Exodus 21:12
Exodus 21:12 in Multiple Translations
Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death.
¶ He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.
He that smiteth a man, so that he dieth, shall surely be put to death.
He who gives a man a death-blow is himself to be put to death.
Anyone who hits and kills someone else must be executed.
He that smiteth a man, and he die, shall dye the death.
'He who smiteth a man so that he hath died, is certainly put to death;
“One who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death,
He that smiteth a man, so that he dieth, shall be surely put to death.
He that striketh a man with a will to kill him, shall be put to death.
You must execute anyone who strikes another person with the result that the person who is struck dies.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 21:12
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.
Exodus 21:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַכֵּ֥ה
אִ֛ישׁ
וָ/מֵ֖ת
מ֥וֹת
יוּמָֽת
מַכֵּ֥ה
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hiphil
אִ֛ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
וָ/מֵ֖ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
מ֥וֹת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Ptc
יוּמָֽת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 21:12
מַכֵּ֥ה
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hiphil
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
אִ֛ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וָ/מֵ֖ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
מ֥וֹת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Ptc
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
יוּמָֽת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Exodus 21:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 21:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 21:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:12
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:12
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 21:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 21:12
- Sermons on Exodus 21:12
Context — Personal Injury Laws
10If he takes another wife, he must not reduce the food, clothing, or marital rights of his first wife.
11If, however, he does not provide her with these three things, she is free to go without monetary payment.
12Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death.
13If, however, he did not lie in wait, but God allowed it to happen, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee. 14But if a man schemes and acts willfully against his neighbor to kill him, you must take him away from My altar to be put to death.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 9:6 | Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind. |
| 2 | Matthew 26:52 | “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him. “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword. |
| 3 | Leviticus 24:17 | And if a man takes the life of anyone else, he must surely be put to death. |
| 4 | Numbers 35:30–31 | If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death on the testimony of the witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness. You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 19:11–13 | If, however, a man hates his neighbor and lies in wait, attacks him and kills him, and then flees to one of these cities, the elders of his city must send for him, bring him back, and hand him over to the avenger of blood to die. 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. |
| 6 | Exodus 20:13 | You shall not murder. |
| 7 | Numbers 35:16–24 | If, however, anyone strikes a person with an iron object and kills him, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. Or if anyone has in his hand a stone of deadly size, and he strikes and kills another, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. If anyone has in his hand a deadly object of wood, and he strikes and kills another, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him. Likewise, if anyone maliciously pushes another or intentionally throws an object at him and kills him, or if in hostility he strikes him with his hand and he dies, the one who struck him must surely be put to death; he is a murderer. When the avenger of blood finds the murderer, he is to kill him. But if anyone pushes a person suddenly, without hostility, or throws an object at him unintentionally, or without looking drops a heavy stone that kills him, but he was not an enemy and did not intend to harm him, then the congregation must judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 12:13 | Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” “The LORD has taken away your sin,” Nathan replied. “You will not die. |
Exodus 21:12 Summary
This verse, Exodus 21:12, is saying that if someone intentionally hurts and kills another person, they should be punished with death. This might seem harsh, but it's actually showing how much God values human life (as seen in Genesis 9:6). It's teaching us that our actions have consequences, and that we should treat others with respect and care. By understanding this principle, we can better appreciate the importance of living in a way that honors God and respects the people around us (as seen in Matthew 22:39).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Exodus 21:12 mean by 'must surely be put to death'?
This verse is establishing a principle of justice, where the punishment fits the crime, as seen in other parts of the Bible, such as Leviticus 24:17 and Numbers 35:31, emphasizing the value of human life.
Is this verse promoting violence or revenge?
No, this verse is actually promoting justice and upholding the value of human life, as stated in Genesis 9:6, where it says that 'whoever sheds human blood, by humans his blood will be shed'.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse reflects God's holiness and justice, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4, where it says that 'all His ways are just' and that 'He is a God of faithfulness and without injustice'.
What about forgiveness and mercy in this verse?
While this verse does emphasize justice, it's also important to remember that the Bible teaches about forgiveness and mercy, as seen in Matthew 6:14-15, where Jesus teaches about forgiving others, and in Exodus 34:6-7, where God's mercy and compassion are highlighted.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's perspective on human life?
- How can I apply the principle of justice and fairness in my own relationships and interactions with others?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of respecting and valuing human life?
- How can I balance the need for justice with the call to forgive and show mercy, as seen in other parts of the Bible?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:12
He that smiteth a man, so that he die,.... The Targum of Jonathan is, that smites a man or daughter of Israel with the sword; but there is no need to restrain the words either to persons of any
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:12
He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death. He that smiteth a man so that he die, shall be surely put to death.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 21:12
He that smiteth a man knowingly and wilfully, as appears by the next verse, neither the friends of the party slain, nor the magistrate, shall give him a pardon, or accept a ransom for him, .
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:12
Exodus 21:12 He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.Ver. 12. Shall be surely put to death.]
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:12
(12-14) He that smiteth a man, so that he die.—Homicide had been broadly and generally forbidden in the sixth commandment. But something more was necessary. Laws are for the most part inoperative unless they are enforced by penalties; and for every case of homicide the same penalty would not be fitting. Accordingly we have here, first, the assignment of the death penalty for homicide of the first degree, i.e., murder; and secondly, the provision of a refuge for homicide of the second degree, i.e., manslaughter, or death by misadventure. The death penalty for murder had already received Divine sanction in the injunctions given to Noah (Genesis 9:6). Tradition, backed up by conscience, had made it an almost universal law. The Sinaitic legislation adopted the law into the national code, and lent it additional force by the proviso, which we know to have been carried out in practice (1 Kings 2:28-34), that the Murderer was even to be torn from God’s altar, if he took refuge there.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:12
12–17. Capital offences. In v. 12 is laid down the general principle that death is the punishment for killing a man. If the act is unpre-meditated (manslaughter), the penalty is modified (v. 13), but retained in full in the case of the act being evidently intentional (v. 14). Kidnapping a fellow Israelite, and smiting or cursing a parent (vv. 15–17), are also treated as capital offences.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 21:12
The case of murder of a free man and of a bondman. See Exodus 21:20 note. The law was afterward expressly declared to relate also to foreigners, Leviticus 24:17, Leviticus 24:21-22; compare the marginal references.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 21:12
12. Smiteth a man, so that he die — This is a general law for intentional murder, and demands the punishment declared in Genesis 9:6. See also notes on Exodus 20:13.
Sermons on Exodus 21:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Exodus) Exodus 21:12-25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a series of laws related to injuries to a person. The basis for capital punishment is mentioned, with the understanding that a government has |
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(Through the Bible) Exodus 21-22 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses Exodus chapters 21 and 22, emphasizing the importance of God's judgments and laws as guidelines for judges in Israel. He explains that these laws were not mea |
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Christ Our City of Refuge by Hoseah Wu | In this sermon, Richard from Elizabeth introduces his brother Levine to say a few words. Levine expresses his love for bagels and locks and praises the inspiring words written by a |
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Deformation of Image - Inalienable Aspects - Moral Agency by John Murray | In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for discernment and guidance from the Holy Spirit and the Holy Word. They express a concern about losing contact with the committee an |
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Blood Guild - Sanctity Life Sunday by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the impact of a young girl's life and the significance of her clothing in reflecting her faith. He also shares the tragic story of an 11-ye |
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09-10-80 7p Part I by Bertha Smith | In this sermon, the preacher begins by sharing an illustration about the question of why God made human beings sinful and selfish. He uses a Chinese word for man to represent all p |
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Abortion & the Campaign for Immorality - John Macarthur by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, John MacArthur discusses the recent political conventions and their adoption of a Romans 1 platform. He expresses his concern over the promotion of sexual freedom, |