Exodus 21:31

31 "The same law applies if the bull wounds a son or daughter with its horns.

Exodus 21:31 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 21:31

Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter
A little son or daughter, and both Israelites, as Jarchi and Aben Ezra; this is observed, because only a man or woman are made mention of in ( Exodus 21:29 Exodus 21:30 ) persons grown up; and lest it should be thought that only adult persons were intended, this is added, to show that the same regard is had to little ones as to grown persons, should they suffer by an ox in like manner as men and women may. The Targum of Jonathan restrains this to a son or daughter of an Israelite; but the life of everyone, of whatsoever nation, is equally provided for, and guarded against by the original law of God:

according to this judgment shall it be done unto him;
to the owner of the ox that has gored a child, male or female; that is, he shall be put to death, if he has been warned of the practice of his ox for three days past, and has took no care to keep him in; or he shall pay the ransom of his life, as it has been laid by the court, with the consent of the relations of the children.

Exodus 21:31 In-Context

29 "But suppose the bull has had the habit of attacking people. And suppose the owner has been warned but has not kept it fenced in. Then if it kills a man or woman, you must kill it with stones. The owner must also be put to death.

30 "But suppose payment is required of him instead. Then he can save his life by paying what is required.

31 "The same law applies if the bull wounds a son or daughter with its horns.

32 "Suppose the bull wounds a male or female slave. Then the owner must pay the slave's master 12 ounces of silver. You must kill the bull with stones.

33 "Suppose a man uncovers a pit or digs one and does not cover it. And suppose an ox or donkey falls into it.