Deuteronomy Chapter 19 · Verse 21
And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תָח֖וֹס
shall not pity
H2347
תָח֖וֹס
shall not pity
Strong's:
H2347
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, to cover, i.e., (figuratively) to compassionate
בְּעַ֙יִן֙
And thine eye
H5869
בְּעַ֙יִן֙
And thine eye
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
3 of 13
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
בְּנֶ֗פֶשׁ
but life
H5315
בְּנֶ֗פֶשׁ
but life
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
בְּנֶ֗פֶשׁ
but life
H5315
בְּנֶ֗פֶשׁ
but life
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
בְּעַ֙יִן֙
And thine eye
H5869
בְּעַ֙יִן֙
And thine eye
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
6 of 13
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
בְּעַ֙יִן֙
And thine eye
H5869
בְּעַ֙יִן֙
And thine eye
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
7 of 13
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
בְּשֵׁ֔ן
for tooth
H8127
בְּשֵׁ֔ן
for tooth
Strong's:
H8127
Word #:
8 of 13
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
בְּשֵׁ֔ן
for tooth
H8127
בְּשֵׁ֔ן
for tooth
Strong's:
H8127
Word #:
9 of 13
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
בְּיָ֖ד
for hand
H3027
בְּיָ֖ד
for hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
10 of 13
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
בְּיָ֖ד
for hand
H3027
בְּיָ֖ד
for hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
11 of 13
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern law codes (Hammurabi, Hittite) included lex talionis principles, though often with class distinctions (harsher for harming nobles, lighter for harming slaves). Biblical law applies equally regardless of status—covenant equality. Jewish interpretation developed financial compensation rather than literal mutilation. Jesus's 'turn the other cheek' teaching addresses personal offense, not criminal justice—He doesn't instruct judges to ignore crime but individuals to forgo personal revenge. Romans 12:19-13:4 clarifies: believers don't take personal vengeance; government bears sword for justice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does proportional punishment (eye for eye) serve both justice and mercy by limiting excessive retaliation?
- What is the difference between Jesus's 'turn the other cheek' (personal ethics) and government's sword (civil justice)?
- How do we balance demanding justice for victims while extending grace and forgiveness personally?
Analysis & Commentary
Proportional punishment: 'And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.' The lex talionis (law of retaliation) ensures proportionality—punishment matches crime. 'Life for life' means capital punishment for murder. 'Eye for eye' originally meant financial compensation equal to injury's value, not literal mutilation (Exodus 21:26-27; Leviticus 24:19-20). The command 'thine eye shall not pity' demands justice without sentimentality—neither excessive punishment nor inadequate. This limits vengeance (no escalation) while ensuring accountability (no impunity). Jesus later contrasts personal ethics ('turn the other cheek,' Matthew 5:38-42) with civil justice—grace in personal relationships doesn't negate governmental justice.