Leviticus 24:20

20 If you break a bone, one of your bones shall be broken; if you put out an eye, one of your eyes shall be put out; if you knock out a tooth, one of your teeth shall be knocked out. Whatever injury you cause another person shall be done to you in return. ¹

Leviticus 24:20 Meaning and Commentary

Leviticus 24:20

Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth
Which is not to be taken strictly or literally, but for the price or value of those, which is to be given in a pecuniary way; (See Gill on Exodus 21:24), (See Gill on Exodus 21:25);

as he hath caused a blemish in a man, shall it be done to him;
unless he gives satisfaction, and pays a valuable consideration for it.

Leviticus 24:20 In-Context

18 and any who kill an animal belonging to someone else must replace it. The principle is a life for a life.

19 "If any of you injure another person, whatever you have done shall be done to you.

20 If you break a bone, one of your bones shall be broken; if you put out an eye, one of your eyes shall be put out; if you knock out a tooth, one of your teeth shall be knocked out. Whatever injury you cause another person shall be done to you in return.

21 Whoever kills an animal shall replace it, but whoever kills a human being shall be put to death.

22 This law applies to all of you, to Israelites and to foreigners living among you, because I am the Lord your God."

Cross References

• 1. 24.20Exodus 21.23-25;Deuteronomy 19.21;Matthew 5.38.