Deuteronomy 19:20-21
New English Translation
20 The rest of the people will hear and become afraid to keep doing such evil among you. 21 You must not show pity; the principle will be a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, and a foot for a foot.[a]
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Deuteronomy 19:21 sn This kind of justice is commonly called lex talionis or “measure for measure” (cf. Exod 21:23-25; Lev 24:19-20). It is likely that it is the principle that is important and not always a strict application. That is, the punishment should fit the crime and it may do so by the payment of fines or other suitable and equitable compensation (cf. Exod 22:21; Num 35:31). See T. S. Frymer-Kensky, “Tit for Tat: The Principle of Equal Retribution in Near Eastern and Biblical Law,” BA 43 (1980): 230-34.
Deuteronomy 19:20-21
New International Version
20 The rest of the people will hear of this and be afraid,(A) and never again will such an evil thing be done among you. 21 Show no pity:(B) life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.(C)
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