In biblical terminology, the term "gores" is not directly referenced in the Berean Standard Bible or other traditional translations. However, the concept of "goring" is associated with the actions of an ox or other animals causing harm by thrusting with their horns. This concept is primarily found in the context of Old Testament laws concerning property and personal injury.

Biblical Context

The primary scriptural reference to goring is found in the Book of Exodus, which outlines laws given to the Israelites regarding the management of livestock and the consequences of their actions. The relevant passage is Exodus 21:28-32 :

> "If an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox must surely be stoned, and its meat may not be eaten. But the owner of the ox will be absolved. If, however, the ox was known to gore in the past and its owner has been warned yet does not restrain it, and it kills a man or a woman, then the ox must be stoned and its owner must also be put to death. If payment is demanded of him instead, he may redeem his life by paying the full amount demanded of him. If the ox gores a son or a daughter, the owner will be dealt with according to this same rule. If the ox gores a male or female slave, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of the slave, and the ox must be stoned."

Legal and Moral Implications

The laws concerning goring reflect the broader biblical principles of justice, responsibility, and restitution. The passage from Exodus establishes a legal framework for dealing with incidents where an animal causes harm, emphasizing the importance of accountability. The owner of an animal known to be dangerous is held responsible for its actions, highlighting the moral duty to prevent foreseeable harm to others.

The prescribed penalties vary based on the circumstances, demonstrating a nuanced approach to justice. If the ox was known to be dangerous and the owner failed to take precautions, the owner could face severe consequences, including death. However, the law also allows for the possibility of redemption through financial compensation, illustrating the value placed on human life and the opportunity for restitution.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israelite society, livestock were valuable assets, integral to agricultural and economic life. The laws regarding goring reflect the need to balance the rights and responsibilities of property owners with the safety and well-being of the community. The stipulations in Exodus serve as a deterrent against negligence and promote a culture of responsibility.

The specific mention of compensation for the goring of a slave, set at thirty shekels of silver, provides insight into the social and economic structures of the time. This amount is significant, reflecting the value placed on human life and labor, even within the context of servitude.

Theological Reflections

From a theological perspective, the laws concerning goring underscore the biblical themes of justice and mercy. They reveal God's concern for the protection of human life and the fair treatment of individuals within the community. The provision for redemption through payment also points to the possibility of grace and restoration, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.

In summary, while the term "gores" itself is not explicitly found in the Bible, the concept is addressed through the laws concerning the actions of animals and the responsibilities of their owners. These laws reflect the broader biblical principles of justice, accountability, and the sanctity of human life.5055. nagach -- to push, thrust, gore
... 5054, 5055. nagach. 5056 . to push, thrust, gore. Transliteration: nagach Phonetic
Spelling: (naw-gakh') Short Definition: gores. Word Origin a prim. ...
/hebrew/5055.htm - 6k

1 Timothy vi. 7-Feb
... Desires are thorns, and as when one touches thorns, he gores his hand, and gets
him wounds, so he that falls into these lusts will be wounded by them, and ...
/.../homily xvii 1 timothy vi.htm

The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ...
... Let him that is the owner of an ox which pusheth with his horn, kill him: but if
he pushes and gores any one in the thrashing-floor, let him be put to death by ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 the polity settled.htm

Gores (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Gores (3 Occurrences). Exodus 21:28 "If a bull
gores a man or a woman to death, the bull shall surely be ...
/g/gores.htm - 7k

Gore (9 Occurrences)
... Exodus 21:28 "If a bull gores a man or a woman to death, the bull shall surely be
stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the bull shall not ...
/g/gore.htm - 11k

Bull (114 Occurrences)
... Exodus 21:28 "If a bull gores a man or a woman to death, the bull shall surely be
stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the bull shall not ...
/b/bull.htm - 40k

Stoned (38 Occurrences)
... Exodus 21:28 "If a bull gores a man or a woman to death, the bull shall surely be
stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the bull shall not ...
/s/stoned.htm - 18k

Gorge (19 Occurrences)

/g/gorge.htm - 12k

Unpunished (24 Occurrences)
... Exodus 21:28 "If a bull gores a man or a woman to death, the bull shall surely be
stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the bull shall not ...
/u/unpunished.htm - 13k

Gored (3 Occurrences)

/g/gored.htm - 7k

Shekels (92 Occurrences)
... Exodus 21:32 If the bull gores a male servant or a female servant, thirty shekels
of silver shall be given to their master, and the ox shall be stoned. ...
/s/shekels.htm - 37k

Owner (56 Occurrences)
... Exodus 21:28 "If a bull gores a man or a woman to death, the bull shall surely be
stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the bull shall not ...
/o/owner.htm - 24k

Thirty (189 Occurrences)
... Exodus 21:32 If the bull gores a male servant or a female servant, thirty shekels
of silver shall be given to their master, and the ox shall be stoned. ...
/t/thirty.htm - 39k

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