Exodus 21:19
New International Version
the one who struck the blow will not be held liable if the other can get up and walk around outside with a staff; however, the guilty party must pay the injured person for any loss of time and see that the victim is completely healed.

New Living Translation
If he is later able to walk outside again, even with a crutch, the assailant will not be punished but must compensate his victim for lost wages and provide for his full recovery.

English Standard Version
then if the man rises again and walks outdoors with his staff, he who struck him shall be clear; only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall have him thoroughly healed.

Berean Standard Bible
then the one who struck him shall go unpunished, as long as the other can get up and walk around outside with his staff. Nevertheless, he must compensate the man for his lost work and see that he is completely healed.

King James Bible
If he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed.

New King James Version
if he rises again and walks about outside with his staff, then he who struck him shall be acquitted. He shall only pay for the loss of his time, and shall provide for him to be thoroughly healed.

New American Standard Bible
if he gets up and walks around outside on his staff, then he who struck him shall go unpunished; he shall only pay for his loss of time, and shall pay for his care until he is completely healed.

NASB 1995
if he gets up and walks around outside on his staff, then he who struck him shall go unpunished; he shall only pay for his loss of time, and shall take care of him until he is completely healed.

NASB 1977
if he gets up and walks around outside on his staff, then he who struck him shall go unpunished; he shall only pay for his loss of time, and shall take care of him until he is completely healed.

Legacy Standard Bible
if he gets up and walks around outside on his staff, then he who struck him shall go unpunished; he shall only pay for his loss of time, and he shall take care of him until he is completely healed.

Amplified Bible
if he gets up and walks around leaning on his cane, then the one who struck him shall be left [physically] unpunished; he must only pay for his loss of time [at work], and the costs [of treatment and recuperation] until he is thoroughly healed.

Christian Standard Bible
if he can later get up and walk around outside leaning on his staff, then the one who struck him will be exempt from punishment. Nevertheless, he must pay for his lost work time and provide for his complete recovery.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
if he can later get up and walk around outside leaning on his staff, then the one who struck him will be exempt from punishment. Nevertheless, he must pay for his lost work time and provide for his complete recovery.”

American Standard Version
if he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed.

Contemporary English Version
and later has to use a stick when walking outside, you must pay for the loss of time and do what you can to help until the injury is completely healed. That's your only responsibility.

English Revised Version
if he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If the injured man can get up again and walk around outside with a cane, the one who hit him must not be punished. He must pay the injured man for the loss of his time and for all his medical expenses.

International Standard Version
and the injured person then gets up and walks around outside with the help of his staff, the one who struck him is not liable, except that he is to compensate him for his loss of time and take care of his complete recovery.

Majority Standard Bible
then the one who struck him shall go unpunished, as long as the other can get up and walk around outside with his staff. Nevertheless, he must compensate the man for his lost work and see that he is completely healed.

NET Bible
and then if he gets up and walks about outside on his staff, then the one who struck him is innocent, except he must pay for the injured person's loss of time and see to it that he is fully healed.

New Heart English Bible
if he rises again and walks around with his staff, then he who struck him shall be cleared: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall provide for his healing until he is thoroughly healed.

Webster's Bible Translation
If he shall rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed.

World English Bible
if he rises again and walks around with his staff, then he who struck him shall be cleared; only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall provide for his healing until he is thoroughly healed.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
if he rises, and has gone up and down outside on his staff, then the striker has been acquitted; he only gives [for] his cessation, and he is thoroughly healed.

Young's Literal Translation
if he rise, and hath gone up and down without on his staff, then hath the smiter been acquitted; only his cessation he giveth, and he is thoroughly healed.

Smith's Literal Translation
If he shall rise and go forth without upon his support, and he smiting being innocent, only he shall give his resting, and healing, he shall be healed.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
If he rise again and walk abroad upon his staff, he that struck him shall be quit, yet so that he make restitution for his work, and for his expenses upon the physicians.

Catholic Public Domain Version
if he gets up again and can walk outside on his staff, he who struck him will be innocent, but only if he makes sufficient restitution for his deeds and for the cost of the physicians.

New American Bible
the one who struck the blow shall be acquitted, provided the other can get up and walk around with the help of his staff. Still, he must compensate him for his recovery time and make provision for his complete healing.

New Revised Standard Version
but recovers and walks around outside with the help of a staff, then the assailant shall be free of liability, except to pay for the loss of time, and to arrange for full recovery.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
If he rises again and walks in the street with his staff, then the one who struck him shall be acquitted, except that he shall pay for the loss of his time and the physician's fee.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
If he shall rise and he will walk in the street on his staff, he who hit him will be innocent, only he will give him his loss of work and the hire of a Physician.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
if he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit; only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
if the man arise and walk abroad on his staff, he that smote him shall be clear; only he shall pay for his loss of time, and for his healing.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Personal Injury Laws
18If men are quarreling and one strikes the other with a stone or a fist, and he does not die but is confined to bed, 19then the one who struck him shall go unpunished, as long as the other can get up and walk around outside with his staff. Nevertheless, he must compensate the man for his lost work and see that he is completely healed. 20If a man strikes his manservant or maidservant with a rod, and the servant dies by his hand, he shall surely be punished.…

Cross References
Leviticus 24:19-20
If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: / fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Just as he injured the other person, the same must be inflicted on him.

Deuteronomy 19:21
You must show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot.

Matthew 5:38-39
You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’ / But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also;

Luke 10:34-35
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. / The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Take care of him,’ he said, ‘and on my return I will repay you for any additional expense.’

Numbers 35:31
You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death.

Proverbs 20:22
Do not say, “I will avenge this evil!” Wait on the LORD, and He will save you.

Romans 12:17-19
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. / If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Colossians 3:13
Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” / Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!

1 Thessalonians 5:15
Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.

Galatians 6:1-2
Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. / Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

James 5:14-15
Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. / And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.

1 Corinthians 6:7
The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means that you are thoroughly defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?


Treasury of Scripture

If he rise again, and walk abroad on his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed.

upon his staff

2 Samuel 3:29
Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.

Zechariah 8:4
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age.

only he shall pay.

Jump to Previous
Able Abroad Blow Care Cared Cause Cleared Completely Gets Healed Healing Held However Injured Loss Outside Pay Payment Provide Quit Responsible Rise Rises Smote Staff Struck Thoroughly Time Unpunished Walk Walks
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Able Abroad Blow Care Cared Cause Cleared Completely Gets Healed Healing Held However Injured Loss Outside Pay Payment Provide Quit Responsible Rise Rises Smote Staff Struck Thoroughly Time Unpunished Walk Walks
Exodus 21
1. Laws for men servants
5. For the servant whose ear is bored
7. For women servants
12. For manslaughter
16. For kidnappers
17. For cursers of parents
18. For smiters
22. For a hurt by chance
28. For an ox that gores
33. For him who is an occasion of harm














if he can get up and walk around outside with his staff
This phrase indicates a condition of recovery and mobility. The Hebrew word for "staff" is "מַטֶּה" (matteh), which often symbolizes authority or support. In the context of ancient Israel, a staff was not only a physical support but also a symbol of one's ability to stand and move independently. The imagery of walking with a staff suggests a return to strength and self-sufficiency, which is significant in a culture where physical ability was crucial for daily survival and work. This phrase underscores the importance of restoration and healing, reflecting God's concern for justice and the well-being of individuals.

then the assailant will be absolved of liability
The term "absolved" in Hebrew is "נָקָה" (naqah), meaning to be free from guilt or punishment. This legal principle highlights the fairness embedded in God's law, where the intent and outcome of actions are considered. If the injured party recovers sufficiently to walk, the assailant is not held liable for further compensation. This reflects a balanced approach to justice, where the consequences are proportionate to the harm caused. It emphasizes the value of mercy and forgiveness once restitution is made, aligning with the broader biblical theme of reconciliation and restoration.

He must only pay for the lost time
The phrase "lost time" refers to the economic impact of the injury. In Hebrew, "שִׁבְתּוֹ" (shibto) relates to cessation or rest, indicating the period the injured person could not work. This requirement for compensation underscores the biblical principle of fairness and responsibility. It acknowledges the practical realities of life, where time lost due to injury affects one's livelihood. This provision ensures that the injured party is not left destitute, reflecting God's care for justice and provision for His people. It also teaches the importance of accountability and making amends for one's actions.

and see that he is completely healed
The Hebrew word for "healed" is "רָפָא" (rapha), which means to restore to health. This phrase emphasizes the ultimate goal of justice: the complete restoration of the injured person. It reflects God's desire for wholeness and well-being for His people. The requirement for the assailant to ensure complete healing highlights the community's responsibility to care for one another. It is a call to compassion and active involvement in the healing process, mirroring the biblical theme of love and care for one's neighbor. This principle encourages believers to seek not only justice but also the restoration and flourishing of others.

(19) If he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff.--The charge of murder was not to be kept hanging over a man indefinitely. If the injured person recovered sufficiently to leave his bed, and get about by the help of a stick, the injurer was to pay his fine and be quit of his offence, whatever might happen afterwards.

Verse 19. - If he rise again and walk upon his staff. If he recovered sufficiently to leave his bed, and get about with a stick to lean on, his hurt was not to be brought up against the injurer, though he died soon afterwards. Compensation was to be received, and the score regarded as wiped off.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
then the one who struck him
הַמַּכֶּ֑ה (ham·mak·keh)
Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5221: To strike

shall go unpunished,
וְנִקָּ֣ה (wə·niq·qāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5352: To be, clean, to be bare, extirpated

as long as
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

the other can get up
יָק֞וּם (yā·qūm)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

and walk around
וְהִתְהַלֵּ֥ךְ (wə·hiṯ·hal·lêḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

outside
בַּח֛וּץ (ba·ḥūṣ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2351: Separate by a, wall, outside, outdoors

with
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

his staff.
מִשְׁעַנְתּ֖וֹ (miš·‘an·tōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4938: Support, sustenance, a walking-stick

Nevertheless,
רַ֥ק (raq)
Adverb
Strong's 7535: But, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless

he must compensate
יִתֵּ֖ן (yit·tên)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

the man for his lost work
שִׁבְתּ֛וֹ (šiḇ·tōw)
Adjective - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7674: Rest, interruption, cessation

and see that he is completely
וְרַפֹּ֥א (wə·rap·pō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 7495: To mend, to cure

healed.
יְרַפֵּֽא׃ (yə·rap·pê)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7495: To mend, to cure


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OT Law: Exodus 21:19 If he rises again and walks around (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 21:18
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