23 But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life,

Other Translations of Exodus 21:23

King James Version

23 And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,

English Standard Version

23 But if there is harm,Or so that her children come out and it is clear who was to blame, he shall be fined as the woman's husband shall impose on him, and he alone shall pay. If it is unclear who was to blame... then you shall pay life for life,

The Message

23 But if there is further damage, then you must give life for life

New King James Version

23 But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life,

New Living Translation

23 But if there is further injury, the punishment must match the injury: a life for a life,

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 21:23

Commentary on Exodus 21:22-36

(Read Exodus 21:22-36)

The cases here mentioned give rules of justice then, and still in use, for deciding similar matters. We are taught by these laws, that we must be very careful to do no wrong, either directly or indirectly. If we have done wrong, we must be very willing to make it good, and be desirous that nobody may lose by us.