Exodus 21:31 kjv

Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him.

Exodus 21:31 nkjv

Whether it has gored a son or gored a daughter, according to this judgment it shall be done to him.

Exodus 21:31 niv

This law also applies if the bull gores a son or daughter.

Exodus 21:31 esv

If it gores a man's son or daughter, he shall be dealt with according to this same rule.

Exodus 21:31 nlt

"The same regulation applies if the ox gores a boy or a girl.

Exodus 21 verses

Exodus 21 31 Meaning

This verse states that if a habitually dangerous ox, whose owner was warned but did not restrain it, gores a "son" or a "daughter," the same legal penalty applies to the owner as if it had gored an adult free man or woman. It extends the principle of strict accountability for the owner's negligence, emphasizing the equal value of a child's life in the eyes of God's law. The "rule" refers to the owner either being put to death or paying a significant ransom for his life, in addition to the ox being stoned.

Exodus 21 31 Context

Exodus 21:31 is part of the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22–23:33), which follows immediately after the Ten Commandments. This section provides detailed civil and criminal laws that apply the broad moral principles of the Ten Commandments to specific life situations in ancient Israel. Chapters 21-22 particularly deal with personal injury, property rights, and responsibilities. Verses 28-32 specifically address liability when an ox gores a human being. Verse 31 builds directly on the previous two verses, which establish the severe penalties for the owner of a habitually dangerous ox that kills a person. It highlights that the life of a child (son or daughter) is held with the same high regard as that of an adult free person in this context, demanding the same consequence for the owner's negligence as described in the preceding "rule" (either capital punishment or payment of a large ransom). Historically, in many ancient Near Eastern cultures, the value of life could differ significantly based on social status, but here, Israel's law stresses the intrinsic value of all free human life, including children.

Exodus 21 31 Word analysis

• Or (וְאוֹ - we'ow): This conjunction signifies an alternative or an addition, indicating that the following case is another scenario to which the preceding law applies. It smoothly transitions from the general case of "a man or a woman" (v. 28) to specifically include children.
• if (יִגַּח - yiggah - often implicit as part of the verb conjugation meaning 'he gores' within the protasis): Though not explicitly translated as a separate "if" here in the English, the grammatical structure in Hebrew implies a conditional clause. It sets up a hypothetical situation for legal judgment.
• it has gored (יִגַּח - yiggah): From the root נָגַח (nagach), meaning "to gore," "to butt." This specific verb describes the action of a horned animal striking with its head. Its use highlights the precise nature of the offense.
• a son (בֵּן - ben): This Hebrew term signifies a male child or offspring. Its inclusion is crucial, specifically extending the gravity of the law to children. In ancient societies, the legal standing and protection for children could sometimes be less defined or less valuable than for adults; this law affirms their inherent worth.
• or (אוֹ - 'ow): Another conjunction, emphasizing that either a son or a daughter (or both) falls under the same legal consideration.
• a daughter (בַּת - bat): This Hebrew term signifies a female child or offspring. Her explicit inclusion alongside a son reinforces the non-discriminatory nature of the law concerning the sanctity of human life for any free child. It counters any potential cultural biases that might devalue female lives.
• it shall be done (יֵעָשֶׂה - yē‘āśeh): From the root עָשָׂה (asah), meaning "to do," "to make," "to act." This is a passive form, indicating that the action (the legal judgment) will be carried out upon "him" (the owner). It conveys the certainty of the judicial process.
• to him (לּוֹ - lô): Refers directly to the owner of the ox. The owner bears the legal responsibility for the animal's actions under these specific circumstances of negligence.
• according to (כַּמִּשְׁפָּט - kammishpat): The prefix 'כּ' (ka-) means "according to" or "as." It ties this clause to the specific judicial principle or ruling established previously.
• this rule (הַזֶּה מִשְׁפָּט - hammishpat hazzeh):
  • מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat): This is a key Hebrew term meaning "judgment," "justice," "ordinance," "statute," or "legal custom." It represents not just a rule, but a just application of the law, a verdict, or the whole process of legal equity. Its usage here emphasizes that divine justice is to be applied without deviation.
  • הַזֶּה (hazzeh): Meaning "this," it is a demonstrative pronoun that points back directly to the stipulations outlined in Exodus 21:29-30, i.e., the stoning of the ox and either the death of the owner or the payment of a ransom for his life.
• Words-Group Analysis:
  • "son or a daughter": This phrase underlines the inclusive nature of the law regarding free individuals. It signals that all human life, irrespective of age or gender within the free community, is equally valuable and protected by God's covenant laws concerning harm by negligence.
  • "according to this rule": This precise phrase ensures legal consistency. It prevents arbitrary judgments and clearly refers back to the specific consequences detailed in verses 29 and 30 for the owner whose habitually dangerous ox kills a free person. It highlights the divine emphasis on predictable and consistent justice.

Exodus 21 31 Bonus section

This particular verse, within the larger section of civil laws in Exodus, illustrates how specific ordinances applied broader covenant principles like the sanctity of life (Ten Commandments' "You shall not murder") and personal responsibility. The allowance of a "ransom" (kofer) for the owner's life in v. 30, to which v. 31 refers, is noteworthy. This specific provision distinguishes the negligent owner from a deliberate murderer, for whom no ransom was permissible (Num 35:31). It indicates a recognition of a spectrum of culpability even in cases leading to death. The judge in Israel would have had to determine the appropriate ransom, reflecting both the severity of the offense and the value of the victim's life.

Exodus 21 31 Commentary

Exodus 21:31 is a critical reinforcement of God's valuing of human life, particularly the vulnerable. Following the general case of an ox goring "a man or a woman," this verse explicitly includes "a son or a daughter," underscoring that the life of a child carries the same legal weight as that of an adult in cases of culpable negligence. This law is remarkable in ancient Near Eastern legal contexts, where children, especially daughters, might sometimes be treated as lesser in value. Here, divine law demands equal accountability, affirming that all free human lives, regardless of age or gender, are sacred. The repeated phrase "according to this rule" binds this verse tightly to the severe penalties outlined in 21:29-30, namely, the stoning of the dangerous ox and the potential death penalty or a heavy ransom for the negligent owner. It signifies a consistent and unyielding demand for justice and personal responsibility under God's covenant. This reflects God's own character as one who shows no partiality and cares deeply for the vulnerable, setting a precedent for ethical community conduct and justice.