Deu 19:21 | TNotes | STEP | 19:21 The legal principle described as life for life is known as lex talionis (“law of retaliation”), according to which the punishment must fit the crime (see Exod 21:23 ; Lev 24:20 ); it should be neither too lenient nor too severe. Appropriate punishment is a necessary function of government (cp. Rom 13:1-7 ), and it served to maintain Israel’s spiritual integrity as God’s people (see study note on Deut 17:7). But vengeance belongs to God, not individuals (see 1 Sam 25:26 , 33 ; Matt 5:38-39 ; 1 Cor 6:1-8 ).

a19:21►

bExod 21:23►

cLev 24:20►

dRom 13:1-7►

e1 Sam 25:26►

f33►

gMatt 5:38-39►

h1 Cor 6:1-8►

‏ Deuteronomy 19:21

19:21 ^a The legal principle described as life for life is known as lex talionis (“law of retaliation”), according to which the punishment must fit the crime (see Exod 21:23 ^b; Lev 24:20 ^c); it should be neither too lenient nor too severe. Appropriate punishment is a necessary function of government (cp. Rom 13:1-7 ^d), and it served to maintain Israel’s spiritual integrity as God’s people (see study note on Deut 17:7). But vengeance belongs to God, not individuals (see 1 Sam 25:26 ^e, 33 ^f; Matt 5:38-39 ^g; 1 Cor 6:1-8 ^h).