Leviticus 24:18 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 24:18 mean?

Leviticus 24:18 says that if someone kills another person’s animal, they must compensate by giving an animal of equal value in return. The law requires a direct replacement—one animal for another—to make things right between people.

In this part of Leviticus, God is giving laws to the Israelites through Moses about how to handle situations when someone causes harm or loss to another person’s property. The verse is part of a larger section about fairness and justice, making sure that people take responsibility for their actions and restore what was lost.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 24:18

• "Killeth" (נָכָה, nākhāh) often means to strike or hit, and in this context, it refers to causing the death of an animal, not just any kind of harm.
• "Beast" (נֶפֶשׁ, nefesh) here is used for a living creature, not just a generic animal, highlighting that the law covers animals with value to their owners.
• "Good" (שָׁלַם, shālam) means to make whole or to pay back, emphasizing full restitution, not just a partial or symbolic repayment.

Why Leviticus 24:18 matters

• Leviticus 24:18 clarifies that the law values the property and livelihood of individuals, not just human life, by requiring full compensation for lost animals.
• The verse shows that justice in ancient Israel was based on making things right, not just punishing the wrongdoer, which helps explain the principle of restitution found throughout the Old Testament.
• This law fits into a broader pattern in Leviticus of practical, everyday rules meant to keep peace and fairness in the community, not just religious rituals.