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Exodus 21:23

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

But if someone is seriously harmed or killed, then you must give life for life,

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

This verse establishes that if someone causes serious harm or death, the punishment should match the severity of the crime.

📚 Historical Context

This verse is part of the civil laws God gave to Moses for governing Israel after their exodus from Egypt. It appears in a passage about what happens if people are fighting and accidentally harm a pregnant woman. The principle of 'life for life' was a foundational concept in ancient legal systems, designed to ensure justice was proportional rather than excessive.

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