◄ Leviticus 24:21 ►
Whoever kills an animal must make restitution, but whoever kills a man must be put to death.
Study Bible
Whoever kills an animal
The phrase underscores the value of life, even that of animals, within the Israelite community. The Hebrew word for "kills" is "נכה" (nakah), which implies a deliberate act of striking or smiting. This reflects the ancient understanding of responsibility and stewardship over creation, as seen in Genesis 1:28, where humanity is given dominion over animals. The act of killing an animal is not taken lightly, and it requires accountability, emphasizing the sanctity of life in all forms.

must make restitution
The concept of restitution, derived from the Hebrew "שׁלם" (shalam), meaning to make whole or complete, is central to the justice system in ancient Israel. This requirement reflects the principle of restoring balance and harmony within the community. Restitution serves as a tangible expression of repentance and responsibility, ensuring that the loss is compensated and relationships are mended. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where Zacchaeus, upon his conversion, promises to repay those he has wronged (Luke 19:8).

but whoever kills a man
The distinction between the killing of an animal and a human highlights the unique value of human life, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The Hebrew word for "man" is "אדם" (adam), which not only refers to an individual but also connects to the broader concept of humanity. This phrase underscores the gravity of taking a human life, which is considered an affront to the divine image and order.

must be put to death
The phrase reflects the principle of lex talionis, or the law of retribution, which is foundational in the Mosaic Law. The Hebrew "מות יומת" (mot yumat) is a strong imperative, indicating the seriousness of the offense. This command serves as a deterrent against murder and upholds the sanctity of human life. In the broader biblical narrative, this principle is tempered by the themes of mercy and forgiveness, as seen in the teachings of Jesus, who calls for reconciliation and love even towards enemies (Matthew 5:44).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai and communicated them to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, to whom the laws in Leviticus were given as part of their covenant relationship with Him.

3. Mount Sinai
The place where God gave Moses the laws, including the instructions found in Leviticus.

4. God
The divine lawgiver who establishes the moral and ceremonial laws for His people.

5. The Promised Land
The destination of the Israelites, where they were to live according to God's laws.
Teaching Points
Sanctity of Life
Human life is sacred because it is made in the image of God. This principle underlies the severe penalty for murder.

Justice and Restitution
God's law requires restitution for harm done, reflecting His justice and the value He places on both human and animal life.

Moral Responsibility
Believers are called to uphold justice and protect life, recognizing the seriousness of taking a life.

Heart of the Law
Jesus teaches that the spirit of the law goes beyond mere actions to include the intentions and attitudes of the heart.

Role of Authority
God has established governing authorities to maintain justice, and believers are to respect and uphold these institutions.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the principle of restitution for animals reflect God's justice and care for creation?

2. In what ways does the commandment against murder in Leviticus 24:21 connect to Jesus' teachings in the New Testament?

3. How can we apply the principle of the sanctity of life in our daily interactions and decisions?

4. What role do governing authorities play in executing justice according to biblical principles, and how should Christians respond to this?

5. How can understanding the heart of the law, as taught by Jesus, transform our approach to justice and relationships with others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 9:6
This verse establishes the principle of capital punishment for murder, reflecting the sanctity of human life made in God's image.

Exodus 21:28-36
These verses provide additional laws regarding restitution for harm done to animals, showing the consistency of God's justice.

Matthew 5:21-22
Jesus expands on the commandment against murder, emphasizing the heart's intent and the spirit of the law.

Romans 13:1-4
Paul discusses the role of government in executing justice, including capital punishment, as ordained by God.

Numbers 35:31-34
These verses further elaborate on the laws concerning murder and the importance of justice in maintaining the purity of the land.
Sermons
A Suggestive EpisodeW. Clarkson Leviticus 24:10-16, 23
Shelomith's SonJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 24:10-23
The Law of DeathR.A. Redford Leviticus 24:10-23
Public Justice Secured by the Law of RetaliationR.M. Edgar Leviticus 24:17-22
The Holy Law of GodW. Clarkson Leviticus 24:17-22
People
Aaron, Dan, Dibri, Ephah, Israelites, Israelitess, Moses, Shelomith
Places
Teman
Topics
Animal, Beast, Death, Killeth, Kills, Mortally, Payment, Puts, Repayeth, Restitution, Restore, Smiteth, Thus
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 24:21

     5040   murder

Leviticus 24:17-21

     5492   restitution
     5495   revenge, and retaliation

Leviticus 24:17-22

     5346   injury
     5483   punishment
     5493   retribution
     8307   moderation

Leviticus 24:18-21

     4605   animals, religious role

Library
The Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force Has Been Professed by a Minority of Men from the Very Foundation of Christianity. Of the Book "What
CHAPTER I. THE DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE TO EVIL BY FORCE HAS BEEN PROFESSED BY A MINORITY OF MEN FROM THE VERY FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIANITY. Of the Book "What I Believe"--The Correspondence Evoked by it-- Letters from Quakers--Garrison's Declaration--Adin Ballou, his Works, his Catechism--Helchitsky's "Net of Faith"--The Attitude of the World to Works Elucidating Christ's Teaching--Dymond's Book "On War"--Musser's "Non-resistance Asserted"--Attitude of the Government in 1818 to Men who Refused to …
Leo Tolstoy—The Kingdom of God is within you

Feast of the Dedication. The Jews Attempt to Stone Jesus and He Retires to Peræa.
(Jerusalem and Beyond Jordan.) ^D John X. 22-42. ^d 22 And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem: 23; it was winter; and Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. [The feast of dedication was one of eight days' duration and began upon the 25th Chisleu, which, according to the calculation of M. Chevannes, fell upon the nineteenth or twentieth of December, a.d. 29. The feast was kept in honor of the renovation and purification of the temple in the year b.c. 164, after it had been desecrated …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath.
(Probably While on the Way from Jerusalem to Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 1-8; ^B Mark II. 23-28; ^C Luke VI. 1-5. ^b 23 And ^c 1 Now it came to pass ^a 1 At that season ^b that he ^a Jesus went { ^b was going} on the { ^c a} ^b sabbath day through the grainfields; ^a and his disciples were hungry and began ^b as they went, to pluck the ears. ^a and to eat, ^c and his disciples plucked the ears, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. [This lesson fits in chronological order with the last, if the Bethesda …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day Sabbath.
AND PROOF, THAT THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK IS THE TRUE CHRISTIAN SABBATH. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'The Son of man is lord also of the Sabbath day.' London: Printed for Nath, Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1685. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. All our inquiries into divine commands are required to be made personally, solemnly, prayerful. To 'prove all things,' and 'hold fast' and obey 'that which is good,' is a precept, equally binding upon the clown, as it is upon the philosopher. Satisfied from our observations …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Third Stage of the Roman Trial. Pilate Reluctantly Sentences Him to Crucifixion.
(Friday. Toward Sunrise.) ^A Matt. XXVII. 15-30; ^B Mark XV. 6-19; ^C Luke XXIII. 13-25; ^D John XVIII. 39-XIX 16. ^a 15 Now at the feast [the passover and unleavened bread] the governor was wont { ^b used to} release unto them ^a the multitude one prisoner, whom they would. { ^b whom they asked of him.} [No one knows when or by whom this custom was introduced, but similar customs were not unknown elsewhere, both the Greeks and Romans being wont to bestow special honor upon certain occasions by releasing …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Voluntary Suffering
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. T hat which often passes amongst men for resolution, and the proof of a noble, courageous spirit, is, in reality, the effect of a weak and little mind. At least, it is chiefly owing to the presence of certain circumstances, which have a greater influence upon the conduct, than any inherent principle. Thus may persons who appear to set death and danger at defiance in the hour …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

A Divine Saviour.
"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew xvi. 1; John vi. 69.) We meet with a certain class of Enquirers who do not believe in the Divinity of Christ. There are many passages that will give light on this subject. In 1 Corinthians xv. 47, we are told: "The first man is of the earth earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven." In 1 John v. 20: "We know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true; and we are in Him that is …
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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