Crimes against Persons

Exodus 21:12, 15–30

Biblical Period

12He who fatally strikes a man shall be put to death. [ . . . ]

15He who strikes his father or his mother shall be put to death.

16He who kidnaps a man—whether he has sold him or is still holding him—shall be put to death.

17He who insultsa his father or his mother shall be put to death.

18When men quarrel and one strikes the other with stone or…

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These verses from Exodus focus on differentiating crimes that are categorized as crimes against a person from crimes that are classified as property damage. The rationale for determining the appropriate punishment for each of these crimes reflects ancient Israelite values such as respect for one’s elders, responsibility for the greater community’s safety, and respect and protection for those granted personhood. Concepts of personhood reflect a social hierarchy, with parents  above children and enslaved people. 

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Law in the Hebrew Bible

Biblical Period

Biblical law, including a focus on social justice, is essential to the relationship between God and the people of Israel.

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The Term Torah and Its Meaning

Biblical Period

The Hebrew Bible has many terms for law, including torah, which came to mean not just biblical law but all authoritative Jewish teaching.

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The Ancient Near Eastern Background of Biblical Law

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Biblical law was influenced by the legal collections of its powerful neighbors, especially the Babylonians and Assyrians.

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