Exodus 21:23
ESV
But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life,
NIV
But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life,
NASB
But if there is any further injury, then you shall appoint as a penalty life for life,
CSB
If there is an injury, then you must give life for life,
NLT
But if there is further injury, the punishment must match the injury: a life for a life,
KJV
And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,
NKJV
But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life,
What does Exodus 21:23 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Exodus 21; verse-level content coming soon!Exodus 21:22–25 establishes protection for pregnant women and unborn children. Aggression that causes a woman to deliver early, but she and the child are unharmed, is punished with restitution. If the child dies, or either mother or child is seriously harmed, the guilty party is subject to equal consequences, including death. This is one of Scripture's clearest indicators that God considers unborn children to be fully human; harming the unborn is assault and murder.
The Ten Commandments form the basis of Israel's other laws. In this chapter, God provides guidelines and penalties for various issues. These include homicide, assault, and injury. Laws also control harm done to or by animals. Included in these are protections for pregnant women and unborn children. Servants are guarded from abuse. Kidnapping people into slavery is punishable by death.
