Exodus 21:28-36

28 "When an ox^[a] gores a man or a woman to death, the ox must be stoned,^[b] and its meat may not be eaten, but the ox's owner is innocent.

29 However, if the ox was in the habit of goring, and its owner has been warned yet does not restrain it, and it kills a man or a woman, the ox must be stoned, and its owner must also be put to death.

30 If instead a ransom is demanded of him, he can pay a redemption price for his life in the full amount demanded from him.

31 If it gores a son or a daughter, he is to be dealt with according to this same law.

32 If the ox gores a male or female slave, he must give 30 shekels of silver^[c] to the slave's master, and the ox must be stoned.

33 "When a man uncovers a pit or digs a pit, and does not cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls into it,

34 the owner of the pit must give compensation; he must pay money to its owner, but the dead animal will become his.

35 "When a man's ox injures his neighbor's ox and it dies, they must sell the live ox and divide its proceeds; they must also divide the dead animal.

36 If, however, it is known that the ox was in the habit of goring, yet its owner has not restrained it, he must compensate fully, ox for ox; the dead animal will become his.

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Exodus 21:28-36 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 21

In this, and the two following chapters, are delivered various laws and precepts, partly of a moral, and partly of a religious, but chiefly of a civil nature, respecting the commonwealth of Israel, and its political good. This chapter treats of servants, and laws relating to them; to menservants, how long they shall serve, and what is to be done to those who are desirous of staying with their masters after their time is up, Ex 21:1-6, to maidservants, and especially betrothed ones, either to a father or a son, Ex 21:7-11, likewise it contains laws concerning the slaughter of men, whether with design or unawares, Ex 21:12-14, and concerning the ill usage of parents, Ex 21:15,17, and man stealing, Ex 21:16 and of mischief that comes by men's quarrelling and fighting, Ex 21:18,19 and by smiting a man or maidservant, Ex 21:20,21,26,27, to a woman with child, that is, by means of men's striving and contending with each other, Ex 21:22-25 and of damages that come by oxen, or to them, Ex 21:28-36.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

Footnotes 3

[a]. Or a bull, or a steer
[b]. Gn 9:5
[c]. About 1 pound of silver

Exodus 21:28-36

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Exodus 21:28-36 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 21

Footnotes 3