Exodus 21:24
22 If men who are fighting strike a pregnant woman and her child is born prematurely, but there is no further injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman’s husband demands and as the court allows.
23 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,
25 burn for burn, wound for wound, and stripe for stripe.
26 If a man strikes and blinds the eye of his manservant or maidservant, he must let the servant go free as compensation for the eye.
This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
- KJV
- Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
- WEB
- eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
- ASV
- eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
- DARBY
- eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
- BLB
- eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
- ÅB
- øye for øye, tann for tann, hånd for hånd, fot for fot,
- OTB
- et øye for et øye, en tann for en tann, en hånd for en hånd, en fot for en fot,
- B1930
- øie for øie, tann for tann, hånd for hånd, fot for fot,
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Deuteronomy 19:21
You must show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot.
Read in contextMatthew 7:2
For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Read in contextMatthew 5:38–40
You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’
Read in contextLeviticus 24:19–20
If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him:
Read in contextRevelation 16:6
For they have spilled the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink, as they deserve.”
Read in contextJudges 1:6–7
As Adoni-bezek fled, they pursued him, seized him, and cut off his thumbs and big toes.
Read in contextLuke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Read in context1 Samuel 15:33
But Samuel declared: “As your sword has made women childless, so your mother will be childless among women.” And Samuel hacked Agag to pieces before the LORD at Gilgal.
Read in context