Exodus 21:12

12 "Whoever hits someone and kills him is to be put to death. ¹

Exodus 21:12 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 21:12

He that smiteth a man, so that he die
The Targum of Jonathan is, that smites a man or daughter of Israel with the sword; but there is no need to restrain the words either to persons of any certain nation, nor to any instrument with which a person may be smitten as to die: but any human person, man, woman, or child, of whatsoever nation, and they smitten with anything whatever, that issues in their death:

shall surely be put to death;
by the order of the civil magistrate, and by the hand of such as shall be appointed by him; for this is the original law of God, ( Genesis 9:6 ) .

Exodus 21:12 In-Context

10 If a man takes a second wife, he must continue to give his first wife the same amount of food and clothing and the same rights that she had before.

11 If he does not fulfill these duties to her, he must set her free and not receive any payment.

12 "Whoever hits someone and kills him is to be put to death.

13 But if it was an accident and he did not mean to kill him, he can escape to a place which I will choose for you, and there he will be safe.

14 But when someone gets angry and deliberately kills someone else, he is to be put to death, even if he has run to my altar for safety.

Cross References

• 1. 21.12Leviticus 24.17.