Deuteronomy 25:12 Meaning and Explanation
“Then thou shalt cut off her hand, thine eye shall not pity her.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →For this act, her hand is cut off; the penalty does not yield to sympathy.
The Context of Deuteronomy 25:12
The severe consequence for attacking a man's genitals during a fight.
What Does Deuteronomy 25:12 Mean?
Despite her intention to save her husband, the law demanded the loss of her hand. This was not a small wound but a permanent disabling—her hand was removed entirely. The phrase 'thine eye shall not pity her' meant the judge must not soften the sentence or waver at her suffering or her good motive.
The law draws a hard line: protecting your husband does not license you to maim another person. Even a good intention does not override the boundary. The severity of the penalty—the loss of a hand—shows how serious the law considered the violation of bodily integrity, even in extremity. Mercy cannot override justice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 25:12
What does Deuteronomy 25:12 mean?
For this act, her hand is cut off; the penalty does not yield to sympathy.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 25:12?
The severe consequence for attacking a man's genitals during a fight.