Exodus 21:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 21:23
23 And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,
Chapter Context
Exodus 21 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, covenant, love. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-36: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 21:23
23 And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,
Analysis
And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,
Lex talionis principle: 'life for life' (נֶפֶשׁ תַּחַת נָפֶשׁ, nefesh tachat nefesh)—exact equivalence, not escalation. This LIMITS revenge, preventing blood feuds. If injury is minor, penalty is minor; if death results, death penalty follows. Ancient cultures allowed unlimited vengeance (Lamech: 'seventy-sevenfold,' Genesis 4:24); lex talionis caps punishment at the offense level. Jesus doesn't abolish this civil justice principle but transcends it personally—'turn the other cheek' (Matthew 5:39) governs personal relations, not civil magistrates. God ordains governments to 'bear the sword' (Romans 13:4) in executing justice.
Historical Context
Lex talionis appears in Hammurabi's Code (c. 1750 BC) and Hittite laws. Israel's version is more humane—applying equally regardless of social class (Hammurabi's penalties varied by status). Eye-for-eye limited rather than encouraged revenge.
Reflection
- How does lex talionis (eye-for-eye) actually limit rather than promote revenge?
- What's the difference between Jesus' personal ethic (turn the other cheek) and civil justice (lex talionis)?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 19:21