Deuteronomy 19:21 Meaning and Explanation
“And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →In cases of injury or death, compensation is proportionate: the same loss inflicted is required as restitution.
The Context of Deuteronomy 19:21
Proportional restitution for bodily harm and death.
What Does Deuteronomy 19:21 Mean?
This is the law of proportional restitution, often called lex talionis ('eye for an eye'). It applies to cases where bodily harm occurs: if someone blinds another, the offender forfeits sight; if they kill, they forfeit life. The principle is not vengeance but proportional justice—the penalty matches the harm.
The command not to 'pity' parallels verse 13. Pity must not weaken justice. The law establishes that injury deserves proportional restitution, not more (excessive punishment) and not less (inadequate recompense). This protects both the injured and the offender from arbitrary extremes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 19:21
What does Deuteronomy 19:21 mean?
In cases of injury or death, compensation is proportionate: the same loss inflicted is required as restitution.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 19:21?
Proportional restitution for bodily harm and death.