Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “If a bull gores a man or woman to death, the bull is to be stoned to death, and its meat must not be eaten. But the owner of the bull will not be held responsible. New Living Translation “If an ox gores a man or woman to death, the ox must be stoned, and its flesh may not be eaten. In such a case, however, the owner will not be held liable. English Standard Version “When an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox shall be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten, but the owner of the ox shall not be liable. Berean Standard Bible If 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. King James Bible If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit. New King James Version “If an ox gores a man or a woman to death, then the ox shall surely be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be acquitted. New American Standard Bible “Now if an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox shall certainly be stoned and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall go unpunished. NASB 1995 “If an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox shall surely be stoned and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall go unpunished. NASB 1977 “And if an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox shall surely be stoned and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall go unpunished. Legacy Standard Bible “And if an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox shall surely be stoned and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall go unpunished. Amplified Bible “If an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox must be stoned and its meat shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be cleared [of responsibility]. Christian Standard Bible “When an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox must be stoned, and its meat may not be eaten, but the ox’s owner is innocent. Holman Christian Standard Bible When an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox must be stoned, and its meat may not be eaten, but the ox’s owner is innocent. American Standard Version And if an ox gore a man or a woman to death, the ox shall be surely stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit. Contemporary English Version A bull that kills someone with its horns must be killed and its meat destroyed, but the owner of the bull isn't responsible for the death. English Revised Version And if an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die, the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Whenever a bull gores a man or a woman to death, the bull must be stoned to death, and its meat may not be eaten. The bull's owner is free from any liability. Good News Translation "If a bull gores someone to death, it is to be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but its owner is not to be punished. International Standard Version "If an ox gores a man or woman so that they die, the ox is certainly to be stoned and its flesh may not be eaten, but the owner of the ox is free from liability. NET Bible "If an ox gores a man or a woman so that either dies, then the ox must surely be stoned and its flesh must not be eaten, but the owner of the ox will be acquitted. New Heart English Bible "If a bull gores a man or a woman to death, the bull shall surely be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the bull shall not be held responsible. Webster's Bible Translation If an ox shall gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf 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. World English Bible “If a bull gores a man or a woman to death, the bull shall surely be stoned, and its meat shall not be eaten; but the owner of the bull shall not be held responsible. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd when an ox gores man or woman, and they have died, the ox is certainly stoned, and his flesh is not eaten, and the owner of the ox [is] acquitted; Young's Literal Translation And when an ox doth gore man or woman, and they have died, the ox is certainly stoned, and his flesh is not eaten, and the owner of the ox is acquitted; Smith's Literal Translation And if an ox shall push (with the horns) a man or a woman, and he died; stoning, the ox shall be stoned, and he shall not eat his flesh; and the lord of the ox being innocent. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf an ox gore a man or a woman, and they die, he shall be stoned: and his flesh shall not be eaten, but the owner of the ox shall be quit. Catholic Public Domain Version If an ox has struck a man or a woman with his horn, and if they die, it shall be stoned. And its flesh shall not be eaten; also, the owner of the ox will be innocent. New American Bible When an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox must be stoned; its meat may not be eaten. The owner of the ox, however, shall be free of blame. New Revised Standard Version When an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox shall be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall not be liable. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIf an ox gores a man or a woman that he or she die; then the ox shall be surely stoned and its meat shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be blameless. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And when an ox will gore a man or a woman and someone will die, the ox surely will be stoned and its flesh shall not be eaten and the owner of the ox shall be declared innocent. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And if an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die, the ox shall be surely stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit. Brenton Septuagint Translation And if a bull gore a man or woman and they die, the bull shall be stoned with stones, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the bull shall be clear. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Personal Injury Laws…27And if he knocks out the tooth of his manservant or maidservant, he must let the servant go free as compensation for the tooth. 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.… 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 35:33 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. 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: ... 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; 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 Timothy 1:8-9 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately. / We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers, Genesis 9:2 The fear and dread of you will fall on every living creature on the earth, every bird of the air, every creature that crawls on the ground, and all the fish of the sea. They are delivered into your hand. Deuteronomy 22:8 If you build a new house, you are to construct a railing around your roof, so that you do not bring bloodguilt on your house if someone falls from it. Ezekiel 18:4 Behold, every soul belongs to Me; both father and son are Mine. The soul who sins is the one who will die. Matthew 22:39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Luke 10:27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Romans 12:19 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 Corinthians 9:9 For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned? Hebrews 10:28 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Treasury of Scripture If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit. the ox Exodus 21:32 If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned. Genesis 9:5,6 And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man… Leviticus 20:15,16 And if a man lie with a beast, he shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast… Jump to Previous Acquitted Bull Cause Clear Death Die Died Eaten Flesh Food Gore Gores Guiltless Held Judged Meat Owner Ox Quit Responsible Stoned Surely Unpunished UsedJump to Next Acquitted Bull Cause Clear Death Die Died Eaten Flesh Food Gore Gores Guiltless Held Judged Meat Owner Ox Quit Responsible Stoned Surely Unpunished UsedExodus 21 1. Laws for men servants5. 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 an ox gores a man or woman to death This phrase addresses the issue of personal injury caused by an animal, specifically an ox, which was a common domestic animal in ancient agrarian societies. The law reflects the value placed on human life and the need for justice in cases of accidental death. The ox, a symbol of strength and labor, is here depicted as a potential danger, emphasizing the responsibility of animal owners. This law is part of the broader legal code given to Israel, which includes various civil, moral, and ceremonial laws. The principle of accountability for one's property is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as in the laws concerning property damage (Exodus 22:5-6). the ox must surely be stoned and its meat must not be eaten But the owner of the ox shall not be held responsible Persons / Places / Events 1. OxA domesticated animal often used for labor in ancient agrarian societies. In this context, it represents property that can cause harm. 2. Man or Woman Refers to any individual who might be harmed by the ox, emphasizing the value of human life. 3. Owner of the Ox The person responsible for the animal, highlighting issues of responsibility and liability. 4. Stoning of the Ox A form of capital punishment for the animal, indicating the seriousness of the offense. 5. Israelite Society The cultural and legal context in which these laws were given, reflecting God's covenant with His people. Teaching Points Value of Human LifeThis law underscores the intrinsic value of human life, which is a consistent theme throughout Scripture. It reminds us to prioritize the safety and well-being of others. Responsibility and Accountability While the owner is not held responsible in this specific scenario, the broader context of the law emphasizes the importance of being accountable for one's property and actions. Justice and Restitution The stoning of the ox serves as a form of justice, reflecting God's desire for fairness and the protection of the community. Understanding Old Testament Law This passage invites us to explore the purpose and heart behind the Old Testament laws, seeing them as part of God's covenant relationship with His people. Application in Modern Context While we may not have oxen today, the principles of responsibility, justice, and valuing human life are timeless and applicable in our interactions and societal structures. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 21What do birthstones symbolize in the Bible? What does Jesus' life as a ransom signify? How are Moses and the Hammurabi Code similar? Can animals commit sins?(28-32) Injuries to the person might arise either from man or from animals. Protection from both was needed. The law given to Noah (Genesis 9:5) had already laid it down that whenever a beast killed a man his life was to be forfeit. This law was now re-enacted, but with a further and very important proviso. If the animal had an owner, and the owner had reason to know that it was dangerous, then not only the beast, but the owner also was to be held guilty. He was to be liable to a process for murder (Exodus 21:29); but, with the consent of the aggrieved family, might pay a sum of money as compensation instead (Exodus 21:30). In the case of a slave, the sum was fixed at what was regarded as the standard price of a slave (Leviticus 25:44-46; Leviticus 27:3), viz., thirty silver shekels. (28) The ox shall be surely stoned--i.e., he shall die the death of a murderer. . . . Verses 28-32. - Injuries done by cattle to slaves and freemen. For the purpose of inculcating as strongly as possible the principle of the sanctity of human life, the legislator notices the case where mortal injury is done to a person by a domesticated animal. The ox is taken as the example, being the animal most likely to inflict such an injury. In accordance with the declaration already made to Noah (Genesis 9:6), it is laid down that the destructive beast must be killed. Further, to mark the abhorrence in which murder ought to be held, the provision is made, that none of the creature' s flesh must be eaten. The question then arises, is the owner to suffer any punishment? This is answered in the way that natural equity points out - "If he had reason to know the savage temper of the animal, he is to he held responsible; if otherwise, he is to go free." In the former case, the Hebrew law assigned a higher degree of responsibility than accords with modern notions; but practically the result was not very different. The neglectful Hebrew owner was held to have been guilty of a capital offence, but was allowed to "redeem his life" by a fine. His modern counterpart would be held to have been guilty simply of laches or neglect of duty, and would be punished by fine or imprisonment Verse 28. - The ox shall be surely stoned. He shall suffer the same death that would have been the portion of a human murderer. His flesh shall not be eaten. The animal was regarded as accursed, and therefore, as a matter of course, no Hebrew might eat of it. According to the Rabbinical commentators, it was not even lawful to sell the carcase to Gentiles. The owner shall be quit - i.e., "shall be liable to no punishment."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Ifוְכִֽי־ (wə·ḵî-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction an ox שׁ֥וֹר (šō·wr) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7794: A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera) gores יִגַּ֨ח (yig·gaḥ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5055: To butt with the horns, to war against a man אִ֛ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person or א֥וֹ (’ōw) Conjunction Strong's 176: Desire, if woman אִשָּׁ֖ה (’iš·šāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female to death, וָמֵ֑ת (wā·mêṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill the ox הַשּׁ֗וֹר (haš·šō·wr) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7794: A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera) must surely סָק֨וֹל (sā·qō·wl) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute Strong's 5619: To stone, put to death by stoning be stoned, יִסָּקֵ֜ל (yis·sā·qêl) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5619: To stone, put to death by stoning and its meat בְּשָׂר֔וֹ (bə·śā·rōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1320: Flesh, body, person, the pudenda of a, man must not וְלֹ֤א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no be eaten. יֵאָכֵל֙ (yê·’ā·ḵêl) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 398: To eat But the owner וּבַ֥עַל (ū·ḇa·‘al) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1167: A master, a husband, owner of the ox הַשּׁ֖וֹר (haš·šō·wr) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7794: A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera) shall not be held responsible. נָקִֽי׃ (nā·qî) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 5355: Clean, free from, exempt Links Exodus 21:28 NIVExodus 21:28 NLT Exodus 21:28 ESV Exodus 21:28 NASB Exodus 21:28 KJV Exodus 21:28 BibleApps.com Exodus 21:28 Biblia Paralela Exodus 21:28 Chinese Bible Exodus 21:28 French Bible Exodus 21:28 Catholic Bible OT Law: Exodus 21:28 If a bull gores a man (Exo. 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