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. But if the ox has a reputation for goringThe 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. Persons / Places / Events 1. The OxA domesticated animal used for labor, which in this context represents a potential danger if not properly managed. 2. The OwnerThe person responsible for the ox, who is held accountable for the animal's actions if negligence is involved. 3. The VictimThe man or woman who is killed by the ox, highlighting the severity of the incident. 4. The WarningA prior notification given to the owner about the ox's dangerous behavior, emphasizing the owner's responsibility. 5. The StoningThe prescribed punishment for the ox, symbolizing the removal of the threat and the seriousness of the offense. Teaching Points Responsibility and AccountabilityOwners are responsible for their property and its potential to harm others. This principle extends to all areas of life where we have influence or control. The Importance of Heeding WarningsIgnoring warnings can lead to severe consequences. We must be attentive to signs and counsel that guide us away from potential harm. The Value of Human LifeThe severe penalty for negligence underscores the value God places on human life. We are called to protect and respect life in all its forms. Justice and FairnessGod's law is just and fair, holding individuals accountable for their actions and inactions. We should strive to reflect this justice in our dealings with others. Preventive MeasuresTaking proactive steps to prevent harm is a biblical principle. We should seek to identify and mitigate risks in our lives and communities. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the principle of accountability in Exodus 21:29 apply to modern-day responsibilities, such as owning a business or managing a household? 2. In what ways can we ensure that we are heeding warnings in our spiritual and personal lives? 3. How does the value of human life, as emphasized in this passage, influence our interactions with others in our community? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure justice and fairness in our daily decisions and actions? 5. How can we apply the concept of preventive measures from this passage to our spiritual walk and relationships with others? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 9:5-6This passage discusses the sanctity of human life and the requirement for justice when blood is shed, reinforcing the principle of accountability for life. Leviticus 24:17-21These verses outline the principle of "an eye for an eye," which underscores the importance of proportional justice, similar to the consequences described in Exodus 21:29. Matthew 5:21-22Jesus expands on the commandment against murder, emphasizing the heart's intent, which can be related to the owner's negligence in Exodus 21:29. Romans 13:1-4This passage discusses the role of governing authorities in executing justice, which can be seen as a parallel to the legal stipulations in Exodus. 1 Corinthians 9:9-10Paul references the law about oxen to illustrate broader principles of care and responsibility, which can be applied to the owner's duty in Exodus 21:29. People MosesPlaces Mount SinaiTopics Accustomed, Bull, Cause, Confine, Control, Damage, Death, Frequently, Gore, Gored, Goring, Habit, Heretofore, Horn, However, Kept, Kill, Killed, Kills, Owner, Ox, Past, Penned, Previously, Push, Restrained, Stoned, Testified, Warned, Warning, Watch, Wont, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 21:29 5485 punishment, legal aspects
5873 habits Exodus 21:28-29 5803 carelessness Exodus 21:28-32 1680 types
6714 ransom Exodus 21:28-36 4615 bull Exodus 21:29-30 7346 death penalty Library The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws
[Sidenote: First the principle, and then the detailed laws] If the canon of the New Testament had remained open as long as did that of the Old, there is little doubt that it also would have contained many laws, legal precedents, and ecclesiastical histories. From the writings of the Church Fathers and the records of the Catholic Church it is possible to conjecture what these in general would have been. The early history of Christianity illustrates the universal fact that the broad principles are …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old TestamentThe Kinsman Redeemer
'After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him.'--LEV. xxv. 48. There are several of the institutions and precepts of the Mosaic legislation which, though not prophetic, nor typical, have yet remarkable correspondences with lofty Christian truth. They may be used as symbols, if only we remember that we are diverting them from their original purpose. How singularly these words lend themselves to the statement of the very central truths of Christianity--a slavery …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Non-Resistance
'Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39. But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. 41. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.'--MATT. v. 38-42. The old law …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of the House of God; with Counsels and Directions to the Inhabitants Thereof.
BY JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. 'Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.'--Psalm 26:8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Beautiful in its simplicity is this treatise on the Church of Christ, by John Bunyan. He opens, with profound knowledge and eminent skill, all those portions of sacred writ which illustrate the nature, excellency, and government of the house of God, with the personal and relative duties of its inhabitants. It was originally published in …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
BY A.E. GRIMKE. "Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not within thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place: but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this. And Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer:--and so will I go in unto the king, …
Angelina Emily Grimke—An Appeal to the Christian Women of the South The Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force Has Been Professed by a Minority of Men from the Very Foundation of Christianity. Of the Book "What
CHAPTER I. THE DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE TO EVIL BY FORCE HAS BEEN PROFESSED BY A MINORITY OF MEN FROM THE VERY FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIANITY. Of the Book "What I Believe"--The Correspondence Evoked by it-- Letters from Quakers--Garrison's Declaration--Adin Ballou, his Works, his Catechism--Helchitsky's "Net of Faith"--The Attitude of the World to Works Elucidating Christ's Teaching--Dymond's Book "On War"--Musser's "Non-resistance Asserted"--Attitude of the Government in 1818 to Men who Refused to …
Leo Tolstoy—The Kingdom of God is within you The Sermon on the Mount - the Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic Teaching.
It was probably on one of those mountain-ranges, which stretch to the north of Capernaum, that Jesus had spent the night of lonely prayer, which preceded the designation of the twelve to the Apostolate. As the soft spring morning broke, He called up those who had learned to follow Him, and from among them chose the twelve, who were to be His Ambassadors and Representatives. [2500] [2501] But already the early light had guided the eager multitude which, from all parts, had come to the broad level …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes - Examination of their Distinctive Doctrines.
APART from the repulsively carnal form which it had taken, there is something absolutely sublime in the continuance and intensity of the Jewish expectation of the Messiah. It outlived not only the delay of long centuries, but the persecutions and scattering of the people; it continued under the disappointment of the Maccabees, the rule of a Herod, the administration of a corrupt and contemptible Priesthood, and, finally, the government of Rome as represented by a Pilate; nay, it grew in intensity …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not kill.' Exod 20: 13. In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, Thou shalt not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others. The sin forbidden is murder: Thou shalt not kill.' Here two things are to be understood, the not injuring another, nor ourselves. I. The not injuring another. [1] We must not injure another in his name. A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name. We injure others in …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments That Deep Things Ought not to be Preached at all to Weak Souls.
But the preacher should know how to avoid drawing the mind of his hearer beyond its strength, lest, so to speak, the string of the soul, when stretched more than it can bear, should be broken. For all deep things should be covered up before a multitude of hearers, and scarcely opened to a few. For hence the Truth in person says, Who, thinkest thou, is the faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord has appointed over his household, to give them their measure of wheat in due season? (Luke xii. 42). …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia.
Part I. History of the Councils. Reason why two Councils were called. Inconsistency and folly of calling any; and of the style of the Arian formularies; occasion of the Nicene Council; proceedings at Ariminum; Letter of the Council to Constantius; its decree. Proceedings at Seleucia; reflections on the conduct of the Arians. 1. Perhaps news has reached even yourselves concerning the Council, which is at this time the subject of general conversation; for letters both from the Emperor and the Prefects …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
Ver. 8. "Judah, thou, thy brethren shall praise thee; thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; before thee shall bow down the sons of thy father. Ver. 9. A lion's whelp is Judah; from the prey, my son, thou goest up; he stoopeth down, he coucheth as a lion, and as a full-grown lion, who shall rouse him up? Ver. 10. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto Him the people shall adhere." Thus does dying Jacob, in announcing …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 21:29 NIVExodus 21:29 NLTExodus 21:29 ESVExodus 21:29 NASBExodus 21:29 KJV
Exodus 21:29 Commentaries
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