Exodus 21:25burning for burning, wound for wound, and bruise for bruise.
The setting
Mount Sinai, Egypt, ~1450 BC. The conclusion of the lex talionis principle, covering even minor injuries. Modern-day Egypt, Sinai Peninsula.
The emotion here: meticulous care recording laws that would govern daily life for centuries
The original word
kĕviyyah (כְּוִיָּה) — burning, searing pain that leaves permanent marks
Why it matters
Ancient courts had professional assessors who measured injuries to determine exact compensation under this law
Read with care
What most readers miss in Exodus 21:25
The progression goes from major (life) to minor (bruise) - showing God cares about small hurts too
Common misconceptionPeople focus on the harshness, missing that this protected the weak. Before this law, powerful people could destroy entire families over minor slights.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Exodus 21:25
Bible Genome reading
Exodus 21:25 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Exodus 21:25 comes from the book of Exodus, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to God. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the law genre of biblical literature. Key themes include justice, proportionality. Notable phrases: burning for burning; wound for wound; bruise for bruise. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Exodus 21:25 mean to you, today?
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