21 And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore it: and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to death.
21 Whoever kills an animal must make restitution, but whoever kills a human being is to be put to death.
21 Whoever kills an animal shall make it good, and whoever kills a person shall be put to death.
21 Anyone who hits and kills an animal must make it good, but whoever hits and kills a fellow human will be put to death.
21 And whoever kills an animal shall restore it; but whoever kills a man shall be put to death.
21 "Whoever kills an animal must pay for it in full, but whoever kills another person must be put to death.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 24:21
Commentary on Leviticus 24:10-23
(Read Leviticus 24:10-23)
This offender was the son of an Egyptian father, and an Israelitish mother. The notice of his parents shows the common ill effect of mixed marriages. A standing law for the stoning of blasphemers was made upon this occasion. Great stress is laid upon this law. It extends to the strangers among them, as well as to those born in the land. Strangers, as well as native Israelites, should be entitled to the benefit of the law, so as not to suffer wrong; and should be liable to the penalty of this law, in case they did wrong. If those who profane the name of God escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgments. What enmity against God must be in the heart of man, when blasphemies against God proceed out of his mouth. If he that despised Moses' law, died without mercy, of what punishment will they be worthy, who despise and abuse the gospel of the Son of God! Let us watch against anger, do no evil, avoid all connexions with wicked people, and reverence that holy name which sinners blaspheme.