What is the meaning of Exodus 21:29? But if the ox has a habit of goring • The verse moves from a single, unforeseen tragedy (Exodus 21:28) to an ongoing pattern. • Repetition shows foreknowledge; the danger is no longer hypothetical (Proverbs 27:12). • Scripture often distinguishes accidental harm from willful or reckless conduct (Numbers 35:22–24). And its owner has been warned • Witnesses or prior incidents have alerted the owner (Deuteronomy 19:15). • Responsibility rises with knowledge (Ezekiel 33:6; Luke 12:47). • Warning affords opportunity for repentance and corrective action. Yet does not restrain it • Restraining could mean fencing, muzzling, or otherwise preventing harm (Deuteronomy 22:8). • Neglect after warning equals culpable negligence (James 4:17). • God’s law protects the community by requiring proactive safety measures (Philippians 2:4). And it kills a man or woman • Human life, male or female, bears God’s image (Genesis 1:27). • The gender-inclusive wording underlines equal value before God (Galatians 3:28). • Bloodshed demands justice (Genesis 9:5–6). Then the ox must be stoned • The animal is executed publicly, removing the peril (Leviticus 20:27). • Stoning prevents anyone from profiting by eating the meat, underscoring the seriousness of the loss (Deuteronomy 13:15). • Corporate participation impresses the lesson on the whole community. And its owner must also be put to death • The penalty parallels the principle of “life for life” (Exodus 21:23). • Capital punishment here addresses willful disregard for human life (Deuteronomy 19:11–13; Romans 13:4). • Later verses allow ransom in some cases (Exodus 21:30), but the baseline penalty is stark to uphold the sanctity of life. summary Exodus 21:29 teaches that when a person knowingly allows a dangerous situation to persist, resulting in death, God holds that person fully accountable. The repeated goring shows prior knowledge, the warning confirms responsibility, the failure to restrain proves negligence, and the resulting death demands justice. The stoning of the ox removes the hazard, and the owner’s death sentence underscores God’s unwavering commitment to protect human life and promote personal responsibility within the covenant community. |
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