Leviticus 24:19
If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him:
If anyone
This phrase establishes the universality of the law. It applies to every individual within the community, emphasizing the impartiality of God's justice. The Hebrew word used here, "אִישׁ" (ish), refers to a person or man, indicating that the law is not limited by social status or gender. This reflects the biblical principle that all are equal before God, a concept that resonates with the New Testament teaching that there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).

injures
The Hebrew root for "injures" is "נָכָה" (nakah), which means to strike, smite, or wound. This word conveys the seriousness of causing harm to another person, whether physical or emotional. The use of this term underscores the sanctity of human life and the importance of maintaining peace and harmony within the community. It serves as a reminder of the destructive nature of violence and the need for restraint and compassion.

his neighbor
The term "neighbor" in Hebrew is "רֵעַ" (rea), which can mean friend, companion, or fellow citizen. This word broadens the scope of the commandment to include not just those who live nearby but anyone with whom one interacts. It echoes the command to love one's neighbor as oneself (Leviticus 19:18), a principle that Jesus highlighted as one of the greatest commandments (Matthew 22:39). This phrase calls believers to consider the well-being of others and to act with kindness and respect.

whatever he has done
This phrase indicates that the response to an injury should be directly related to the nature of the offense. The Hebrew word "כַּאֲשֶׁר" (ka'asher) means "as" or "according to," suggesting a measure-for-measure approach. This reflects the principle of lex talionis, or the law of retaliation, which seeks to ensure that justice is proportional and not excessive. It serves as a deterrent to wrongdoing and promotes fairness in the administration of justice.

must be done to him
The phrase "must be done to him" emphasizes the requirement for justice to be served. The Hebrew verb "עָשָׂה" (asah) means to do, make, or execute, indicating that the prescribed action is not optional but mandatory. This underscores the seriousness with which God views justice and the importance of accountability. It also points to the need for a legal system that upholds righteousness and deters further harm.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai and communicated them to the Israelites.

2. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, to whom the laws in Leviticus were given as part of their covenant relationship with God.

3. The Tabernacle
The central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among the Israelites during their wilderness journey.

4. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites received the laws, including the laws of retribution, as they journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
Understanding Justice
The law of retribution in Leviticus 24:19 emphasizes justice and fairness, ensuring that the punishment fits the crime. It reflects God's desire for order and equity in human relationships.

The Role of the Law
The Old Testament law served as a guide for the Israelites, teaching them about God's holiness and their need for justice. It points to the need for a Savior who fulfills the law perfectly.

Jesus' Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus' teachings in the New Testament transform the understanding of justice from retribution to forgiveness and love. Believers are called to follow His example in dealing with offenses.

Practical Forgiveness
In our daily lives, we are encouraged to move beyond the desire for retribution and embrace forgiveness, reflecting Christ's love and grace to those who wrong us.

Living in Community
The principle of justice in Leviticus reminds us of the importance of living in harmony and peace with others, seeking reconciliation and restoration in our relationships.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the principle of "an eye for an eye" in Leviticus 24:19 reflect God's character and His desire for justice among His people?

2. In what ways does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:38-39 challenge the Old Testament understanding of retribution?

3. How can we apply the principle of overcoming evil with good, as taught in Romans 12:17-21, in our personal relationships today?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to forgive those who have wronged us, following Jesus' example?

5. How does understanding the context and purpose of the Old Testament law enhance our appreciation for the grace and forgiveness offered through Christ?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 21:23-25
This passage outlines the principle of "an eye for an eye," which is foundational to the law of retribution found in Leviticus 24:19.

Matthew 5:38-39
Jesus references the "eye for an eye" principle and teaches a new way of responding to injury, emphasizing forgiveness and turning the other cheek.

Romans 12:17-21
Paul instructs believers not to repay evil for evil but to overcome evil with good, echoing Jesus' teaching on forgiveness and love for enemies.
A Suggestive EpisodeW. Clarkson Leviticus 24:10-16, 23
Shelomith's SonJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 24:10-23
The Law of DeathR.A. Redford Leviticus 24:10-23
Public Justice Secured by the Law of RetaliationR.M. Edgar Leviticus 24:17-22
The Holy Law of GodW. Clarkson Leviticus 24:17-22
People
Aaron, Dan, Dibri, Ephah, Israelites, Israelitess, Moses, Shelomith
Places
Teman
Topics
Anyone, Blemish, Cause, Causes, Damage, Disfigurement, Fellow, Injures, Maim, Neighbor, Neighbour, Putteth, Whatever
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 24:17-20

     5372   knife

Leviticus 24:17-21

     5492   restitution
     5495   revenge, and retaliation

Leviticus 24:17-22

     5346   injury
     5483   punishment
     5493   retribution
     8307   moderation

Leviticus 24:18-21

     4605   animals, religious role

Library
The Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force Has Been Professed by a Minority of Men from the Very Foundation of Christianity. Of the Book "What
CHAPTER I. THE DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE TO EVIL BY FORCE HAS BEEN PROFESSED BY A MINORITY OF MEN FROM THE VERY FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIANITY. Of the Book "What I Believe"--The Correspondence Evoked by it-- Letters from Quakers--Garrison's Declaration--Adin Ballou, his Works, his Catechism--Helchitsky's "Net of Faith"--The Attitude of the World to Works Elucidating Christ's Teaching--Dymond's Book "On War"--Musser's "Non-resistance Asserted"--Attitude of the Government in 1818 to Men who Refused to
Leo Tolstoy—The Kingdom of God is within you

Feast of the Dedication. The Jews Attempt to Stone Jesus and He Retires to Peræa.
(Jerusalem and Beyond Jordan.) ^D John X. 22-42. ^d 22 And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem: 23; it was winter; and Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. [The feast of dedication was one of eight days' duration and began upon the 25th Chisleu, which, according to the calculation of M. Chevannes, fell upon the nineteenth or twentieth of December, a.d. 29. The feast was kept in honor of the renovation and purification of the temple in the year b.c. 164, after it had been desecrated
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath.
(Probably While on the Way from Jerusalem to Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 1-8; ^B Mark II. 23-28; ^C Luke VI. 1-5. ^b 23 And ^c 1 Now it came to pass ^a 1 At that season ^b that he ^a Jesus went { ^b was going} on the { ^c a} ^b sabbath day through the grainfields; ^a and his disciples were hungry and began ^b as they went, to pluck the ears. ^a and to eat, ^c and his disciples plucked the ears, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. [This lesson fits in chronological order with the last, if the Bethesda
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day Sabbath.
AND PROOF, THAT THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK IS THE TRUE CHRISTIAN SABBATH. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'The Son of man is lord also of the Sabbath day.' London: Printed for Nath, Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1685. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. All our inquiries into divine commands are required to be made personally, solemnly, prayerful. To 'prove all things,' and 'hold fast' and obey 'that which is good,' is a precept, equally binding upon the clown, as it is upon the philosopher. Satisfied from our observations
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Third Stage of the Roman Trial. Pilate Reluctantly Sentences Him to Crucifixion.
(Friday. Toward Sunrise.) ^A Matt. XXVII. 15-30; ^B Mark XV. 6-19; ^C Luke XXIII. 13-25; ^D John XVIII. 39-XIX 16. ^a 15 Now at the feast [the passover and unleavened bread] the governor was wont { ^b used to} release unto them ^a the multitude one prisoner, whom they would. { ^b whom they asked of him.} [No one knows when or by whom this custom was introduced, but similar customs were not unknown elsewhere, both the Greeks and Romans being wont to bestow special honor upon certain occasions by releasing
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Voluntary Suffering
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. T hat which often passes amongst men for resolution, and the proof of a noble, courageous spirit, is, in reality, the effect of a weak and little mind. At least, it is chiefly owing to the presence of certain circumstances, which have a greater influence upon the conduct, than any inherent principle. Thus may persons who appear to set death and danger at defiance in the hour
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

A Divine Saviour.
"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew xvi. 1; John vi. 69.) We meet with a certain class of Enquirers who do not believe in the Divinity of Christ. There are many passages that will give light on this subject. In 1 Corinthians xv. 47, we are told: "The first man is of the earth earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven." In 1 John v. 20: "We know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true; and we are in Him that is
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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