Definition: And thine eye shall not pity; [but] life [shall go] for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this very important passage from Deuteronomy 19:21. It’s a stark warning about violence and revenge – and it’s really quite disturbing. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about the necessity of letting retaliation happen, but with incredibly harsh rules. It says that you should never show mercy or pity when someone is harmed. It emphasizes a cycle of violence – "eye for eye" and "tooth for tooth." Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And thine eye shall not pity…” - This immediately tells us that the speaker isn't advocating for compassion . It means to avoid showing any sympathy or feeling for the injured person. “[but] life [shall go] for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” – This is where it gets really unsettling. It's a detailed list of the types of violence that are allowed and required . It’s a brutal system of revenge based on a principle of "an eye for an eye." Eye for Eye: This means inflicting similar harm on the same person or group. Tooth for Tooth: This refers to physical violence – hitting, stabbing, etc. Hand for Hand: This is a form of assault and brutality - physically harming someone. Foot for Foot: This is a horrific example of revenge – killing someone’s family or loved ones. The Big Picture & Why it's Important: This verse highlights the temptation to seek vengeance, which is often a dangerous path. It warns against taking the law into your own hands and reminds us that God has established laws designed for justice and protection – not for revenge. It’s a reminder of the importance of seeking peaceful solutions and avoiding violence as a primary response to wrongdoing. Important Note: This verse was written in a time when Israel was experiencing significant conflict and injustice. It's a powerful statement about the dangers of unchecked anger and the need for careful consideration before taking action. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on interpretations of biblical texts, but it’s important to remember that different theological perspectives can offer varying understandings. Do you want me to: Explain another part of Deuteronomy 19? Discuss the context of this verse in more detail?