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Book of Deuteronomy - Chapter 25 - Verse 12

25:12
Then thou shalt cut off her hand, thine eye shall not pity her.

Meaning

In this verse, the act of cutting off a woman's hand as a form of punishment is described. The phrase "thine eye shall not pity her" emphasizes that even though it may be difficult or upsetting to carry out such a severe punishment, it is necessary in order to uphold the laws and norms of the society at that time. The cutting off of a hand was not a common form of punishment in ancient times, but it was reserved for cases where a serious crime had been committed. In this particular context, it is used to convey the severity of the consequences for disobedience or wrongdoing. It serves as a reminder that justice must be upheld, even if it requires making difficult and harsh decisions.

Theological Overview

The verse "Then thou shalt cut off her hand, thine eye shall not pity her" from the Bible can be found in Deuteronomy 25:12. This particular verse is part of the Mosaic Law which was given to the Israelites by God through Moses. The cutting off of a woman's hand in this context is a punishment for a specific situation where a woman intervenes in a physical fight between two men by grabbing the genitals of the man who is attacking her husband. The severity of this punishment highlights the importance of maintaining order and respect within the community. It is important to note that the laws and punishments in the Old Testament were specific to the context and culture of ancient Israel, and may not necessarily be directly applicable in modern times. In terms of theological interpretation, this verse emphasizes the idea of justice and consequences for actions, as well as the importance of respecting the boundaries and relationships within society.

American Standard Version

then thou shalt cut off her hand, thine eye shall have no pity.
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