Exodus 21:33 kjv

And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein;

Exodus 21:33 nkjv

"And if a man opens a pit, or if a man digs a pit and does not cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls in it,

Exodus 21:33 niv

"If anyone uncovers a pit or digs one and fails to cover it and an ox or a donkey falls into it,

Exodus 21:33 esv

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

Exodus 21:33 nlt

"Suppose someone digs or uncovers a pit and fails to cover it, and then an ox or a donkey falls into it.

Exodus 21 verses

Exodus 21 33 Meaning

Exodus 21:33 establishes a fundamental principle of responsibility and accountability for negligence. It states that if a person opens an existing pit or digs a new one, and fails to cover it, causing another's ox or donkey to fall in and perish, the person who owns or maintained the pit is liable for the loss. This statute underscores the importance of foreseeing potential hazards and taking preventative measures to protect others' property, even when there is no malicious intent. It highlights the divine expectation of care and diligent stewardship within the community.

Exodus 21 33 Context

Exodus 21 is part of the "Book of the Covenant" (Exo 20:22–23:33), a collection of specific case laws given by God immediately after the Ten Commandments. These laws elaborated on the principles of the Decalogue, providing practical applications for daily life in the newly formed nation of Israel. Chapters 21-23 deal primarily with civil and social laws governing interactions between individuals, property rights, personal injuries, and master-servant relationships.

In the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel, an agrarian society, livestock such as oxen and asses were crucial economic assets for farming, transport, and sustenance. Losing such an animal was a significant financial setback for a family. Pits, or borot (cisterns), were common and necessary for various purposes: water collection, storage, or even trapping game. This law acknowledges the legitimacy of such constructions while simultaneously imposing strict accountability for their safe management. Compared to other ancient Near Eastern law codes like Hammurabi's Code (which also addresses pit liability, Laws 224-225), the Mosaic law in Exodus emphasizes not merely economic penalty but is framed within the broader covenantal relationship with Yahweh, reflecting His standards of justice, care for one's neighbor, and the sanctity of life and property. The law indirectly functions as a polemic against carelessness or self-interest that would disregard the safety or property of others.

Exodus 21 33 Word analysis

• And if a man: Indicates a general individual, highlighting personal responsibility applicable to anyone. It refers to the human agent causing or allowing the condition to persist.
• shall open: (Hebrew: pāthach, פָּתַח) Can mean to loosen, uncover, begin, or make accessible. Here, it suggests making a previously closed or safe pit dangerous by leaving it uncovered or by using it for its purpose.
• a pit: (Hebrew: bôr, בּוֹר) Refers to an excavation, typically a cistern or a large hole in the ground. In this context, it is a hazardous opening. Its primary purpose could be water storage, refuse, or trapping, but its nature as an open, dangerous hole is key.
• or if a man: Reinforces the personal responsibility and covers all instances of human involvement.
• shall dig: (Hebrew: kārâ, כָּרָה) Means to dig or excavate. This covers the act of creating a new pit. The inclusion of both "open" and "dig" indicates that liability applies whether one creates a pit or simply fails to manage an existing one safely.
• and not cover it: (Hebrew: lōʾ kisaahu, לֹא כִּסָּהוּ) This is the core act of negligence. Kasah means to cover or conceal. The phrase explicitly states the omission—the failure to take preventative measures—as the grounds for liability. It underscores the importance of foresight and preventative action.
• and an ox: (Hebrew: shôr, שׁוֹר) A valuable bovine, essential for plowing, labor, and food in an agricultural economy.
• or an ass: (Hebrew: ḥămôr, חֲמוֹר) A donkey, crucial for transport and carrying burdens. Both represent highly valuable draft animals central to Israelite livelihood.
• fall therein: Describes the direct consequence of the negligence, the tragic outcome of an animal entering the unsecured pit.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit...": This initial phrase defines the circumstances under which the law applies. It meticulously covers any scenario where a person is responsible for the presence of an open pit, whether it's creating a new one (digging) or unsecuring an existing one (opening). This broad scope highlights that the human agent's action is the origin point of potential harm. The repetition of "if a man" underscores individual accountability.
• "...and not cover it...": This concise yet crucial phrase isolates the specific negligent act. It is not the existence of the pit that is inherently wrong, but the failure to safeguard it. This demonstrates the divine emphasis on preventative responsibility; foresight and proactive measures are expected from those who create or control potential dangers. This omission is what establishes guilt, implying that diligent care is a moral and legal imperative.
• "...and an ox or an ass fall therein;": This section clarifies the scope of damage addressed by the law. By specifying these valuable working animals, the law pinpoints a common and significant economic loss in that society. It directly links the negligent act to a tangible, negative outcome, providing clear criteria for compensation and reinforcing the value placed on an individual's livelihood and property.

Exodus 21 33 Bonus section

The seemingly simple law of Exodus 21:33 holds deep implications for the moral fabric of Israelite society. It extends God's character of order and care into daily interactions, demonstrating that the covenant involved practical righteousness beyond mere ritual observance. This specific law distinguishes itself from some ancient Near Eastern codes by implying a strong emphasis on preventative justice rooted in a sense of community responsibility rather than purely transactional damages. It lays groundwork for later rabbinic discussions on various types of damages (Nezikin), establishing that an individual's personal actions have community-wide implications. The requirement to cover the pit wasn't just a suggestion; it was a non-negotiable expectation for public safety, a precursor to modern concepts of occupational safety and premises liability. The severity of the loss (a working ox or ass) also highlighted God's concern for the common person's livelihood and security.

Exodus 21 33 Commentary

Exodus 21:33 is more than a mere civil ordinance; it is a foundational legal and ethical declaration. It establishes the principle of strict liability for negligence, asserting that even in the absence of malicious intent, one is responsible for the foreseeable consequences of their careless actions or omissions. God's law demands not just retribution for direct wrongdoing but also preventative diligence. This command emphasizes stewardship—the responsible care of one's own property and the consideration for a neighbor's well-being and assets. It fostered a community where individuals were expected to act with foresight and caution, safeguarding others from preventable harm. The emphasis on compensation (detailed in the following verse) ensures that the injured party is restored, upholding justice within the covenant community. This principle extends into modern life, influencing laws concerning premises liability, product safety, and professional negligence, reminding believers of their call to diligent and thoughtful action that reflects love for their neighbor.

• Example: A builder leaves a construction pit unfenced overnight on a property adjacent to a public walkway. If someone's pet or a wandering child (analogous to the ox or ass, though with greater consequences in reality) falls in due to this negligence, the builder would be held accountable for the resulting harm, aligning with the spirit of this law.
• Example: A property owner with an old, unused well fails to cap it securely, and an animal from a neighboring farm wanders onto the property and falls in. This negligence would render the owner liable.