Exodus 21:24 meaning
The principle of justice embodied in the phrase "eye for eye, tooth for tooth" reflects a pivotal legislative intent to moderate vengeance within the community. Situations of conflict often lead to disputes escalating far beyond the initial wrongdoing, igniting cycles of retaliation. The Law of Retaliation (lex talionis) was enacted to curb this tendency, ensuring that the punishment fits the crime without unjust excesses. In the context of ancient Israel, this law served both as a deterrent and a mechanism for equitable justice, aiming to maintain social order.
This provision is crucial as it emphasizes that justice should be legislated by authorities rather than an individual's right to personal vengeance. The command aimed at mitigating significant emotional responses to offenses is echoed throughout many texts. In instances where injury occurs, compensatory measures rather than revenge-based actions are prescribed, laying the groundwork for a society governed by justice rather than chaos. This highlights a divine intent for love and community, which anticipates a resolution that upholds dignity for all involved. Referencing Exodus, we read, "Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot."
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Exodus 21:18-27 meaning. Here are the judgements for four instances of violence done to a person where the victim does not die. The four instances are: violence between free people, violence done to servants, violence done to a pregnant woman which causes the loss of her baby, and bodily injury to a servant.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Exodus 32:21-24 meaning. After making the people drink the dust of their idol, Moses then confronted Aaron about his role in the fiasco. Aaron provided a weak explanation of what happened, telling truth mixed with falsehood.
- Genesis 18:19-22 meaning. God tells Abraham about the report of the great sin in Sodom and Gomorrah and that they plan on visiting the cities to see if it is true.
- Genesis 15:17-21 meaning. God appeared and made the covenant with Abram. God again promises the land to Abram’s descendants and gives the details.
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