Exodus 21:23 (KJV)

What does Exodus 21:23 mean?

Exodus 21:23 states that if serious harm results from a conflict, the penalty must be equal to the harm done—specifically, a life must be given in exchange for a life lost. This verse sets out a principle of strict, proportional justice for cases where someone's actions have deadly consequences.

In this part of Exodus, God is giving laws to the Israelites through Moses, addressing what should happen if a pregnant woman is injured during a fight and tragedy follows. The verse emphasizes that the punishment should match the severity of the outcome, laying the foundation for the well-known "eye for eye" principle that follows in the next verses.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 21:23

• "Follow" (אָסוֹן, 'ason): This word refers to serious harm or disaster, not just minor injury. Its use here shows that the law is about truly grave consequences, not everyday accidents.
• "Give" (נָתַן, natan): In this context, "give" means to pay or surrender something as a penalty. It highlights the idea of restitution or compensation, not just physical punishment.
• "Life" (נֶפֶשׁ, nefesh): This word means "life" or "person." The repetition ("life for life") stresses the seriousness of taking a life and the value placed on each individual.

Why Exodus 21:23 matters

• Exodus 21:23 clarifies that the law is not about revenge, but about measured, just consequences that match the harm done.
• The verse is part of a larger section on personal injury laws, showing that ancient Israel took both intent and outcome seriously in legal matters.
• Understanding the original words helps readers see that the law is about protecting life and ensuring fairness, not encouraging harshness or escalation.