Exodus 21:25
New International Version
burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.

New Living Translation
a burn for a burn, a wound for a wound, a bruise for a bruise.

English Standard Version
burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

Berean Standard Bible
burn for burn, wound for wound, and stripe for stripe.

King James Bible
Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

New King James Version
burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

New American Standard Bible
burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.

NASB 1995
burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.

NASB 1977
burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.

Legacy Standard Bible
burn for burn, bruise for bruise, wound for wound.

Amplified Bible
burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.

Christian Standard Bible
burn for burn, bruise for bruise, wound for wound.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
burn for burn, bruise for bruise, wound for wound.”

American Standard Version
burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

Contemporary English Version
burn for burn, cut for cut, and bruise for bruise.

English Revised Version
burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
a burn for a burn, a bruise for a bruise, a wound for a wound.

Good News Translation
burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.

International Standard Version
burn for burn, wound for wound, and bruise for bruise.

Majority Standard Bible
burn for burn, wound for wound, and stripe for stripe.

NET Bible
burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.

New Heart English Bible
burning for burning, wound for wound, and bruise for bruise.

Webster's Bible Translation
Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

World English Bible
burning for burning, wound for wound, and bruise for bruise.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

Young's Literal Translation
burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

Smith's Literal Translation
Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

Catholic Public Domain Version
a scrape for a scrape, a wound for a wound, a bruise for a bruise.

New American Bible
burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

New Revised Standard Version
burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Burning for burning, wound for wound, slap for slap.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Branding in exchange for branding, wound in exchange for wound, a blow in exchange for a blow.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Personal Injury Laws
24eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25burn for burn, wound for wound, and stripe for stripe. 26If a man strikes and blinds the eye of his manservant or maidservant, he must let the servant go free as compensation for the eye.…

Cross References
Leviticus 24:19-20
If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: / fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Just as he injured the other person, the same must be inflicted on him.

Matthew 5:38-39
You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ / But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;

Deuteronomy 19:21
You must show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot.

Romans 12:17-19
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. / If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

Proverbs 24:29
Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.”

1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Luke 6:29-31
If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well. / Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what is yours, do not demand it back. / Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Matthew 7:12
In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.

Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.

Colossians 3:25
Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

James 2:13
For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Isaiah 33:1
Woe to you, O destroyer never destroyed, O traitor never betrayed! When you have finished destroying, you will be destroyed. When you have finished betraying, you will be betrayed.

1 Thessalonians 5:15
Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.

1 Corinthians 6:7
The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means that you are thoroughly defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?

Proverbs 20:22
Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.


Treasury of Scripture

Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

no reference

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Blow Branding Bruise Burn Burning Wound
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Blow Branding Bruise Burn Burning Wound
Exodus 21
1. Laws for men servants
5. For the servant whose ear is bored
7. For women servants
12. For manslaughter
16. For kidnappers
17. For cursers of parents
18. For smiters
22. For a hurt by chance
28. For an ox that gores
33. For him who is an occasion of harm














burn for burn
This phrase is part of the broader "lex talionis" or law of retaliation, which is a principle of justice that ensures the punishment fits the crime. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this law was common, aiming to limit excessive retribution and maintain social order. The concept of "burn for burn" suggests a direct and proportional response to harm caused. This principle is echoed in other parts of the Old Testament, such as Leviticus 24:19-20, and is a precursor to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, who calls for mercy and forgiveness over strict retribution (Matthew 5:38-39).

wound for wound
The mention of "wound for wound" emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in the community. In ancient Israel, the legal system was designed to protect individuals and ensure that justice was served without partiality. This phrase underscores the need for equitable treatment and the prevention of escalating violence. It reflects the broader biblical theme of justice, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 16:20, which calls for the pursuit of justice. The principle here is not only about physical wounds but also about maintaining the integrity of the community.

stripe for stripe
"Stripe for stripe" refers to the physical marks or injuries inflicted during a conflict. In the cultural and historical context of the time, physical punishment was a common form of justice. This phrase highlights the need for accountability and the consequences of one's actions. It also points to the broader biblical narrative of sin and its consequences, as well as the need for atonement and reconciliation. In the New Testament, the concept of bearing stripes is seen in the suffering of Jesus Christ, who bore the stripes of humanity's sins (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24), offering a deeper spiritual fulfillment of the law's demands.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the Law from God on Mount Sinai. He is the central figure in delivering God's commandments to the people.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and are now receiving the Law to guide their community life.

3. Mount Sinai
The place where God gave Moses the Law, including the ordinances found in Exodus 21, which are part of the covenant between God and Israel.
Teaching Points
Principle of Justice
The law in Exodus 21:25 establishes a principle of proportional justice, ensuring that the punishment fits the crime. This reflects God's desire for fairness and order in society.

Limitations on Retaliation
By specifying "burn for burn, wound for wound," the law limits excessive retaliation, promoting a balanced approach to justice.

Foreshadowing of Christ's Teachings
While the Old Testament law emphasizes justice, it foreshadows the New Testament teachings of Jesus, who calls for mercy and forgiveness, encouraging believers to transcend the law with love.

Community Responsibility
The law underscores the importance of community responsibility in maintaining justice, reminding believers of their role in upholding righteousness within their communities.

Transformation through Christ
In light of the New Testament, believers are called to transform their understanding of justice through the lens of Christ's sacrificial love and forgiveness.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
burn
כְּוִיָּה֙ (kə·wî·yāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3555: A branding

for
תַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ)
Preposition
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of

burn,
כְּוִיָּ֔ה (kə·wî·yāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3555: A branding

wound
פֶּ֖צַע (pe·ṣa‘)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6482: A bruise, wound

for
תַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ)
Preposition
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of

wound,
פָּ֑צַע (pā·ṣa‘)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6482: A bruise, wound

[and] stripe
חַבּוּרָ֕ה (ḥab·bū·rāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2250: A stripe, blow

for
תַּ֖חַת (ta·ḥaṯ)
Preposition
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of

stripe.
חַבּוּרָֽה׃ (ḥab·bū·rāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2250: A stripe, blow


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OT Law: Exodus 21:25 Burning for burning wound for wound (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 21:24
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