Leviticus 24:20

Authorized King James Version

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 again.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שֶׁ֔בֶר
Breach
a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)
#2
תַּ֣חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#3
שֶׁ֔בֶר
Breach
a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)
#4
עַ֔יִן
eye
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#5
תַּ֣חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#6
עַ֔יִן
eye
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#7
שֵׁ֑ן
for tooth
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
#8
תַּ֣חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#9
שֵׁ֑ן
for tooth
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
#10
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
יִנָּ֥תֶן
as he hath caused
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#12
מוּם֙
a blemish
a blemish (physically or morally)
#13
בָּֽאָדָ֔ם
in a man
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#14
כֵּ֖ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#15
יִנָּ֥תֶן
as he hath caused
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#16
בּֽוֹ׃
H0

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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