Exodus 21:24 - Printer Friendly

ESV: eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

NIV: eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

NASB: eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

CSB: eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

NLT: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot,

KJV: Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

NKJV: eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

Exodus 21:22–25 establishes protection for pregnant women and unborn children. Aggression that causes a woman to deliver early, but she and the child are unharmed, is punished with restitution. If the child dies, or either mother or child is seriously harmed, the guilty party is subject to equal consequences, including death. This is one of Scripture's clearest indicators that God considers unborn children to be fully human; harming the unborn is assault and murder.

The Ten Commandments form the basis of Israel's other laws. In this chapter, God provides guidelines and penalties for various issues. These include homicide, assault, and injury. Laws also control harm done to or by animals. Included in these are protections for pregnant women and unborn children. Servants are guarded from abuse. Kidnapping people into slavery is punishable by death.

Chapter 20 began recording the laws of God's covenant with Israel. This started with the Ten Commandments. In this chapter, the Lord provides rules on subjects such as penalties for violent crime and negligence regarding animals. Chapters 22 and 23 continue to provide details about Israel's legal code. Chapter 24 records a confirmation of the covenant. Chapter 25 begins describing the construction of the tabernacle.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 6/19/2025 3:14:24 AM