Deuteronomy 19:21
Deuteronomy 19:21 in Multiple Translations
You must show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot.
And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
And thine eyes shall not pity; life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
Have no pity; let life be given for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
Don't show any mercy. The rule is life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot.
Therefore thine eye shall have no compassion, but life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foote for foote.
and thine eye doth not pity — life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
Your eyes shall not pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
And thy eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
Thou shalt not pity him, but shalt require life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
You must not pity people who are punished like that. The rule should be that a person who has murdered someone else must be executed; one of a person’s eyes must be gouged out if he has gouged out someone else’s eye, one tooth of a person who has knocked out the tooth of another person must be knocked out; one hand of a person who has cut off the hand of another person must likewise be cut off; one foot of a person who has cut off the foot of another person must also be cut off.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 19:21
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Deuteronomy 19:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 19:21
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 19:21
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 19:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 19:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 19:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:21
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 19:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:21
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 19:21
Context — The Testimony of Two or Three Witnesses
21You must show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 5:38–39 | 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; |
| 2 | Exodus 21:23–25 | 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. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 19:13 | You must show him no pity. You are to purge from Israel the guilt of shedding innocent blood, that it may go well with you. |
| 4 | Leviticus 24:17–21 | And if a man takes the life of anyone else, he must surely be put to death. Whoever kills an animal must make restitution—life for life. If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Just as he injured the other person, the same must be inflicted on him. Whoever kills an animal must make restitution, but whoever kills a man must be put to death. |
Deuteronomy 19:21 Summary
This verse is saying that when someone does something wrong, they should be punished in a way that is fair and fits the crime. It's not about getting revenge, but about making sure that justice is served, as also seen in Exodus 21:24 and Leviticus 24:20. This principle helps to keep people safe and ensures that the guilty are held accountable for their actions. By following this principle, we can trust that God will bring about justice and fairness in the world, as seen in Psalm 37:28 and Proverbs 21:15.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Deuteronomy 19:21 promote violence and revenge?
No, this verse is about ensuring justice and fairness in punishment, as seen in the context of the surrounding verses, Deuteronomy 19:19-20, and also supported by Exodus 21:24 and Leviticus 24:20.
How does this verse relate to Jesus' teaching to 'turn the other cheek' in Matthew 5:39?
While Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:39 seems to contradict Deuteronomy 19:21, it's actually about personal relationships and forgiveness, not about the role of the government in punishing crimes, as explained in Romans 13:1-4.
Is the principle of 'an eye for an eye' still applicable today?
This principle was given to the Israelites as a way to maintain justice and order in their society, but as Christians, we are called to forgive and show mercy, as seen in Matthew 6:14-15 and Luke 6:27-36, while still respecting the role of government in punishing crimes, as seen in Romans 13:1-4.
How does this verse impact our understanding of God's character?
This verse shows that God is a God of justice and fairness, who desires that punishments fit the crimes, as also seen in Genesis 9:6 and Psalm 92:15, and that He is concerned with maintaining order and protecting the innocent.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can balance the desire for justice with the call to forgive and show mercy in my own life?
- How can I ensure that my actions and attitudes reflect a heart of fairness and compassion, rather than a desire for revenge or retaliation?
- In what ways can I trust God to bring about justice and fairness in the world, even when it seems like evil is prevailing?
- How does this verse challenge or comfort me in my understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 19:21
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 19:21
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:21
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:21
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:21
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:21
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 19:21
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:21
Sermons on Deuteronomy 19:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Sixth Commandment by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink expounds on the Sixth Commandment, 'Thou shalt not kill,' emphasizing that it not only forbids murder but also the underlying emotions such as anger and hatred that can l |
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Arab-01 Where's Your Identity by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's revelation and crying out to Him for hope. He refers to a passage in the Bible, specifically Ezekiel 37:1 |
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Biblical Nonresistance by Dean Taylor | In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes the importance of understanding the changes brought by Jesus Christ in the way we live and fight for the kingdom of God. He highlights that |
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The Decree of Judgment by Aaron Dunlop | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of judgment and the decree of judgment as prescribed by the Lord. The sermon explores the idea that what we sow, we will reap, a |
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Humility Is Laying Down Our Lives for Others by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, Jesus concludes his teaching on the Beatitudes by declaring that his followers are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. He emphasizes the importance of |
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Sermon on the Mount: Christian Response to Personal Injury (Part 2) by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker, Tom Skinner, shares a powerful story about a moment of racial prejudice he experienced. Despite being physically attacked, Skinner responds with love a |
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Anabaptist History - Part 6 by Walter Beachy | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of properly correlating the Old Testament and the New Testament in understanding the word of God. He emphasizes the need for co |







