King James Version

What Does Leviticus 24:19 Mean?

Leviticus 24:19 in the King James Version says “And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him;” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him;”

Leviticus 24:19 · KJV

Context

17

And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death. killeth: Heb. smiteth the life of a man

18

And he that killeth a beast shall make it good; beast for beast. beast for: Heb. life for life

19

And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him;

20

Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again.

21

And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death.

Read Leviticus 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And if a man cause a blemish in his neighbour; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him;

This verse falls within the section on Oil, Bread, and Blasphemy. Instructions for tabernacle maintenance and the account of a blasphemer's punishment, showing reverence for God's name.


What Leviticus portrayed through types and shadows, Christ fulfilled in reality through His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Instructions for tabernacle maintenance and the account of a blasphemer's punishment, showing reverence for God's name. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The Israelite dietary laws in Leviticus 11 have no exact parallel in surrounding cultures, though some ancient cultures had food taboos, suggesting unique revelation rather than borrowed customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. In what ways does this verse challenge contemporary cultural values or your personal attitudes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְאִ֕ישׁ1 of 10

“And if a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

כִּֽי2 of 10
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יִתֵּ֥ן3 of 10

“cause”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

מ֖וּם4 of 10

“a blemish”

H3971

a blemish (physically or morally)

בַּֽעֲמִית֑וֹ5 of 10

“in his neighbour”

H5997

companionship; hence (concretely) a comrade or kindred man

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 10
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יֵעָ֥שֶׂה7 of 10

“as he hath done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כֵּ֖ן8 of 10
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יֵעָ֥שֶׂה9 of 10

“as he hath done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לּֽוֹ׃10 of 10
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 24:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Leviticus 24:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 19:21Matthew 5:38Matthew 7:2

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