Exodus 21:29
New International Version
If, however, the bull has had the habit of goring and the owner has been warned but has not kept it penned up and it kills a man or woman, the bull is to be stoned and its owner also is to be put to death.

New Living Translation
But suppose the ox had a reputation for goring, and the owner had been informed but failed to keep it under control. If the ox then kills someone, it must be stoned, and the owner must also be put to death.

English Standard Version
But if the ox has been accustomed to gore in the past, and its owner has been warned but has not kept it in, and it kills a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned, and its owner also shall be put to death.

Berean Standard Bible
But if the ox has a habit of goring, and its owner has been warned yet does not restrain it, and it kills a man or woman, then the ox must be stoned and its owner must also be put to death.

King James Bible
But if the ox were wont to push with his horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death.

New King James Version
But if the ox tended to thrust with its horn in times past, and it has been made known to his owner, and he has not kept it confined, so that it has killed a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned and its owner also shall be put to death.

New American Standard Bible
If, however, an ox was previously in the habit of goring and its owner has been warned, yet he does not confine it and it kills a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned and its owner also shall be put to death.

NASB 1995
“If, however, an ox was previously in the habit of goring and its owner has been warned, yet he does not confine it and it kills a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned and its owner also shall be put to death.

NASB 1977
“If, however, an ox was previously in the habit of goring, and its owner has been warned, yet he does not confine it, and it kills a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned and its owner also shall be put to death.

Legacy Standard Bible
If, however, an ox was previously in the habit of goring and its owner has been warned, yet he does not confine it and it puts a man or a woman to death, the ox shall be stoned and its owner also shall be put to death.

Amplified Bible
But if the ox has tried to gore on a previous occasion, and its owner has been warned, but has not kept it confined and it kills a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned and its owner shall be put to death as well.

Christian Standard Bible
However, if the ox was in the habit of goring, and its owner has been warned yet does not restrain it, and it kills a man or a woman, the ox must be stoned, and its owner must also be put to death.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
However, if the ox was in the habit of goring, and its owner has been warned yet does not restrain it, and it kills a man or a woman, the ox must be stoned, and its owner must also be put to death.

American Standard Version
But if the ox was wont to gore in time past, and it hath been testified to its owner, and he hath not kept it in, but it hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and its owner also shall be put to death.

Contemporary English Version
Suppose you own a bull that has been in the habit of attacking people, but you have refused to keep it fenced in. If that bull kills someone, both you and the bull must be put to death by stoning.

English Revised Version
But if the ox were wont to gore in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But if the bull has had the habit of goring, and the owner has been warned but has not kept it confined, and it kills a man or a woman, then the bull must be stoned and its owner must be put to death, too.

Good News Translation
But if the bull had been in the habit of attacking people and its owner had been warned, but did not keep it penned up--then if it gores someone to death, it is to be stoned, and its owner is to be put to death also.

International Standard Version
But if the ox has gored previously, and its owner has been warned about it but didn't restrain it, and it kills a man or woman, the ox is to be stoned and its owner also is to be put to death.

Majority Standard Bible
But if the ox has a habit of goring, and its owner has been warned yet does not restrain it, and it kills a man or woman, then the ox must be stoned and its owner must also be put to death.

NET Bible
But if the ox had the habit of goring, and its owner was warned, and he did not take the necessary precautions, and then it killed a man or a woman, the ox must be stoned and the man must be put to death.

New Heart English Bible
But if the bull had a habit of goring in the past, and it has been testified to its owner, and he has not kept it in, but it has killed a man or a woman, the bull shall be stoned, and its owner shall also be put to death.

Webster's Bible Translation
But if the ox was accustomed to push with his horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not restrained him, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death.

World English Bible
But if the bull had a habit of goring in the past, and this has been testified to its owner, and he has not kept it in, but it has killed a man or a woman, the bull shall be stoned, and its owner shall also be put to death.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and if the ox is [one] accustomed to gore before, and it has been testified to its owner, and he does not watch it, and it has put to death a man or woman, the ox is stoned, and its owner is also put to death.

Young's Literal Translation
and if the ox is one accustomed to gore heretofore, and it hath been testified to its owner, and he doth not watch it, and it hath put to death a man or woman, the ox is stoned, and its owner also is put to death.

Smith's Literal Translation
And if this ox pushed (with the horns) from yesterday the third day, and being testified to its lord, and he will not watch him and he killed the man or the woman; the ox shall be stoned, and also his lord shall be put to death.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But if the ox was wont to push with his horn yesterday and the day before, and they warned his master, and he did not shut him up, and he shall kill a man or a woman: then the ox shall be stoned, an his owner also shall be put to death.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if the ox had been pushing with his horn, from yesterday and the day before, and they warned his owner, but he did not confine it, and it will have killed a man or a woman, then the ox shall be stoned, and his owner shall be killed.

New American Bible
But if an ox was previously in the habit of goring people and its owner, though warned, would not watch it; should it then kill a man or a woman, not only must the ox be stoned, but its owner also must be put to death.

New Revised Standard Version
If the ox has been accustomed to gore in the past, and its owner has been warned but has not restrained it, and it kills a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned, and its owner also shall be put to death.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But if the ox were known to be in the habit of goring in the past, and its owner has been warned, and he has not kept it in, and it kills a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and its owner also shall be put to death.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And if the ox was a gorer from yesterday or from before it and they testified before its owner and he did not keep it and it will kill a man or a woman, the ox will be stoned, also its owner will be killed.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But if the ox was wont to gore in time past, and warning hath been given to its owner, and he hath not kept it in, but it hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and its owner also shall be put to death.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But if the bull should have been given to goring in former time, and men should have told his owner, and he have not removed him, but he should have slain a man or woman, the bull shall be stoned, and his owner shall die also.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Personal Injury Laws
28If an ox gores a man or woman to death, the ox must surely be stoned, and its meat must not be eaten. But the owner of the ox shall not be held responsible. 29But if the ox has a habit of goring, and its owner has been warned yet does not restrain it, and it kills a man or woman, then the ox must be stoned and its owner must also be put to death. 30If payment is demanded of him instead, he may redeem his life by paying the full amount demanded of him.…

Cross References
Genesis 9:5-6
And surely I will require the life of any man or beast by whose hand your lifeblood is shed. I will demand an accounting from anyone who takes the life of his fellow man: / Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind.

Numbers 35:31-33
You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death. / Nor should you accept a ransom for the person who flees to a city of refuge and allow him to return and live on his own land before the death of the high priest. / Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it.

Deuteronomy 19:11-13
If, however, a man hates his neighbor and lies in wait, attacks him and kills him, and then flees to one of these cities, / the elders of his city must send for him, bring him back, and hand him over to the avenger of blood to die. / You must show him no pity. You are to purge from Israel the guilt of shedding innocent blood, that it may go well with you.

Leviticus 24:17-21
And if a man takes the life of anyone else, he must surely be put to death. / Whoever kills an animal must make restitution—life for life. / If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: ...

2 Samuel 12:5-6
David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan: “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! / Because he has done this thing and has shown no pity, he must pay for the lamb four times over.”

Ezekiel 18:13
He engages in usury and takes excess interest. Will this son live? He will not! Since he has committed all these abominations, he will surely die; his blood will be on his own head.

Ezekiel 18:20
The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him.

Proverbs 28:17
A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.

Matthew 5:21-22
You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ / But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.

Matthew 18:6-7
But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. / Woe to the world for the causes of sin. These stumbling blocks must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!

Luke 12:47-48
That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows. / But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded.

Romans 13:4
For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.

1 Corinthians 5:1-5
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife. / And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been stricken with grief and have removed from your fellowship the man who did this? / Although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. ...

1 Corinthians 11:30-32
That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. / Now if we judged ourselves properly, we would not come under judgment. / But when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.

Galatians 6:7-8
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.


Treasury of Scripture

But if the ox were wont to push with his horn in time past, and it has been testified to his owner, and he has not kept him in, but that he has killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death.

his owner also

Deuteronomy 21:1-9
If one be found slain in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it, lying in the field, and it be not known who hath slain him: …

Jump to Previous
Accustomed Bull Confine Death Gore Goring Habit Horn However Kept Killed Owner Ox Past Penned Previously Push Stoned Testified Time Warned Warning Wont
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Accustomed Bull Confine Death Gore Goring Habit Horn However Kept Killed Owner Ox Past Penned Previously Push Stoned Testified Time Warned Warning Wont
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














But if the ox has a reputation for goring
The phrase "has a reputation for goring" indicates a known pattern of behavior. In Hebrew, the word for "reputation" can be linked to the concept of testimony or witness. This implies that the community is aware of the ox's dangerous tendencies. Historically, this reflects the communal nature of ancient Israelite society, where the actions of one's property could impact the entire community. The ox, a common domestic animal, symbolizes potential danger when not properly managed, emphasizing the responsibility of the owner.

and its owner has been warned
The phrase "has been warned" suggests a formal notification or admonition. In Hebrew, the root word for "warned" can also mean to testify or bear witness. This implies that the owner is not ignorant of the ox's behavior but has been explicitly informed. This highlights the importance of accountability and the moral obligation to act upon received knowledge. In a broader scriptural context, it underscores the biblical principle of stewardship and the duty to protect others from harm.

yet does not restrain it
The phrase "does not restrain it" indicates negligence or failure to act. The Hebrew root for "restrain" can mean to guard or keep. This suggests a lack of proactive measures to prevent harm. Theologically, this can be seen as a failure to exercise dominion responsibly, as mandated in Genesis. The owner’s inaction reflects a disregard for the safety of others, which is a serious moral failing in the biblical worldview.

and it kills a man or woman
The phrase "kills a man or woman" highlights the severity of the consequence. The Hebrew word for "kill" here is often used in legal contexts, indicating an unlawful or unjust death. This underscores the sanctity of human life, a core biblical principle. The inclusion of both "man or woman" emphasizes the equal value of all human life, reflecting the biblical teaching that all are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

then the ox must be stoned
The phrase "must be stoned" refers to the prescribed method of execution for the ox. Stoning was a communal act, symbolizing the collective responsibility to uphold justice and remove evil from among the people. This reflects the seriousness with which the community must address threats to life and safety. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for communal purity.

and its owner must also be put to death
The phrase "must also be put to death" indicates the ultimate penalty for the owner’s negligence. In Hebrew law, this reflects the principle of lex talionis, or the law of retribution, which demands a life for a life. This severe consequence underscores the gravity of the owner’s responsibility and the value God places on human life. It serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of negligence and the importance of vigilance in protecting others.

(29) His owner also shall be put to death.--It seems clear that under this law the representatives of the slain person might have exacted life for life; but probably they would in almost all cases have been ready to accept a compensation.

Verse 29. - If the ox were wont to push with his horns. If he were notoriously, and to his owner' s knowledge, a dangerous animal, which required watching, and no watch was kept on him, then the owner became blame-able, and having by his neglect contributed to a homicide, was "guilty of death."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But if
וְאִ֡ם (wə·’im)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

the ox
שׁוֹר֩ (šō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7794: A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera)

has a reputation
מִתְּמֹ֣ל (mit·tə·mōl)
Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 8543: Ago, a, time since, yesterday, day before yesterday

for goring,
נַגָּ֨ח (nag·gāḥ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5056: Given to goring (used of bulls)

and its owner
בִּבְעָלָיו֙ (biḇ·‘ā·lāw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1167: A master, a husband, owner

has been warned
וְהוּעַ֤ד (wə·hū·‘aḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hofal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5749: To duplicate, repeat, to protest, testify, to encompass, restore

yet does not
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

restrain it,
יִשְׁמְרֶ֔נּוּ (yiš·mə·ren·nū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

and it kills
וְהֵמִ֥ית (wə·hê·mîṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

a man
אִ֖ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

or
א֣וֹ (’ōw)
Conjunction
Strong's 176: Desire, if

woman,
אִשָּׁ֑ה (’iš·šāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

them the ox
הַשּׁוֹר֙ (haš·šō·wr)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7794: A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera)

must be stoned
יִסָּקֵ֔ל (yis·sā·qêl)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5619: To stone, put to death by stoning

and its owner
בְּעָלָ֖יו (bə·‘ā·lāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1167: A master, a husband, owner

must also
וְגַם־ (wə·ḡam-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

be put to death.
יוּמָֽת׃ (yū·māṯ)
Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill


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OT Law: Exodus 21:29 But if the bull had a habit (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 21:28
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