Old Testament
Leviticus 24:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If someone injures a neighbor, the same must be done to him in return:
Compare translations
And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him;
What Leviticus 24:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
Leviticus 24:19 addresses the principle of retribution, often summarized as "an eye for an eye." This law emphasizes that if someone causes harm to another person, they should receive a punishment that is equal to the injury inflicted. This was intended to ensure justice and prevent excessive punishment. The focus is on proportionality in justice, meaning that the response to wrongdoing should not exceed the harm done. This principle was significant in ancient Israelite society, as it aimed to maintain order and fairness among the people. It also served as a reminder that actions have consequences, and individuals are responsible for their behavior towards others. While this law may seem harsh by modern standards, it was a way to limit revenge and promote accountability within the community.
How to apply Leviticus 24:19 to your life
In our daily lives, we can apply this principle by ensuring that our responses to others' wrongdoings are fair and measured. Instead of seeking revenge or escalating conflicts, we should aim for resolutions that reflect the severity of the situation, promoting peace and understanding.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Leviticus 24:19
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Leviticus 24:19
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 24:19 mean?
Leviticus 24:19 means that if someone harms another person, they should face a punishment that is equal to the harm they caused. This principle, often referred to as 'an eye for an eye,' emphasizes fairness and proportionality in justice.
What is the principle of retribution in Leviticus 24:19?
The principle of retribution in Leviticus 24:19 is that the punishment for an injury should match the injury itself. This aims to prevent excessive punishment and ensure that justice is served fairly.
How does Leviticus 24:19 apply to modern life?
Leviticus 24:19 can be applied today by encouraging fair and measured responses to wrongdoings. Instead of seeking revenge, we should aim for resolutions that reflect the seriousness of the situation.
What is the significance of 'an eye for an eye' in Leviticus 24:19?
The significance of 'an eye for an eye' in Leviticus 24:19 is that it establishes a standard for justice that prevents excessive retaliation. It serves to maintain order and accountability within the community.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.