Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version However, if payment is demanded, the owner may redeem his life by the payment of whatever is demanded. New Living Translation However, the dead person’s relatives may accept payment to compensate for the loss of life. The owner of the ox may redeem his life by paying whatever is demanded. English Standard Version If a ransom is imposed on him, then he shall give for the redemption of his life whatever is imposed on him. Berean Standard Bible If payment is demanded of him instead, he may redeem his life by paying the full amount demanded of him. King James Bible If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him. New King James Version If there is imposed on him a sum of money, then he shall pay to redeem his life, whatever is imposed on him. New American Standard Bible If a ransom is demanded of him, then he shall give for the redemption of his life whatever is demanded of him. NASB 1995 “If a ransom is demanded of him, then he shall give for the redemption of his life whatever is demanded of him. NASB 1977 “If a ransom is demanded of him, then he shall give for the redemption of his life whatever is demanded of him. Legacy Standard Bible If a ransom is demanded of him, then he shall give for the redemption of his life whatever is demanded of him. Amplified Bible If a ransom is demanded of him [in return for his life], then he shall give whatever is demanded for the redemption of his life. Christian Standard Bible If instead a ransom is demanded of him, he can pay a redemption price for his life in the full amount demanded from him. Holman Christian Standard Bible If instead a ransom is demanded of him, he can pay a redemption price for his life in the full amount demanded from him. American Standard Version If there be laid on him a ransom, then he shall give for the redemption of his life whatsoever is laid upon him. Contemporary English Version However, you may save your own life by paying whatever fine is demanded. English Revised Version If there be laid on him a ransom, then he shall give for the redemption of his life whatsoever is laid upon him. GOD'S WORD® Translation However, if only a cash settlement is demanded from the owner, the bull's owner may save his life by paying whatever price is demanded of him. Good News Translation However, if the owner is allowed to pay a fine to save his life, he must pay the full amount required. International Standard Version If a fine is imposed on him, he may pay all that was imposed on him as a ransom for his life. NET Bible If a ransom is set for him, then he must pay the redemption for his life according to whatever amount was set for him. New Heart English Bible If a ransom is laid on him, then he shall give for the redemption of his life whatever is laid on him. Webster's Bible Translation If there shall be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatever is laid upon him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf payment is demanded of him instead, he may redeem his life by paying the full amount demanded of him. World English Bible If a ransom is imposed on him, then he shall give for the redemption of his life whatever is imposed. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIf atonement is laid on him, then he has given the ransom of his life, according to all that is laid on him; Young's Literal Translation 'If atonement is laid upon him, then he hath given the ransom of his life, according to all that is laid upon him; Smith's Literal Translation If an expiation shall be put upon him, the price of redemption of his soul according to all which shall be put upon him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd if they set a price upon him, he shall give for his life whatsoever is laid upon him. Catholic Public Domain Version But if they have imposed a price on him, he shall give, in exchange for his life, whatever is asked. New American Bible If, however, a fine is imposed on him, he must pay in ransom for his life whatever amount is imposed on him. New Revised Standard Version If a ransom is imposed on the owner, then the owner shall pay whatever is imposed for the redemption of the victim’s life. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut if a sum of money is imposed on him, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatever they ask from him. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And if they shall impose money upon him, he will give the redemption of his life as much as they ask him. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917If there be laid on him a ransom, then he shall give for the redemption of his life whatsoever is laid upon him. Brenton Septuagint Translation And if a ransom should be imposed on him, he shall pay for the ransom of his soul as much as they shall lay upon him. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Personal Injury Laws…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. 31If the ox gores a son or a daughter, it shall be done to him according to the same rule.… Cross References Numbers 35:31 You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death. Leviticus 24:18 Whoever kills an animal must make restitution—life for life. Deuteronomy 19:21 You must show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot. Genesis 9:6 Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind. 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; 1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit, Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 6:20 you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body. Hebrews 9:22 According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Colossians 1:14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Isaiah 53:5 But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. Proverbs 6:35 He will not be appeased by any ransom, or persuaded by lavish gifts. 1 John 2:2 He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 Timothy 2:6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all—the testimony that was given at just the right time. Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Treasury of Scripture If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatever is laid on him. for the ransom Exodus 21:22 If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. Exodus 30:12 When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the LORD, when thou numberest them; that there be no plague among them, when thou numberest them. Numbers 35:31-33 Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death… Jump to Previous Atonement Demanded Fixed However Imposed Laid Money Paying Payment Price Ransom Redeem Redemption Satisfaction Sum Whatever WhatsoeverJump to Next Atonement Demanded Fixed However Imposed Laid Money Paying Payment Price Ransom Redeem Redemption Satisfaction Sum Whatever WhatsoeverExodus 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 payment is demanded of him instead In the context of Exodus 21, this phrase refers to the laws given to the Israelites regarding personal injury and property damage. The chapter outlines various scenarios and the corresponding penalties. Here, the law provides an alternative to the death penalty for a man whose ox has killed someone, assuming the owner was aware of the ox's dangerous behavior. Instead of capital punishment, a financial compensation can be demanded. This reflects the principle of restitution, which is a recurring theme in the Mosaic Law, emphasizing justice and restoration over retribution. It also highlights the value of human life and the possibility of redemption through compensation. he may redeem his life by paying the full amount demanded of him Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Exodus, who received the Law from God on Mount Sinai. He is the central figure in delivering God's commandments to the Israelites. 2. Israelites The recipients of the Law, including the specific ordinances found in Exodus 21, which were given to guide their community life and justice system. 3. Mount Sinai The place where Moses received the Law from God, including the ordinances in Exodus 21. 4. God The divine lawgiver who establishes the principles of justice and restitution in the Mosaic Law. 5. The Offender The person responsible for causing harm, who is subject to the laws of restitution and redemption as outlined in this passage. Teaching Points Principle of RestitutionThe law in Exodus 21:30 highlights the importance of restitution in maintaining justice. It underscores the value of life and the need for accountability when harm is caused. Mercy and Justice While the law demands justice, it also allows for mercy through the possibility of redemption. This balance is crucial in understanding God's character and His expectations for His people. Value of Life The provision for redeeming one's life with a payment reflects the intrinsic value of human life. It serves as a reminder of the sanctity of life and the seriousness of causing harm to others. Redemption and Responsibility The opportunity for redemption through payment emphasizes personal responsibility and the possibility of restoration. It points to the broader biblical theme of redemption through Christ. Application in Modern Context While the specific legal system of ancient Israel is not directly applicable today, the principles of justice, restitution, and mercy remain relevant. Christians are called to uphold these values in their personal and communal lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 21:30?2. How does Exodus 21:30 emphasize personal responsibility and accountability for one's actions? 3. What does "ransom for his life" reveal about justice in biblical law? 4. How can Exodus 21:30 guide us in making restitution for our wrongs today? 5. Compare Exodus 21:30 with Numbers 35:31 on the concept of ransom and justice. 6. How might Exodus 21:30 influence our understanding of God's mercy and justice balance? 7. What does Exodus 21:30 reveal about the value of human life in biblical law? 8. How does Exodus 21:30 align with the concept of justice in the Bible? 9. Why does Exodus 21:30 allow for a monetary compensation for a life? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 21? 11. What does Jesus' life as a ransom signify? 12. What does God's grace mean in justifying us? 13. Colossians 2:14 says the debt of sin was canceled; how does this reconcile with Old Testament laws still observed by many early believers? 14. What is the purpose of the Temple Tax? What Does Exodus 21:30 Mean If payment is demanded of him instead• In the flow of Exodus 21:28-32, God is dealing with a negligent ox owner whose animal has already been known to gore. • Verse 29 has just declared that such an owner faces the death penalty if the ox kills someone. Here the Lord introduces an alternative: the aggrieved family or the governing judges may “demand” a ransom rather than the owner’s death (compare Numbers 35:31, where no ransom is allowed for intentional murder). • The phrase signals that life is precious, justice must be served, yet mercy may be shown. Authority to set the terms does not lie with the offender but with those who suffered loss and with the judges who stand in God’s place (Exodus 18:25-26; Deuteronomy 16:18-20). he may redeem his life • “Redeem” means to buy back what would otherwise be lost—here, literally rescuing his own life from the legal sentence of death. • This echoes earlier ransom language for Israel’s census (Exodus 30:12-16) and points ahead to the ultimate redemption purchased by Christ (Mark 10:45; 1 Timothy 2:5-6), underscoring the Bible-wide principle that a life can be spared through an accepted substitute. • Key takeaways: – Personal responsibility is non-negotiable (Galatians 6:5). – Mercy is possible, but it never dismisses guilt; it satisfies justice through an equivalent payment (Proverbs 16:6). by paying the full amount demanded of him • No partial settlements—“full amount” stresses complete restitution (Exodus 22:1; Leviticus 6:4-5). • The payment has a dual purpose: – Compensate the victim’s family for their irreplaceable loss (Genesis 9:6 sets the seriousness of taking life). – Uphold public justice so that negligence is never trivialized (Deuteronomy 19:20). • Practical implications: – God’s law balances justice and compassion, deterring recklessness while leaving room for reconciliation. – The offender’s wealth cannot bargain down the price; the standard is set outside of him, mirroring the way salvation requires the exact, sufficient price paid by Christ alone (1 Peter 1:18-19). summary Exodus 21:30 shows that when a negligent act leads to death, God’s law permits a ransom to spare the offender’s life, provided the full, just price set by rightful authorities is paid. The verse upholds life’s sanctity, enforces personal accountability, and foreshadows the Gospel pattern: guilt can be forgiven only through an adequate, accepted substitute. (30) Whatsoever is laid upon him.--Primarily, by the aggrieved relatives; but in the case of an exorbitant demand there was, no doubt, an appeal to the judges, who would then fix the amount.Verse 30. - If there be a fine laid upon him. There can scarcely have been any circumstances under which the penalty of death would have been enforced. No neglect could bring the crime into the category of murder. It is assumed, therefore, that practically the penalty would be a fine, proportioned no doubt to the value of the life taken. |
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