◄ Leviticus 24:20 ►
fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Just as he injured the other person, the same must be inflicted on him.
Study Bible
fracture for fracture
This phrase is rooted in the Hebrew concept of "lex talionis," or the law of retaliation. The Hebrew word for "fracture" is "שֶׁבֶר" (shever), which implies a break or breach. Historically, this principle was not intended to promote vengeance but to ensure justice and proportionality in punishment. It served as a deterrent against excessive retribution and was a common legal principle in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The phrase underscores the importance of fairness and equity in the administration of justice, reflecting God's desire for order and balance within the community.

eye for eye
The Hebrew word for "eye" is "עַיִן" (ayin), symbolizing not just physical sight but also insight and understanding. This phrase emphasizes the value of human life and the need for justice to be visible and understandable to all. In the historical context, this law was revolutionary in its restraint, preventing the escalation of violence by limiting retribution to the exact nature of the offense. It highlights the sanctity of human dignity and the need for justice systems to reflect divine fairness.

tooth for tooth
The word "tooth" in Hebrew is "שֵׁן" (shen), representing not only a physical part of the body but also a metaphor for strength and sustenance. This phrase continues the theme of measured justice, ensuring that punishment is neither too lenient nor too harsh. In the ancient world, where personal injury could lead to cycles of revenge, this law provided a framework for maintaining social harmony and preventing further conflict. It reflects God's concern for both justice and mercy, ensuring that the punishment fits the crime.

Just as he injured the other person
The Hebrew verb for "injured" is "נָתַן" (natan), meaning to give or inflict. This phrase emphasizes personal responsibility and accountability for one's actions. In the scriptural context, it serves as a reminder that actions have consequences and that individuals must bear the responsibility for harm caused to others. It underscores the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where one's actions inevitably lead to corresponding outcomes.

the same must be inflicted on him
The phrase "must be inflicted" comes from the Hebrew "יֵעָשֶׂה" (ye'aseh), meaning to do or make. This reflects the necessity of justice being carried out in a manner that is both fair and impartial. The historical context of this directive was to prevent personal vendettas and ensure that justice was administered by the community or governing authorities. It highlights the importance of a just legal system that reflects God's righteousness and upholds the moral order He established.

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

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

3. Mount Sinai
The place where God gave Moses the laws, including the one found in Leviticus 24:20.

4. The Law
The set of rules and commandments given by God to the Israelites, which includes the principle of "an eye for an eye."
Teaching Points
Understanding Justice
The principle of "fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth" (Leviticus 24:20) underscores the importance of justice and fairness in the community. It was meant to limit excessive punishment and ensure that the penalty matched the offense.

Historical Context
In ancient times, this law was revolutionary in promoting justice and preventing personal vendettas. It established a legal framework for resolving disputes.

Jesus' Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus' teachings in the New Testament invite believers to go beyond the literal application of the law and embrace a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Practical Application
While the principle of "an eye for an eye" is not applied literally today, it challenges us to consider how we seek justice and reconciliation in our own lives.

Living Out Grace
As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect God's grace and mercy, choosing to forgive and love even when wronged.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the principle of "an eye for an eye" in Leviticus 24:20 reflect God's character of justice?

2. In what ways does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:38-39 challenge our natural responses to being wronged?

3. How can we apply the principle of justice from Leviticus 24:20 in our modern legal systems and personal relationships?

4. What are some practical ways we can "overcome evil with good" as instructed in Romans 12:17-21?

5. How does understanding the historical context of Leviticus 24:20 help us interpret its application for today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 21:23-25
This passage also discusses the principle of "an eye for an eye," emphasizing justice and proportionality in punishment.

Matthew 5:38-39
Jesus references the "eye for an eye" principle in the Sermon on the Mount, offering a new perspective on how to respond to wrongdoing.

Romans 12:17-21
Paul advises believers to not repay evil for evil, but to overcome evil with good, echoing Jesus' teaching on forgiveness and love.
Sermons
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
Blemish, Breach, Caused, Damage, Disfigured, Eye, Fracture, Inflicted, Injured, Maimed, Putteth, Rendered, Someone, Tooth, Whatever, Wound
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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