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Deuteronomy 19:20

Deuteronomy 19:21 net — You must not show pity; the principle will be a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a h…

NET Bible

"You must not show pity; the principle will be a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, and a foot for a foot."

— Deuteronomy 19:21, NET Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Deuteronomy 19:21 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Deuteronomy 19 — Context

18

The judges will thoroughly investigate the matter, and if the witness should prove to be false and to have given false testimony against the accused,

19

you must do to him what he had intended to do to the accused. In this way you will purge evil from among you.

20

The rest of the people will hear and become afraid to keep doing such evil among you.

21

You must not show pity; the principle will be a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, and a foot for a foot.

Deuteronomy 19:21 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Deuteronomy 19:21 say?
Deuteronomy 19:21 in the NET Bible reads: “You must not show pity; the principle will be a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, and a foot for a foot.”
Where is Deuteronomy 19:21 in the Bible?
Deuteronomy 19:21 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 19, verse 21.
Who wrote Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Largely framed as Moses' farewell speeches; the closing chapter narrating his death was likely added by Joshua or a later editor. It was written c. 1406 BC.
What is the book of Deuteronomy about?
Deuteronomy is Moses' final sermons to Israel before they enter the Promised Land — a renewed call to love and obey the LORD. It re-states the Law, rehearses Israel's history, and lays before the people blessing for obedience and curse for rebellion.
What are the major themes of Deuteronomy?
Deuteronomy explores themes including Covenant, Love, Obedience, Remembrance, Blessing & Curse. These themes shape the meaning and context of Deuteronomy 19:21.
What translation should I read Deuteronomy 19:21 in?
Deuteronomy 19:21 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Deuteronomy 19:21?
Deuteronomy 19:21 reads (NET): “You must not show pity; the principle will be a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, and a foot for a foot.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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