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 habit of goring
This phrase indicates a situation where an animal, specifically an ox, has shown a repeated pattern of dangerous behavior. In ancient agrarian societies, oxen were valuable for labor and agriculture, but they could also pose a threat if not properly managed. The law here reflects a concern for public safety and personal responsibility. The habitual nature of the ox's behavior suggests a known risk, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and accountability.

and its owner has been warned
The owner being warned implies a legal and communal responsibility. In the context of ancient Israel, community leaders or witnesses would likely have issued such a warning. This reflects the communal nature of ancient societies where individuals were accountable not only to themselves but to their community. The warning serves as a formal notice, shifting the responsibility onto the owner to take corrective action.

yet does not restrain it
Failure to restrain the ox after a warning indicates negligence. Restraint could involve physical measures such as tethering or confining the animal. This part of the law underscores the expectation of proactive measures to prevent harm. It highlights the moral and legal obligation to act upon knowledge of potential danger, a principle that resonates with broader biblical themes of stewardship and care for others.

and it kills a man or woman
The consequence of the ox's actions is severe, resulting in the death of a person. This underscores the value of human life in biblical law. The inclusion of both "man or woman" indicates the equal value placed on all human life, reflecting the creation narrative where both male and female are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The gravity of the outcome necessitates a serious response.

then the ox must be stoned
Stoning the ox serves as a form of capital punishment for the animal, removing the threat it poses. This action also serves as a public deterrent, reinforcing the seriousness of the offense. In biblical law, stoning was a common method of execution for severe transgressions, symbolizing the community's role in upholding justice and purity.

and its owner must also be put to death
The owner's death penalty highlights the severe consequences of negligence. This reflects the biblical principle of life for life, as seen in Genesis 9:6, where the sanctity of human life is paramount. The law serves as a sobering reminder of the weight of responsibility and the potential consequences of failing to protect others. It also points to the need for atonement and justice, themes central to the biblical narrative and ultimately fulfilled in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, who bore the penalty for sin on behalf of humanity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Ox
A domesticated animal used for labor, which in this context represents a potential danger if not properly managed.

2. The Owner
The person responsible for the ox, who is held accountable for the animal's actions if negligence is involved.

3. The Victim
The man or woman who is killed by the ox, highlighting the severity of the incident.

4. The Warning
A prior notification given to the owner about the ox's dangerous behavior, emphasizing the owner's responsibility.

5. The Stoning
The prescribed punishment for the ox, symbolizing the removal of the threat and the seriousness of the offense.
Teaching Points
Responsibility and Accountability
Owners 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 Warnings
Ignoring 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 Life
The 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 Fairness
God'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 Measures
Taking proactive steps to prevent harm is a biblical principle. We should seek to identify and mitigate risks in our lives and communities.(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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