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.

Berean Literal Bible
if he rises again and walks about outside with his staff, then the one who struck him shall be acquitted; only for the loss of his time he shall pay, and for his complete healing.

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.

Berean Annotated 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.

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.

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.
Majority Text Translations
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.

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.

Berean Literal Bible
if he rises again and walks about outside with his staff, then the one who struck him shall be acquitted; only for the loss of his time he shall pay, and for his complete healing.

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
then the one who struck him shall go unpunished,

Numbers 35:22-25
But if anyone pushes a person suddenly, without hostility, or throws an object at him unintentionally, / or without looking drops a heavy stone that kills him, but he was not an enemy and did not intend to harm him, / then the congregation must judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances. …

Deuteronomy 19:4-6
Now this is the situation regarding the manslayer who flees to one of these cities to save his life, having killed his neighbor accidentally, without intending to harm him: / If he goes into the forest with his neighbor to cut timber and swings his axe to chop down a tree, but the blade flies off the handle and strikes and kills his neighbor, he may flee to one of these cities to save his life. / Otherwise, the avenger of blood might pursue the manslayer in a rage, overtake him if the distance is great, and strike him dead though he did not deserve to die, since he did not intend any harm.

Joshua 20:3
so that anyone who kills another unintentionally or accidentally may flee there. These will be your refuge from the avenger of blood.
as long as the other can get up and walk around outside with his staff.

Mark 2:11-12
“I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home.” / And immediately the man got up, picked up his mat, and walked out in front of them all. As a result, they were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

John 5:8-9
Then Jesus told him, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.” / Immediately the man was made well, and he picked up his mat and began to walk. Now this happened on the Sabbath day,

Zechariah 8:4
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Old men and old women will again sit along the streets of Jerusalem, each with a staff in hand because of great age.
Nevertheless, he must compensate the man for his lost work

Deuteronomy 24:14-15
Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. / You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin.

Leviticus 19:13
You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand.

James 5:4
Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts.
and see that he is completely healed.

Jeremiah 30:17
But I will restore your health and heal your wounds, declares the LORD, because they call you an outcast, Zion, for whom no one cares.”

Jeremiah 33:6
Nevertheless, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal its people and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.

Psalm 103:3
He who forgives all your iniquities and heals all your diseases,
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.’


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












then the one who struck him shall go unpunished
This phrase reflects the principle of proportional justice found in the Mosaic Law. The context is a legal code given to the Israelites, emphasizing fairness and the prevention of excessive punishment. It highlights the importance of intent and outcome in determining guilt and punishment. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches about mercy and justice (Matthew 5:38-39).

as long as the other can get up and walk around outside with his staff
The ability to walk with a staff indicates recovery and a return to normal life, suggesting that the injury was not life-threatening. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a staff was a symbol of authority and support, often used by shepherds and travelers. This requirement ensures that the injured party is genuinely able to resume daily activities, reflecting a concern for the well-being of individuals within the community.

Nevertheless, he must compensate the man for his lost work
Compensation for lost work underscores the economic impact of injuries and the responsibility to make restitution. This reflects the broader biblical principle of restitution found in passages like Leviticus 6:1-7. It emphasizes the value of labor and the need to address financial losses, ensuring that justice includes restoration.

and see that he is completely healed
The requirement for complete healing highlights the importance of holistic care and responsibility for one's actions. It suggests a community-oriented approach to justice, where the well-being of individuals is prioritized. This can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament's emphasis on love and care for one's neighbor (Galatians 6:2). The focus on healing also points to the ultimate healing and restoration found in Jesus Christ, who is described as the Great Physician (Mark 2:17).

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Injured Person
This individual has been harmed in a conflict but is recovering to the point of being able to walk with a staff.

2. The Assailant
The person responsible for injuring the other, who is required to compensate for the victim's lost time and ensure their healing.

3. The Context of Ancient Israel
This law is part of the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites, reflecting God's justice and care for community welfare.

4. The Staff
Symbolizes the injured person's recovery and ability to move, indicating partial healing.

5. The Requirement of Compensation
Reflects the principle of restitution and responsibility within the community.
Teaching Points
Justice and Responsibility
The passage teaches that those who cause harm are responsible for making amends, reflecting God's justice.

Community Care
The requirement for the assailant to ensure the victim's healing underscores the importance of community support and care for one another.

Restoration and Healing
The focus on the victim's complete healing points to God's desire for restoration and wholeness in relationships.

Personal Accountability
This law encourages individuals to take responsibility for their actions and the consequences that follow.

Compassion in Action
While justice is served, the underlying principle is one of compassion and ensuring the well-being of others.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Exodus 21:19?

2. How does Exodus 21:19 guide us in resolving personal injury disputes today?

3. What does "pay for the lost time" teach about responsibility and restitution?

4. How does Exodus 21:19 connect with Jesus' teachings on forgiveness and justice?

5. In what ways can we apply the principle of restitution in modern conflicts?

6. How does Exodus 21:19 reflect God's concern for justice and community harmony?

7. How does Exodus 21:19 align with modern views on justice and compensation?

8. What does Exodus 21:19 reveal about ancient Israelite legal practices?

9. How should Christians interpret the concept of restitution in Exodus 21:19 today?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 21?

11. What similarities exist between Moses and Jesus?

12. What is the biblical perspective on snakes?

13. 2 Kings 13:21 - How could a dead man be revived simply by touching Elisha's bones, and is there any scientific or historical corroboration for such an event?

14. Should reparations for slavery be paid?
What Does Exodus 21:19 Mean
Then the one who struck him shall go unpunished

Exodus 21:19 opens by clarifying that the aggressor is not subject to capital punishment in this scenario. Earlier in the chapter God had already decreed, “Whoever strikes a man so that he dies must surely be put to death” (Exodus 21:12). Here, however, the victim does not die; therefore the attacker is released from the death penalty. Justice is still required, but it is proportionate to the injury, echoing the principle behind Leviticus 24:19 – “If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him.” God’s law protects life while also guarding against excessive retribution (compare Deuteronomy 19:6 and Numbers 35:31).


As long as the other can get up and walk around outside with his staff

The ability to rise and move about—though aided by a staff—demonstrates that the wound is not permanently debilitating or fatal. This visible proof settles the question of whether a life-for-life penalty is appropriate. The staff signals weakness, yet mobility proves recovery is underway. Justice in the Old Testament consistently weighs actual harm, not merely intent (see Deuteronomy 19:15 for the need of clear evidence). The scene also anticipates compassionate concern for the wounded, a theme Jesus illustrated in Luke 10:34 when the Good Samaritan “set him on his own animal” and ensured ongoing care.


Nevertheless, he must compensate the man for his lost work

Though spared harsher judgment, the striker assumes full financial responsibility. Practical restitution is required:

• Cover the victim’s wages for the time he is bedridden.

• Ensure no family suffers lack because of the altercation.

This reflects Exodus 22:14, where borrowing property obligates repayment if damaged. It also resonates with Leviticus 6:5 on restoring what was lost “and add a fifth part more.” God’s law values productivity and provides a tangible avenue for repentance: repay what was taken, even if unintentionally.


And see that he is completely healed

Restitution is not finished until the victim is “completely healed.” The offender must pay for medical treatment and any related expenses until full recovery. In modern terms, God mandates both lost wages and medical coverage. This holistic view of justice anticipates the compassion modeled by Christ, who “healed them all” (Matthew 12:15) and by Paul, who stayed with the sick in Acts 28:8 until they were restored. It underscores the biblical call to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), ensuring the injured party is not left half-helped.


Summary

Exodus 21:19 affirms that when harm is not fatal, justice shifts from retribution to restitution. The aggressor avoids capital punishment but must: acknowledge fault, reimburse lost income, and fund full healing. God’s law thus protects life, deters violence, and promotes restoration—a standard that still guides believers toward responsible, compassionate reconciliation today.

(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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