Exodus 21:36
New International Version
However, if it was known that the bull had the habit of goring, yet the owner did not keep it penned up, the owner must pay, animal for animal, and take the dead animal in exchange.

New Living Translation
But if the ox had a reputation for goring, yet its owner failed to keep it under control, he must pay full compensation—a live ox for the dead one—but he may keep the dead ox.

English Standard Version
Or if it is known that the ox has been accustomed to gore in the past, and its owner has not kept it in, he shall repay ox for ox, and the dead beast shall be his.

Berean Standard Bible
But if it was known that the ox had a habit of goring, yet its owner failed to restrain it, he shall pay full compensation, ox for ox, and the dead animal will be his.

King James Bible
Or if it be known that the ox hath used to push in time past, and his owner hath not kept him in; he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall be his own.

New King James Version
Or if it was known that the ox tended to thrust in time past, and its owner has not kept it confined, he shall surely pay ox for ox, and the dead animal shall be his own.

New American Standard Bible
Or if it is known that the ox was previously in the habit of goring, yet its owner has not confined it, he must make restitution of ox for ox, and the dead animal shall become his.

NASB 1995
“Or if it is known that the ox was previously in the habit of goring, yet its owner has not confined it, he shall surely pay ox for ox, and the dead animal shall become his.

NASB 1977
“Or if it is known that the ox was previously in the habit of goring, yet its owner has not confined it, he shall surely pay ox for ox, and the dead animal shall become his.

Legacy Standard Bible
Or if it is known that the ox was previously in the habit of goring, yet its owner has not confined it, he shall surely pay ox for ox, and the dead animal shall become his.

Amplified Bible
Or if it is known that the ox was previously in the habit of goring, and its owner has not kept it confined, he must make restitution of ox for ox, and the dead [animal] shall be his.

Christian Standard Bible
If, however, it is known that the ox was in the habit of goring, yet its owner has not restrained it, he must compensate fully, ox for ox; the dead animal will become his.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If, however, it is known that the ox was in the habit of goring, yet its owner has not restrained it, he must compensate fully, ox for ox; the dead animal will become his.”

American Standard Version
Or if it be known that the ox was wont to gore in time past, and its owner hath not kept it in; he shall surely pay ox for ox, and the dead beast shall be his own.

Contemporary English Version
If you refuse to fence in a bull that is known to attack others, you must replace any animal it kills, but the dead animal will belong to you.

English Revised Version
Or if it be known that the ox was wont to gore in time past, and his owner hath not kept him in; he shall surely pay ox for ox, and the dead beast shall be his own.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
However, if it was known that the bull had the habit of goring, and its owner didn't keep it confined, the owner must make up for the loss-bull for bull-and then the dead bull will be his."

Good News Translation
But if it was known that the bull had been in the habit of attacking and its owner did not keep it penned up, he must make good the loss by giving the other man a live bull, but he may keep the dead animal.

International Standard Version
But if it was known that the ox had gored previously, and its owner didn't restrain it, he shall certainly repay ox for ox, and the dead ox will become his."

Majority Standard Bible
But if it was known that the ox had a habit of goring, yet its owner failed to restrain it, he shall pay full compensation, ox for ox, and the dead animal will be his.

NET Bible
Or if it is known that the ox had the habit of goring, and its owner did not take the necessary precautions, he must surely pay ox for ox, and the dead animal will become his.

New Heart English Bible
Or if it is known that the bull was in the habit of goring in the past, and its owner has not kept it in, he shall surely pay bull for bull, and the dead animal shall be his own.

Webster's Bible Translation
Or if it shall be known that the ox hath used to push in time past, and his owner hath not restrained him; he shall surely pay ox for ox, and the dead shall be his own.

World English Bible
Or if it is known that the bull was in the habit of goring in the past, and its owner has not kept it in, he shall surely pay bull for bull, and the dead animal shall be his own.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
or, [if] it has been known that the ox is [one] accustomed to gore before, and its owner does not watch it, he certainly repays ox for ox, and the dead is his.

Young's Literal Translation
or, it hath been known that the ox is one accustomed to gore heretofore, and its owner doth not watch it, he certainly repayeth ox for ox, and the dead is his.

Smith's Literal Translation
Or if this ox was known to push from yesterday, the third day, and his lord guarded him not; recompensing, he shall recompense, ox for ox, and the dead shall be to him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But if he knew that his ox was wont to push yesterday and the day before, and his master did not keep him in: he shall pay ox for ox, and shall take the whole carcass.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if he knew that his ox had pushed with its horns, yesterday and the day before, and its owner did not confine it, then he shall repay an ox for an ox, and he will receive the whole carcass.”

New American Bible
But if it was known that the ox was previously in the habit of goring and its owner would not watch it, he must make full restitution, an ox for an ox; but the dead animal he may keep.

New Revised Standard Version
But if it was known that the ox was accustomed to gore in the past, and its owner has not restrained it, the owner shall restore ox for ox, but keep the dead animal.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But if it be known that the ox has been in the habit of goring, and his owner has not kept it in; he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead animal shall belong to him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And if it will be known that an ox was a gorer from yesterday or from the day before yesterday, and its owner did not keep it in, he will give an ox in exchange for the ox and the dead ox shall be his.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Or if it be known that the ox was wont to gore in time past, and its owner hath not kept it in; he shall surely pay ox for ox, and the dead beast shall be his own.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But if the bull be known to have been given to goring in time past, and they have testified to his owner, and he have not removed him, he shall repay bull for bull, but the dead shall be his own.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Laws about Restitution
35If a man’s ox injures his neighbor’s ox and it dies, they must sell the live one and divide the proceeds; they also must divide the dead animal. 36But if it was known that the ox had a habit of goring, yet its owner failed to restrain it, he shall pay full compensation, ox for ox, and the dead animal will be his.

Cross References
Leviticus 24:18-21
Whoever kills an animal must make restitution—life for life. / If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: / fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Just as he injured the other person, the same must be inflicted on him. ...

Deuteronomy 22:1-4
If you see your brother’s ox or sheep straying, you must not ignore it; be sure to return it to your brother. / If your brother does not live near you, or if you do not know who he is, you are to take the animal home to remain with you until your brother comes seeking it; then you can return it to him. / And you shall do the same for his donkey, his cloak, or anything your brother has lost and you have found. You must not ignore it. ...

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.

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.

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.

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;

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 13:8-10
Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. / The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” / Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

1 Corinthians 6:7-8
The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means that you are thoroughly defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? / Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, even against your own brothers!

Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.

Proverbs 28:17
A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit; let no one support him.

1 Timothy 5:8
If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

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?

James 2:8-13
If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. / But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. / Whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. ...

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.


Treasury of Scripture

Or if it be known that the ox has used to push in time past, and his owner has not kept him in; he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall be his own.

Exodus 21:29
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.

Jump to Previous
Accustomed Animal Beast Bull Case Common Confined Control Damage Dead Frequently Gore Gored Goring Habit Heretofore Kept Owner Ox Past Pay Penned Previously Push Repayeth Restore Restrained Surely Time Used Watch Wont
Jump to Next
Accustomed Animal Beast Bull Case Common Confined Control Damage Dead Frequently Gore Gored Goring Habit Heretofore Kept Owner Ox Past Pay Penned Previously Push Repayeth Restore Restrained Surely Time Used Watch 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 it was known that the ox had a habit of goring
This phrase addresses the issue of prior knowledge and responsibility. In ancient Israel, oxen were common livestock, essential for agriculture and transportation. The law here implies that if an owner was aware of their ox's dangerous behavior, they had a duty to prevent harm. This reflects a broader biblical principle of accountability, as seen in James 4:17, which states that knowing the right thing to do and failing to do it is sin. The concept of habitual behavior is also significant, as it suggests a pattern that should have prompted action.

yet its owner failed to restrain it
The failure to restrain a known dangerous animal indicates negligence. In the cultural context of the time, community safety was paramount, and individuals were expected to take proactive measures to prevent harm. This principle of responsibility can be seen in other biblical laws, such as Deuteronomy 22:8, which requires building a parapet around a roof to prevent falls. The idea of restraint also has spiritual implications, as believers are called to exercise self-control and vigilance, as seen in 1 Peter 5:8.

he shall pay full compensation, ox for ox
The requirement for full compensation underscores the principle of restitution, a key aspect of biblical justice. This law ensures that the victim is made whole, reflecting God's concern for fairness and equity. The concept of "ox for ox" is an example of the lex talionis, or law of retaliation, which aims to limit retribution to what is just and proportionate. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches about justice and mercy, as in Matthew 5:38-42.

and the dead animal will be his
This final phrase indicates that the owner of the dangerous ox must bear the loss of the dead animal, in addition to providing compensation. This aspect of the law serves as a deterrent, emphasizing the cost of negligence. It also reflects the biblical theme of bearing the consequences of one's actions, as seen in Galatians 6:7, which states that a person reaps what they sow. The transfer of the dead animal to the negligent owner serves as a tangible reminder of their responsibility and the importance of safeguarding others.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Owner
The individual responsible for the ox, who is expected to manage and restrain it if it is known to be dangerous.

2. The Ox
A domesticated animal, significant in agrarian societies, which could cause harm if not properly managed.

3. The Victim
The person or property affected by the ox's actions, who is entitled to compensation.

4. The Law
Part of the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites, providing guidelines for justice and responsibility.

5. The Community
The broader society that is impacted by the adherence to or neglect of these laws.
Teaching Points
Responsibility and Accountability
The passage emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's property and actions. Owners must be aware of potential dangers and act to prevent harm.

Justice and Restitution
The law requires fair compensation for loss or damage, reflecting God's justice. This principle encourages believers to make amends when they have wronged others.

Community and Care
The well-being of the community is a priority. Believers are called to act in ways that protect and uplift those around them, ensuring safety and harmony.

Awareness and Action
Knowing the potential for harm obligates one to take preventive measures. This principle can be applied to various aspects of life, including relationships and stewardship.

Moral Integrity
Upholding God's laws and principles reflects one's integrity and commitment to living a life that honors Him. Believers are called to be examples of righteousness in their communities.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But if
א֣וֹ (’ōw)
Conjunction
Strong's 176: Desire, if

it was known
נוֹדַ֗ע (nō·w·ḏa‘)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

that
כִּ֠י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the ox
שׁ֣וֹר (šō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7794: A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera)

had a habit
מִתְּמ֣וֹל (mit·tə·mō·wl)
Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 8543: Ago, a, time since, yesterday, day before yesterday

of goring,
נַגָּ֥ח (nag·gāḥ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5056: Given to goring (used of bulls)

yet its owner
בְּעָלָ֑יו (bə·‘ā·lāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1167: A master, a husband, owner

failed
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

to restrain it,
יִשְׁמְרֶ֖נּוּ (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

he shall pay full compensation,
שַׁלֵּ֨ם (šal·lêm)
Verb - Piel - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 7999: To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate

ox
שׁוֹר֙ (šō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7794: A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera)

for
תַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ)
Preposition
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of

ox,
הַשּׁ֔וֹר (haš·šō·wr)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7794: A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera)

and the dead [animal]
וְהַמֵּ֖ת (wə·ham·mêṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

will be
יִֽהְיֶה־ (yih·yeh-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

his.
לּֽוֹ׃ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew


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OT Law: Exodus 21:36 Or if it is known that (Exo. Ex)
Exodus 21:35
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