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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.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 19:21

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Deuteronomy 19:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/לֹ֥א תָח֖וֹס עֵינֶ֑/ךָ נֶ֣פֶשׁ בְּ/נֶ֗פֶשׁ עַ֤יִן בְּ/עַ֨יִן֙ שֵׁ֣ן בְּ/שֵׁ֔ן יָ֥ד בְּ/יָ֖ד רֶ֥גֶל בְּ/רָֽגֶל
וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
תָח֖וֹס chûwç H2347 to pity V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
עֵינֶ֑/ךָ ʻayin H5869 eye N-cs | Suff
נֶ֣פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 soul N-cs
בְּ/נֶ֗פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 soul Prep | N-cs
עַ֤יִן ʻayin H5869 eye N-cs
בְּ/עַ֨יִן֙ ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cs
שֵׁ֣ן shên H8127 tooth N-cs
בְּ/שֵׁ֔ן shên H8127 tooth Prep | N-cs
יָ֥ד yâd H3027 hand N-cs
בְּ/יָ֖ד yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs
רֶ֥גֶל regel H7272 foot N-fs
בְּ/רָֽגֶל regel H7272 foot Prep | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 19:21

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תָח֖וֹס chûwç H2347 "to pity" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To pity or have compassion on someone means to show kindness and care for their well-being, like God's compassion for his people. It involves covering or protecting them from harm.
Definition: (Qal) to pity, have compassion, spare, look upon with compassion
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: pity, regard, spare. See also: Genesis 45:20; Ezekiel 5:11; Psalms 72:13.
עֵינֶ֑/ךָ ʻayin H5869 "eye" N-cs | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
נֶ֣פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 "soul" N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
בְּ/נֶ֗פֶשׁ nephesh H5315 "soul" Prep | N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
עַ֤יִן ʻayin H5869 "eye" N-cs
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
בְּ/עַ֨יִן֙ ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cs
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
שֵׁ֣ן shên H8127 "tooth" N-cs
The Hebrew word for tooth can also mean ivory or a sharp cliff. It is used in the Bible to describe the teeth of humans and animals, as well as sharp rocks, and is often translated as tooth or ivory.
Definition: : tooth 1) tooth, ivory 1a) tooth 1a1) of man, lex talionis, beast 1b) tooth, tine (of fork) 1c) ivory 1c1) as material 1c2) of commerce 1d) sharp pointed rock
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: crag, [idiom] forefront, ivory, [idiom] sharp, tooth. See also: Genesis 49:12; Psalms 57:5; Psalms 3:8.
בְּ/שֵׁ֔ן shên H8127 "tooth" Prep | N-cs
The Hebrew word for tooth can also mean ivory or a sharp cliff. It is used in the Bible to describe the teeth of humans and animals, as well as sharp rocks, and is often translated as tooth or ivory.
Definition: : tooth 1) tooth, ivory 1a) tooth 1a1) of man, lex talionis, beast 1b) tooth, tine (of fork) 1c) ivory 1c1) as material 1c2) of commerce 1d) sharp pointed rock
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: crag, [idiom] forefront, ivory, [idiom] sharp, tooth. See also: Genesis 49:12; Psalms 57:5; Psalms 3:8.
יָ֥ד yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
בְּ/יָ֖ד yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
רֶ֥גֶל regel H7272 "foot" N-fs
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
בְּ/רָֽגֶל regel H7272 "foot" Prep | N-fs
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 19:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context — The Testimony of Two or Three Witnesses

Cross References

ReferenceText (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

  1. What are some ways that I can balance the desire for justice with the call to forgive and show mercy in my own life?
  2. How can I ensure that my actions and attitudes reflect a heart of fairness and compassion, rather than a desire for revenge or retaliation?
  3. In what ways can I trust God to bring about justice and fairness in the world, even when it seems like evil is prevailing?
  4. 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

And thine eye shall not pity,.... The false witness when convicted; this is directed to the judges, who should not spare such an one through favour or affection, but pronounce a righteous sentence on

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 19:21

If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong; But if convicted of perjury, it will be sufficient for his own condemnation, and his punishment shall be exactly

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:21

What punishment he intended or the law allotted to the accused, if he had been convicted, the same shall the false accuser bear. Of this law see on

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:21

Deuteronomy 19:21 And thine eye shall not pity; [but] life [shall go] for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.Ver. 21. Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.]

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:21

Deuteronomy 19:15-21. FALSE .The law of retaliation is sternly laid down here; but it must be administered by the judges, not by men acting on their own behalf. (17) Both the men . . . shall stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges.—This appears to mean that all cases of suspected false testimony were to go before the supreme court (see Deuteronomy 17:9); that the matter was not to be lightly decided. (21) Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.—This is to be effected by the award of the judges, not as a matter of private revenge. But manifestly it rests with the injured party to press the case.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:21

Verse 21. Life - for life, eye for eye, c.] The operation of such a law as this must have been very salutary: if a man prized his own members, he would naturally avoid injuring those of others. It is a pity that this law were not still in force: it would certainly prevent many of those savage acts which now both disgrace and injure society. I speak this in reference to law generally, and the provision that should be made to prevent and punish ferocious and malevolent offences. A Christian may always act on the plan of forgiving injuries and where the public peace and safety may not be affected, he should do so; but if law did not make a provision for the safety of the community by enactment against the profligate, civil society would soon be destroyed.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 19:21

21. thine eye shall not pity] See on Deuteronomy 19:13, Deuteronomy 7:16. life for life, etc.] The jus talionis, more fully in E, Exodus 21:24 f.; cp. H, Leviticus 24:18; Leviticus 24:20. Very frequently in the Code of Ḫ ?ammurabi. See further Driver’s note on Exodus 21:25.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 19:21

21. Thine eye shall not pity — It has been said that this is a harsh and cruel requirement. But it must be borne in mind that the usages which prevailed and the condition of society demanded stringent laws.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 19:21

SermonDescription
A.W. Pink 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
Art Katz 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
Dean Taylor 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
Aaron Dunlop 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
Denny Kenaston 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
J. Glyn Owen 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
Walter Beachy 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

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