Exodus 21:31
New International Version
This law also applies if the bull gores a son or daughter.

New Living Translation
“The same regulation applies if the ox gores a boy or a girl.

English Standard Version
If it gores a man’s son or daughter, he shall be dealt with according to this same rule.

Berean Standard Bible
If the ox gores a son or a daughter, it shall be done to him according to the same rule.

King James Bible
Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him.

New King James Version
Whether it has gored a son or gored a daughter, according to this judgment it shall be done to him.

New American Standard Bible
Whether it gores a son or a daughter, it shall be done to him according to the same rule.

NASB 1995
“Whether it gores a son or a daughter, it shall be done to him according to the same rule.

NASB 1977
“Whether it gores a son or a daughter, it shall be done to him according to the same rule.

Legacy Standard Bible
Whether it gores a son or a daughter, it shall be done to him according to the same judgment.

Amplified Bible
If the ox has gored another’s son or daughter, he shall be dealt with according to this same rule.

Christian Standard Bible
If it gores a son or a daughter, he is to be dealt with according to this same law.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If it gores a son or a daughter, he is to be dealt with according to this same law.

American Standard Version
Whether it have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him.

Contemporary English Version
This same law applies if the bull gores someone's son or daughter.

English Revised Version
Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If the bull gores someone's son or daughter, this same ruling applies.

Good News Translation
If the bull kills a boy or a girl, the same rule applies.

International Standard Version
This same ordinance applies if it gores a son or daughter.

NET Bible
If the ox gores a son or a daughter, the owner will be dealt with according to this rule.

New Heart English Bible
Whether it has gored a son or has gored a daughter, according to this judgment it shall be done to him.

Webster's Bible Translation
Whether he hath gored a son, or hath gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done to him.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
If the ox gores a son or a daughter, it shall be done to him according to the same rule.

World English Bible
Whether it has gored a son or has gored a daughter, according to this judgment it shall be done to him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
whether it gores a son or gores a daughter, according to this judgment it is done to him.

Young's Literal Translation
whether it gore a son or gore a daughter, according to this judgment it is done to him.

Smith's Literal Translation
If he shall push (with his horns) a son, or shall push a daughter, according to this judgment it shall be done to him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
If he have gored a son, or a daughter, he shall fall under the like sentence.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Likewise, if it has struck a son or a daughter with its horns, it shall be subject to a similar verdict.

New American Bible
This ordinance applies if it is a boy or a girl that the ox gores.

New Revised Standard Version
If it gores a boy or a girl, the owner shall be dealt with according to this same rule.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Whether the ox has gored a son or a daughter, according to this judgment it shall be done to him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And if an ox will gore a son or a daughter, it will be done to it according to this judgment.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Whether it have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And if the bull gore a son or daughter, let them do to him according to this ordinance.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Personal Injury Laws
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. 32If the ox gores a manservant or maidservant, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of that servant, and the ox must be stoned.…

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.

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: ...

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 19:21
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 Peter 2:13-14
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.

Genesis 9:4-6
But you must not eat meat with its lifeblood still in it. / 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.

Deuteronomy 17:8-13
If a case is too difficult for you to judge, whether the controversy within your gates is regarding bloodshed, lawsuits, or assaults, you must go up to the place the LORD your God will choose. / You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict in the case. / You must abide by the verdict they give you at the place the LORD will choose. Be careful to do everything they instruct you, ...

Matthew 7:12
In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.

Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Romans 12:17-19
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. / If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / 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 6:1-8
If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints! / Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? / Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! ...

Hebrews 10:28-29
Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. / How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and insulted the Spirit of grace?

1 Timothy 1:8-10
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, / for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching


Treasury of Scripture

Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done to him.

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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














If the ox gores a son or a daughter,
This phrase addresses the situation where an ox, a common domestic animal in ancient agrarian societies, causes harm to a child. The inclusion of both "son" and "daughter" highlights the equal value placed on male and female children in the context of justice. In ancient Israel, livestock were integral to daily life, and laws governing their behavior were necessary for community safety. This reflects the broader biblical principle of accountability and the protection of human life, as seen in Genesis 9:5-6, where God requires a reckoning for the lifeblood of humans.

it shall be done to him
The phrase "it shall be done to him" indicates that the owner of the ox bears responsibility for the actions of his animal. This principle of liability is consistent with the broader legal framework in the Mosaic Law, which emphasizes personal responsibility and restitution. The owner is held accountable, reflecting the biblical theme of stewardship and the consequences of negligence. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to be responsible stewards of what God has entrusted to them (1 Peter 4:10).

according to the same rule.
The "same rule" refers to the established legal precedent set earlier in the chapter, specifically in Exodus 21:28-30, where the consequences for an ox goring a person are outlined. This ensures consistency and fairness in the application of the law, a principle that is foundational to justice. The rule underscores the importance of equal treatment under the law, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, including in the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized justice and mercy (Matthew 23:23). This consistency in legal application reflects God's unchanging nature and His desire for order and righteousness in human society.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Ox
A domesticated animal often used for labor in ancient agrarian societies. In this context, it represents potential danger and responsibility.

2. The Owner
The person responsible for the ox. This individual is accountable for the actions of their property, highlighting the importance of stewardship and responsibility.

3. Son or Daughter
Represents any child or young person in the community, emphasizing the value of human life and the protection of the vulnerable.

4. The Rule
Refers to the legal and moral guidelines established by God for the Israelites, ensuring justice and accountability within the community.

5. The Community
The broader group of Israelites who are governed by these laws, reflecting the collective responsibility to uphold justice and protect one another.
Teaching Points
Responsibility and Stewardship
As believers, we are called to be responsible stewards of what God has entrusted to us, whether it be property, relationships, or spiritual gifts.

Value of Human Life
This passage highlights the intrinsic value of human life, reminding us to protect and honor each person as made in the image of God.

Justice and Accountability
God's laws are designed to ensure justice and accountability. We are called to uphold these principles in our communities and personal lives.

Community and Protection
The well-being of the community is a shared responsibility. We must look out for one another, especially the vulnerable, and ensure their safety.

Mercy and Forgiveness
While justice is important, we are also called to balance it with mercy and forgiveness, following the example of Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Exodus 21:31?

2. How does Exodus 21:31 emphasize the value of human life in God's eyes?

3. What principles of justice can we derive from Exodus 21:31 for today?

4. How does Exodus 21:31 connect with the commandment "You shall not murder"?

5. In what ways can Exodus 21:31 guide our interactions with others?

6. How can we apply the fairness principle in Exodus 21:31 to modern society?

7. How does Exodus 21:31 reflect on the value of human life in biblical law?

8. What does Exodus 21:31 reveal about justice and equality in ancient Israelite society?

9. How should Exodus 21:31 be interpreted in the context of modern legal systems?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 21?

11. Did God command human sacrifice? (Genesis 22:2 vs. Deuteronomy 12:31)

12. Exodus 21:7-11 mentions selling one's daughter; how does this align with other biblical teachings on the value and protection of children?

13. Deuteronomy 21:18-21: Does the mandate to stone a rebellious son conflict with the commandment against murder (Exodus 20:13)?

14. In Exodus 21:2-6, how is the practice of permanently marking a servant's ear and lifelong servitude reconciled with moral or ethical standards?
What Does Exodus 21:31 Mean
If the ox gores

– “If the ox gores…” (Exodus 21:31a). The setting continues the case law begun in vv. 28–30, where an ox that kills carries consequences for both animal and owner. The verb “gores” anchors the issue in real, bodily harm, underscoring that God’s law speaks to everyday life (see Exodus 21:28; Genesis 9:5–6).

– God recognizes that even livestock can become instruments of violence; the owner’s responsibility is therefore moral, not merely economic (compare Proverbs 12:10).

– By naming the specific act—goring—the text calls us to proactive stewardship, echoing the earlier warning that negligence makes the owner liable (Exodus 21:29).


A son or a daughter

– “…a son or a daughter…” (21:31b). The wording deliberately includes children, affirming the equal value of every human life regardless of age or gender (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 127:3).

– In the broader context (Exodus 22:21–24), God’s law consistently protects the vulnerable. Placing sons and daughters here prevents any thought that minors are of lesser worth in matters of justice.

– This clause also widens application: the same principle applies whether the victim is an adult man (v. 29), a slave (vv. 32–34), or a child—God’s standard of justice is impartial (Deuteronomy 1:17).


It shall be done to him

– “…it shall be done to him…” (21:31c). Responsibility falls squarely on the negligent owner. Actions toward the ox mirror actions toward the owner, stressing personal accountability (Numbers 35:16–18).

– Earlier, if the ox is known to gore and the owner fails to restrain it, “the ox must be stoned, and its owner also must be put to death” unless a ransom is set (Exodus 21:29–30). Verse 31 extends that liability to cases involving children, removing loopholes or excuses.

– Justice here is not revenge but measured retribution administered by the community (cf. Deuteronomy 19:12; Romans 13:4).


According to the same rule

– “…according to the same rule” (21:31d). God insists on consistent standards: what applied in vv. 29–30 applies unchanged when the victim is a son or daughter.

Leviticus 24:22 echoes this principle: “You are to have the same law for the foreigner and the native-born.” Consistent justice safeguards society from favoritism and maintains respect for life (James 2:1).

– The phrase also points to the broader biblical ethic of equitable restitution: “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth” (Exodus 21:24), always within lawful, judicial process—not personal vengeance (Matthew 5:38–39 shows the heart behind the law).


summary

Exodus 21:31 extends the liability of an ox’s owner to include cases where children are harmed. God’s law values every human life equally, demands proactive responsibility from those who own potentially dangerous property, and insists on consistent, impartial justice. The verse reinforces the seriousness with which Scripture treats negligence and upholds a standard that safeguards the community while honoring the sanctity of life.

Verse 31. - Whether he have gored a son or a daughter. If the sufferer were a child, the value of the life, and therefore the amount of the fine, would be less.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
If
אוֹ־ (’ōw-)
Conjunction
Strong's 176: Desire, if

[the ox] gores
יִגָּ֖ח (yig·gāḥ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5055: To butt with the horns, to war against

a son
בֵ֥ן (ḇên)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

or
אוֹ־ (’ōw-)
Conjunction
Strong's 176: Desire, if

a daughter,
בַ֣ת (ḇaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1323: A daughter

it shall be done
יֵעָ֥שֶׂה (yê·‘ā·śeh)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

to him
לּֽוֹ׃ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

according to the same
הַזֶּ֖ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

rule.
כַּמִּשְׁפָּ֥ט (kam·miš·pāṭ)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style


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OT Law: Exodus 21:31 Whether it has gored a son (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 21:30
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