exodus/21-27.htm">Tooth</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-19.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/leviticus/13-23.htm">Wound</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/6-14.htm">Blemish</a> <a href="/numbers/14-34.htm">Breach</a> <a href="/numbers/3-6.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/joshua/2-19.htm">Damage</a> <a href="/job/30-18.htm">Disfigured</a> <a href="/numbers/14-14.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-26.htm">Fracture</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-5.htm">Inflicted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-4.htm">Injured</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-1.htm">Maimed</a> <a href="/numbers/22-38.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/judges/9-56.htm">Rendered</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-20.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-21.htm">Tooth</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-6.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/numbers/35-22.htm">Wound</a><div class="vheading2">Leviticus 24</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/24-1.htm">The oil for the lamps</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/24-5.htm">The showbread</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/24-10.htm">Shelomith's son blasphemes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/24-13.htm">The law of blasphemy</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/24-17.htm">Of murder</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/24-18.htm">Of damage</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/leviticus/24-23.htm">The blasphemer is stoned</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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/leviticus/24.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/leviticus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/leviticus/24.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Fracture for fracture</b><br>This phrase reflects the principle of lex talionis, or the law of retaliation, which was common in ancient Near Eastern legal systems. It emphasizes justice and fairness, ensuring that the punishment matches the crime. This principle is also found in other ancient codes, such as the Code of Hammurabi. In the biblical context, it underscores the importance of maintaining order and justice within the community of Israel.<p><b>Eye for eye</b><br>This part of the verse is often cited in discussions of justice and retribution. It is meant to prevent excessive punishment and ensure that the response to an offense is proportionate. Jesus references this principle in the Sermon on the Mount (<a href="/matthew/5-38.htm">Matthew 5:38-39</a>), where He calls His followers to a higher standard of forgiveness and mercy, moving beyond mere retribution to embodying grace.<p><b>Tooth for tooth</b><br>Similar to the previous phrases, this underscores the need for equitable justice. It serves as a deterrent against personal vengeance and excessive retribution. The cultural context of the time required a legal framework that would prevent escalating cycles of violence and revenge, promoting societal stability.<p><b>Just as he injured the other person</b><br>This clause highlights the personal responsibility and accountability of the offender. In the ancient Israelite community, maintaining harmony and justice was crucial, and individuals were expected to take responsibility for their actions. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to live peaceably with all (<a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a>).<p><b>The same must be inflicted on him</b><br>This reflects the idea of reciprocal justice, ensuring that the punishment is directly related to the offense. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of causing harm to others and the need for justice to be served. In the broader biblical narrative, this principle points to the ultimate justice and mercy found in Jesus Christ, who bore the punishment for humanity's sins, offering forgiveness and reconciliation.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai and communicated them to the people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, to whom the laws in Leviticus were given as part of their covenant relationship with Him.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a></b><br>The place where God gave Moses the laws, including the one found in <a href="/leviticus/24-20.htm">Leviticus 24:20</a>.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_law.htm">The Law</a></b><br>The set of rules and commandments given by God to the Israelites, which includes the principle of "an eye for an eye."<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_justice.htm">Understanding Justice</a></b><br>The principle of "fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth" (<a href="/leviticus/24-20.htm">Leviticus 24:20</a>) underscores the importance of justice and fairness in the community. It was meant to limit excessive punishment and ensure that the penalty matched the offense.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/historical_context.htm">Historical Context</a></b><br>In ancient times, this law was revolutionary in promoting justice and preventing personal vendettas. It established a legal framework for resolving disputes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/jesus'_fulfillment_of_the_law.htm">Jesus' Fulfillment of the Law</a></b><br>Jesus' teachings in the New Testament invite believers to go beyond the literal application of the law and embrace a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_application.htm">Practical Application</a></b><br>While the principle of "an eye for an eye" is not applied literally today, it challenges us to consider how we seek justice and reconciliation in our own lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_out_grace.htm">Living Out Grace</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect God's grace and mercy, choosing to forgive and love even when wronged.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_leviticus_24.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 24</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/should_you_not_resist_an_evil_person.htm">Should you not resist an evil person?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_'eye_for_eye'_with_'turn_cheek'.htm">How can the 'eye for an eye' principle (Leviticus 24:19-20) be reconciled with New Testament teachings like 'turn the other cheek' (Matthew 5:38-39)?</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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/leviticus/24-20.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">fracture</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁ֚בֶר</span> <span class="translit">(ḇer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7667.htm">Strong's 7667: </a> </span><span class="str2">A breaking, fracture, crushing, breach, crash</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּ֣חַת</span> <span class="translit">(ta·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bottom, below, in lieu of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fracture,</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁ֔בֶר</span> <span class="translit">(še·ḇer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7667.htm">Strong's 7667: </a> </span><span class="str2">A breaking, fracture, crushing, breach, crash</span><br /><br /><span class="word">eye</span><br /><span class="heb">עַ֚יִן</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</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּ֣חַת</span> <span class="translit">(ta·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bottom, below, in lieu of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">eye,</span><br /><span class="heb">עַ֔יִן</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">tooth</span><br /><span class="heb">שֵׁ֖ן</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</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּ֣חַת</span> <span class="translit">(ta·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bottom, below, in lieu of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">tooth.</span><br /><span class="heb">שֵׁ֑ן</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">Just as</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר</span> <span class="translit">(ka·’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he injured</span><br /><span class="heb">יִתֵּ֥ן</span> <span class="translit">(yit·tên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the other person,</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּֽאָדָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(bā·’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the same</span><br /><span class="heb">כֵּ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(kên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> </span><span class="str2">So -- thus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">must be inflicted</span><br /><span class="heb">יִנָּ֥תֶן</span> <span class="translit">(yin·nā·ṯen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on him.</span><br /><span class="heb">בּֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(bōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/leviticus/24-20.htm">Leviticus 24:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/leviticus/24-20.htm">Leviticus 24:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/leviticus/24-20.htm">Leviticus 24:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/leviticus/24-20.htm">Leviticus 24:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/leviticus/24-20.htm">Leviticus 24:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/leviticus/24-20.htm">Leviticus 24:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/leviticus/24-20.htm">Leviticus 24:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/leviticus/24-20.htm">Leviticus 24:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/leviticus/24-20.htm">Leviticus 24:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/leviticus/24-20.htm">Leviticus 24:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/leviticus/24-20.htm">OT Law: Leviticus 24:20 Fracture for fracture eye for eye tooth (Le Lv Lev.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/leviticus/24-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Leviticus 24:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Leviticus 24:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/leviticus/24-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Leviticus 24:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Leviticus 24:21" /></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>