Leviticus 24:20
Leviticus 24:20 in Multiple Translations
fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Just as he injured the other person, the same must be inflicted on him.
Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again.
breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be rendered unto him.
Wound for wound, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; whatever damage he has done, so let it be done to him.
a broken bone for a broken bone, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Whatever way they injured the victim, the same must be done to them.
Breache for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: such a blemish as he hath made in any, such shalbe repayed to him.
breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he putteth a blemish in a man so it is done in him.
fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. It shall be done to him as he has injured someone.
Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him.
Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, shall he restore. What blemish he gave, the like shall he be compelled to suffer.
If someone breaks one of another person’s bones, that person is allowed to break one of the bones of the person who injured him. If someone gouges out an eye of another person, that person is allowed to gouge out the eye of the person who injured him. If someone knocks out the tooth of another person, that person is allowed to knock out one of his teeth. What is done to the offender must be the same as what he did to the other person.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 24:20
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.
Leviticus 24:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 24:20
Study Notes — Leviticus 24:20
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 24:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 24:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 24:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 24:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 24:20
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 24:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 24:20
- Sermons on Leviticus 24:20
Context — An Eye for an Eye
20fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Just as he injured the other person, the same must be inflicted on him.
21Whoever kills an animal must make restitution, but whoever kills a man must be put to death. 22You are to have the same standard of law for the foreign resident and the native; for I am the LORD your God.’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 19:21 | You must show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot. |
| 2 | Matthew 5:38 | You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ |
| 3 | 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. |
Leviticus 24:20 Summary
Leviticus 24:20 is about being fair and just when someone hurts another person. It says that the punishment should fit the crime, like if someone breaks another person's bone, they should have their own bone broken too. This is not about promoting violence, but about promoting fairness and respect for human life, as seen in verses like Genesis 9:6 and Exodus 21:12-14. It reminds us that God is a just and fair God who desires equality and restitution in human relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Leviticus 24:20 promote violence and revenge?
No, this verse is actually about justice and fairness, as seen in the context of Leviticus 24:18-22, where the focus is on restitution and equal punishment for equal crime, similar to Exodus 21:24 and Deuteronomy 19:21.
Is the principle of 'an eye for an eye' still applicable today?
While this principle was given for the Israelites under the Old Covenant, Jesus taught a higher standard of forgiveness and love in the New Covenant, as seen in Matthew 5:38-42, where He teaches us to love our enemies and turn the other cheek.
How does this verse relate to God's character?
This verse shows that God is a just and fair God, who desires equality and restitution in human relationships, as stated in Leviticus 24:22, where God says 'for I am the LORD your God', emphasizing His holy and just nature.
What is the main purpose of this verse?
The main purpose of Leviticus 24:20 is to establish a standard of justice and fairness in the community, where the punishment fits the crime, and to promote a sense of responsibility and respect for human life and dignity, as seen in Genesis 9:6 and Exodus 21:12-14.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of fairness and justice in my own relationships and interactions with others?
- What are some ways I can show respect for human life and dignity, as reflected in this verse?
- How can I balance the desire for justice with the command to forgive and love my enemies, as taught by Jesus in the New Testament?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character and His desire for human relationships, and how can I reflect that in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 24:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 24:20
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 24:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 24:20
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 24:20
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 24:20
Sermons on Leviticus 24:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Degree of Love by Edgar Reich | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of a rescue team during the 2008 earthquake in China. They come across a woman's body buried under rubble, and despite knowing s |
|
Homily 16 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of not only abstaining from wickedness but also actively practicing goodness to attain the kingdom of Heaven. He warns against the consequ |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |







