The biblical laws concerning personal injury are primarily found in the Old Testament, particularly within the Mosaic Law. These laws were given to the Israelites to maintain justice and order within the community, reflecting God's concern for human life and dignity. They are detailed in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy, providing guidelines for restitution and compensation in cases of injury or harm.

Exodus 21:12-36

The Book of Exodus contains a comprehensive set of laws regarding personal injury. Exodus 21:12-14 addresses cases of homicide, distinguishing between premeditated murder and accidental killing. The passage states, "Whoever strikes and kills a man must surely be put to death. But if he did not intend any harm, yet God allowed it to happen, I will appoint a place for you where he may flee" . This introduces the concept of cities of refuge for accidental killers, emphasizing the value of intent in determining guilt.

Exodus 21:18-19 deals with injuries resulting from physical altercations: "If men quarrel and one strikes the other with a stone or fist, and he does not die but is confined to bed, the one who struck him must pay for the man's lost time and see that he is completely healed" . This law underscores the principle of restitution, requiring the offender to compensate the victim for lost wages and medical expenses.

The passage also addresses injuries to servants in Exodus 21:20-21, stating that if a servant is beaten and dies, the master must be punished. However, if the servant survives a day or two, the master is not to be punished, as the servant is considered his property. This reflects the societal norms of the time while still imposing limits on the treatment of servants.

Leviticus 24:17-22

Leviticus reiterates the principle of lex talionis, or the law of retaliation, which is famously summarized as "an eye for an eye." Leviticus 24:19-20 states, "If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Just as he injured the other person, the same must be inflicted on him" . This law was intended to ensure that punishment was proportional to the offense, preventing excessive retribution.

Deuteronomy 19:4-13

Deuteronomy expands on the concept of cities of refuge, providing further instructions for those who commit manslaughter. Deuteronomy 19:4-5 explains, "Now this is the case of the manslayer who may flee there and live: When someone kills his neighbor unintentionally, without prior hatred, as when a man goes into the forest with his neighbor to cut wood and his hand swings the axe to cut down a tree, but the blade flies off the handle and strikes his neighbor so that he dies" . This provision highlights the importance of intent and provides a means of protection for those who cause accidental harm.

Principles and Implications

The laws on personal injury in the Bible emphasize justice, restitution, and the sanctity of human life. They reflect a balance between justice and mercy, recognizing the need for punishment while also providing avenues for forgiveness and protection for those who act without malice. These laws served as a foundation for the legal systems of many Western societies, influencing concepts of justice and personal responsibility.