Leviticus 24:18
Leviticus 24:18 in Multiple Translations
Whoever kills an animal must make restitution—life for life.
And he that killeth a beast shall make it good; beast for beast.
And he that smiteth a beast mortally shall make it good, life for life.
And anyone wounding a beast and causing its death, will have to make payment for it: a life for a life.
Anyone who kills an animal has to replace it—a life for a life.
And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it, beast for beast.
'And he who smiteth a beast repayeth it, body for body.
He who strikes an animal mortally shall make it good, life for life.
And he that killeth a beast shall make it good; beast for beast.
He that killeth a beast, shall make it good, that is to say, shall give beast for beast.
And anyone who kills another person’s animal must give that person a live animal to replace the one that he killed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 24:18
BAB
Word Study
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Leviticus 24:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/מַכֵּ֥ה
נֶֽפֶשׁ
בְּהֵמָ֖ה
יְשַׁלְּמֶ֑/נָּה
נֶ֖פֶשׁ
תַּ֥חַת
נָֽפֶשׁ
וּ/מַכֵּ֥ה
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil
נֶֽפֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
בְּהֵמָ֖ה
bᵉhêmâh
H929
animal
N-fs
יְשַׁלְּמֶ֑/נָּה
shâlam
H7999
to complete
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
נֶ֖פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
תַּ֥חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
נָֽפֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 24:18
וּ/מַכֵּ֥ה
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | 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.
נֶֽפֶשׁ
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.
בְּהֵמָ֖ה
bᵉhêmâh
H929
"animal"
N-fs
This word refers to animals, especially large quadruped mammals. It's used in the Bible to describe livestock, wild beasts, and other creatures. It appears in stories of creation, farming, and wildlife.
Definition: 1) beast, cattle, animal 1a) beasts (coll of all animals) 1b) cattle, livestock (of domestic animals) 1c) wild beasts
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beast, cattle. See also: Genesis 1:24; Deuteronomy 28:11; Psalms 8:8.
יְשַׁלְּמֶ֑/נָּה
shâlam
H7999
"to complete"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
נֶ֖פֶשׁ
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.
תַּ֥חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
נָֽפֶשׁ
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.
Study Notes — Leviticus 24:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — An Eye for an Eye
16Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death; the whole assembly must surely stone him, whether he is a foreign resident or native; if he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death.
17And if a man takes the life of anyone else, he must surely be put to death.
18Whoever kills an animal must make restitution—life for life.
19If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: 20fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Just as he injured the other person, the same must be inflicted on him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 24:21 | Whoever kills an animal must make restitution, but whoever kills a man must be put to death. |
| 2 | Exodus 21:34–36 | the owner of the pit shall make restitution; he must pay its owner, and the dead animal will be his. If a man’s ox injures his neighbor’s ox and it dies, they must sell the live one and divide the proceeds; they also must divide the dead animal. But if it was known that the ox had a habit of goring, yet its owner failed to restrain it, he shall pay full compensation, ox for ox, and the dead animal will be his. |
Leviticus 24:18 Summary
This verse, Leviticus 24:18, teaches us that if someone kills an animal, they must replace its life in some way, showing that God values all life. This principle reminds us to respect and care for the world around us, including animals, as seen in Proverbs 12:10. It's not just about following a rule, but about understanding that our actions have consequences and that we should strive to be good stewards of what God has given us, as taught in Genesis 1:28 and Psalm 24:1. By valuing life, we reflect God's heart and character, as shown in Exodus 20:13 and Matthew 5:21-22.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to make restitution for killing an animal?
According to Leviticus 24:18, making restitution for killing an animal means to replace its life with another life, highlighting the value God places on all life, as seen also in Genesis 1:24-25 where God creates and values all living creatures.
Is this verse talking about killing animals for food or sacrifice?
The context of Leviticus 24:18 suggests that it is referring to the unlawful killing of an animal, not the lawful killing for food or sacrifice as described in Leviticus 1:1-17 and Deuteronomy 12:20-24.
How does this principle apply to us today?
While the specific law may not directly apply, the principle of respecting and valuing life, as taught in Leviticus 24:18, is still relevant today and reflects the broader biblical teaching on the sanctity of life, as seen in Exodus 20:13 and Matthew 5:21-22.
Does this verse imply that animals have the same value as human life?
No, Leviticus 24:18 is not equating the value of animal life with human life, but rather emphasizing the importance of respecting and preserving life in general, as humans are made in the image of God, Genesis 1:26-27, and have a unique value and responsibility.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's perspective on the value of life, and how should that impact my daily choices?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of respecting and preserving life in my relationships and interactions with the world around me?
- How does the concept of restitution in this verse relate to my understanding of justice and mercy, as taught in Micah 6:8 and Matthew 23:23?
- What are some practical steps I can take to demonstrate a greater respect for the life of animals and the environment, in light of this verse and the broader biblical teaching on stewardship, as seen in Genesis 1:28 and Psalm 24:1?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 24:18
And he that killeth a beast shall make it good,.... Pay for it, give the value of it, or another as good as that instead of it, as follows: beast for beast; or "soul for soul"; life for life, that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 24:18
And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death. He that killeth any man.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 24:18
(18) And he that killeth a beast.—The law about killing a human being is now followed by the enaetments with regard to killing a beast. He who kills an animal has to make it good by giving another animal for it. The case is not the same as that legislated for in Exodus 21:33-34.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 24:18
18. There is no exact parallel for this direction in Exodus 21-23. Exodus 21:33-34 is dealing with a different case.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 24:18
18. Beast for beast — Rather, life for life. This is even-handed justice.