Exodus 21:19

KJV

If he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote [him] be quit: only he shall pay [for] the loss of his time, and shall cause [him] to be thoroughly healed.

KJV (with Strong's)

If he rise again {H6965}, and walk {H1980} abroad {H2351} upon his staff {H4938}, then shall he that smote {H5221} him be quit {H5352}: only he shall pay {H5414} for the loss of his time {H7674}, and shall cause him to be thoroughly {H7495} healed {H7495}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then, if he recovers enough to be able to walk around outside, even if with a cane, the attacker will be free of liability, except to compensate him for his loss of time and take responsibility for his care until his recovery is complete.

Berean Standard Bible

then the one who struck him shall go unpunished, as long as the other can get up and walk around outside with his staff. Nevertheless, he must compensate the man for his lost work and see that he is completely healed.

American Standard Version

if he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 21:19 is a pivotal legal provision within the "Book of the Covenant," meticulously outlining the resolution for a non-fatal assault where the injured party ultimately recovers. This statute establishes foundational principles of justice, accountability, and comprehensive restitution, mandating that the assailant not only compensate the victim for lost time and wages but also ensure their complete medical recovery. The passage profoundly underscores God's meticulous concern for human dignity, physical well-being, and the restoration of justice, even in cases of non-lethal harm, thereby distinguishing such incidents from capital offenses and promoting societal flourishing through equitable redress.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 21:19 functions as a direct continuation and clarification of the preceding verse, [Exodus 21:18](/exodus/21-18 "Exodus 21:18 - Law concerning non-fatal assault"), which describes the initial scenario: two individuals engaged in a dispute, one striking the other with a stone or fist, resulting in injury severe enough to confine the victim to bed, but not immediately fatal. This specific law is an integral part of a broader collection of civil and social ordinances delivered by God to Israel at Mount Sinai, collectively known as the "Book of the Covenant," found in [Exodus 20:22-23:33](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20-23 - The Book of the Covenant"). These detailed statutes immediately follow the foundational moral principles of the Ten Commandments, presented in [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"). The literary progression from general moral imperatives to specific legal cases illustrates how divine justice was to be practically applied and administered within the nascent covenant community, ensuring that the Decalogue's principles permeated every aspect of daily life.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The legal landscape of the Ancient Near East, including codes like the Code of Hammurabi or the Laws of Eshnunna, frequently contained provisions for assault and injury, reflecting a universal societal concern for maintaining order and addressing harm. However, the Mosaic Law, as exemplified in [Exodus 21](/exodus/21 "Exodus 21 - Laws concerning slaves, violence, and property"), distinguishes itself significantly by its profound emphasis on comprehensive restitution and the inherent value of human life. Unlike some contemporary codes that might prescribe harsh physical retaliation or disproportionate punitive measures for the assailant, the Israelite law here prioritizes the victim's restoration and economic stability. This focus on economic compensation and complete healing reflects a societal structure where communal well-being and the ability of individuals to contribute productively were paramount. The concept of "thoroughly healed" implies a system designed to ensure the victim's full return to their pre-injury state of functionality and economic capacity, rather than leaving them permanently impaired or impoverished by another's actions, thereby highlighting the ethical distinctiveness and compassionate nature of God's law.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 21:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the "Book of the Covenant" and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Equity**, demonstrating God's meticulous concern for fair adjudication in human affairs. The law ensures that justice is not merely punitive but also restorative, seeking to make the injured party whole. Secondly, it highlights the **Sanctity and Value of Human Life**, even in cases of non-fatal injury. While distinguishing from capital offenses, the law still demands significant accountability for harm, emphasizing that all human life, and its capacity for productivity, is precious in God's sight. Thirdly, the passage articulates the theme of **Accountability and Restitution**, establishing clear responsibilities for those who cause harm. It mandates tangible compensation for "loss of his time" and full medical care, reflecting a principle seen elsewhere in the law where wrongdoers must make amends for their actions (e.g., [Exodus 22:1-15](/exodus/22-1-15 "Exodus 22:1-15 - Laws concerning theft and property damage")). Finally, it promotes the theme of **Societal Order and Flourishing**, as laws like this, by ensuring victim restoration and assailant accountability, foster a stable and just community where individuals can live and work without undue fear of uncompensated harm.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Walk (Hebrew, _hâlak'_):** This primitive root signifies movement in a wide variety of applications, literally and figuratively. In [Exodus 21:19](/exodus/21-19 "Exodus 21:19 - Law concerning non-fatal assault"), it describes the injured person's restored mobility, indicating that they are no longer confined to bed but are able to move about, even if still needing assistance. This word highlights the physical recovery that is central to the legal outcome.
* **Staff (Hebrew, _mishʻênâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "support," this concrete noun refers to a walking-stick or staff. Its inclusion here is crucial, as it indicates that while the victim has recovered sufficiently to walk "abroad," they may still be experiencing weakness or a lingering effect from the injury, necessitating external support. This detail underscores that "recovery" is not necessarily instantaneous or complete without effort, but rather a process.
* **Quit (Hebrew, _nâqâh'_):** This primitive root means "to be (or make) clean," "to be clear," or "to be guiltless." In this legal context, it specifically means the assailant is acquitted or discharged from the most severe charge—that of causing a fatal injury (murder), which would have carried a capital penalty. It denotes a legal distinction based on the outcome, absolving the perpetrator of the death penalty, but not of all civil liabilities.
* **Loss of his time (Hebrew, _shebeth'_):** From a root meaning "to cease" or "to rest," this noun literally translates to "cessation" or "interruption." In [Exodus 21:19](/exodus/21-19 "Exodus 21:19 - Law concerning non-fatal assault"), it refers to the period during which the injured person was incapacitated and unable to work or perform their usual duties due to the injury. It specifically mandates compensation for lost wages, income, or productivity during this period of incapacitation, demonstrating a practical concern for the victim's economic well-being and livelihood.
* **Thoroughly healed (Hebrew, _râphâʼ râphâʼ'_):** This powerful Hebrew construction utilizes the infinitive absolute (_râphâʼ_) alongside the finite verb (_râphâʼ_), emphasizing the completeness, certainty, and ongoing nature of the healing process. It translates literally as "healing he shall heal" or "he shall surely heal," indicating a comprehensive responsibility on the part of the assailant to cover all necessary medical care, expenses, and convalescence until the victim is fully restored to health and functionality. This goes beyond mere first aid, demanding full and complete restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff,"**: This conditional protasis sets the specific circumstances under which the subsequent legal consequences apply. It describes the injured party's recovery from the initial assault to a state of mobility, even if still requiring a "staff" for support. The victim's survival and partial recovery are the crucial factors that shift the legal consequence from a potentially capital offense to a civil matter, indicating that the injury, while severe, was not permanently incapacitating or fatal.
* **"then shall he that smote [him] be quit:"**: This apodosis states the immediate legal consequence for the assailant once the victim recovers to the specified degree. The perpetrator is "quit" (acquitted) of the more severe charge, specifically of having caused a fatal injury, which would have carried a much harsher penalty, possibly death (as outlined in [Exodus 21:12](/exodus/21-12 "Exodus 21:12 - Law concerning striking a man so that he dies")). This clause highlights the principle of proportionality in justice, where the punishment is commensurate with the actual outcome of the offense.
* **"only he shall pay [for] the loss of his time, and shall cause [him] to be thoroughly healed."**: This final, crucial clause outlines the specific civil liabilities and comprehensive restitution required of the assailant, despite being acquitted of a capital crime. The perpetrator is mandated to compensate the victim for all lost wages or income during the period of incapacitation ("loss of his time") and to bear all expenses for medical treatment and care until the victim is fully restored to health and functionality ("thoroughly healed"). This emphasizes the victim's right to full restoration and the assailant's comprehensive financial and medical responsibility, ensuring the injured party is not left to suffer economic or physical hardship due to another's actions.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 21:19 primarily employs **Casuistic Law**, a prevalent legal form in the Ancient Near East and a cornerstone of the "Book of the Covenant." This device is characterized by its "if... then..." structure, presenting specific hypothetical cases and meticulously outlining their precise legal consequences. This legal framework provides clarity, predictability, and consistency in judicial judgments, ensuring that justice is administered uniformly for similar situations within the Israelite community. The verse also demonstrates powerful **Emphasis** through the use of the infinitive absolute in the phrase "thoroughly healed" (Hebrew: _rapho yerape_), which literally means "healing he shall heal." This linguistic construction powerfully underscores the completeness, certainty, and ongoing nature of the required healing, highlighting the divine concern for the victim's full and comprehensive restoration, not merely a partial or temporary recovery. Furthermore, the passage employs **Distinction** by clearly differentiating between a fatal injury (carrying capital punishment) and a non-fatal injury (requiring restitution), showcasing the nuanced, balanced, and merciful nature of God's justice, which tailors the penalty to the outcome.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 21:19 profoundly reveals God's character as a God of meticulous justice, profound compassion, and divine order. It establishes that human life and well-being are of immense value in His sight, not only in their preservation but also in their comprehensive restoration. The law's stringent focus on full restitution for lost time and complete healing demonstrates a divine concern that transcends mere punishment, aiming for the restoration of the injured party to their pre-injury state as much as possible. This principle ensures the victim's economic stability and physical wholeness, reflecting God's desire for flourishing within His covenant community. It powerfully underscores the concept of accountability, where individuals are held responsible for the full consequences of their actions, even unintended ones, thereby fostering a society where actions have repercussions and harm must be equitably redressed. This passage is a testament to God's righteous governance, which seeks to uphold justice and promote the well-being of all His people.

* [Philemon 1:18](/philemon/1-18 "Paul's offer to pay Philemon's debt")
* [Leviticus 24:19-20](/leviticus/24-19-20 "Leviticus 24:19-20 - Law of retaliation and injury")
* [Deuteronomy 22:19](/deuteronomy/22-19 "Deuteronomy 22:19 - Restitution for false accusation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The enduring principles embedded in Exodus 21:19 remain profoundly relevant for believers today, shaping our understanding of justice, personal responsibility, and the path to reconciliation. This passage calls us to a high standard of accountability for the impact of our actions, whether they are intentional or unintentional. It teaches us that true repentance and reconciliation involve not merely acknowledging wrongdoing but actively seeking to make comprehensive amends and restore what has been lost or damaged. In our interpersonal relationships, this means going beyond a simple apology to pursuing tangible acts of restitution—whether financial, relational, emotional, or spiritual—to genuinely heal the wounds we inflict. It challenges us to prioritize the well-being and holistic restoration of those we have harmed, reflecting God's own compassionate concern for the vulnerable and the injured. Furthermore, this law reminds us that God's justice is not solely punitive but deeply restorative, always seeking to bring about wholeness, flourishing, and reconciliation. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody this restorative justice in our personal lives, within our families, in our church communities, and in our engagement with the broader world, actively participating in the healing and reconciliation that God desires for all of creation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of "thoroughly healed" challenge our modern legal and societal concepts of liability and victim compensation, particularly in its emphasis on complete restoration?**
* **In what ways can we apply the principle of compensating for "loss of his time" to non-physical harms, such as damage to reputation, emotional distress, or the erosion of trust in relationships?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the crucial balance between holding individuals accountable for wrongdoing and actively pursuing comprehensive restoration for the injured party?**
* **How can our churches and communities better embody and practice the principles of restorative justice found in Exodus 21:19, moving beyond mere forgiveness to tangible reconciliation and healing?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Book of the Covenant" and why is Exodus 21:19 part of it?**

Answer: The "Book of the Covenant" refers to the comprehensive collection of civil and social laws found in [Exodus 20:22-23:33](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20-23 - The Book of the Covenant"). These laws were divinely given to Israel immediately following the Ten Commandments, serving as practical, detailed applications of the broader moral principles of the Decalogue. [Exodus 21:19](/exodus/21-19 "Exodus 21:19 - Law concerning non-fatal assault") is an integral part of this collection because it provides a specific legal case (a casuistic law) concerning personal injury. It demonstrates precisely how divine justice was to be administered in the daily life of the Israelite community, covering essential areas such as personal injury, property rights, and social justice, thereby establishing a framework for a righteous and orderly society under God's covenant.

**Does "quit" in this verse mean the assailant faces no consequences at all?**

Answer: No, the term "quit" (Hebrew: _nâqâh_) in [Exodus 21:19](/exodus/21-19 "Exodus 21:19 - Law concerning non-fatal assault") specifically means the assailant is acquitted of a capital crime—that is, they are not to be put to death or receive a punishment typically reserved for fatal injuries. This distinction is crucial, as it differentiates between an assault that leads to death and one that does not, ensuring proportionality in punishment. However, the verse explicitly states that the assailant is still held fully responsible for significant financial restitution. They must "pay [for] the loss of his time, and shall cause [him] to be thoroughly healed." Therefore, while absolved of the most severe penalty, they are certainly not free from substantial civil and financial consequences, underscoring the law's focus on victim restoration.

**How does this law reflect God's character?**

Answer: This law profoundly reveals God's character as just, compassionate, and orderly. It demonstrates His meticulous concern for human life and well-being, not only in its preservation but also in its comprehensive restoration. By mandating full restitution for lost time and complete healing, God shows His desire for victims to be made whole, both physically and economically. This goes beyond mere retribution, aiming for the flourishing of the injured party. It also highlights His unwavering demand for accountability, ensuring that those who cause harm bear the full responsibility for their actions. This divine balance between justice and mercy, between punishment and restoration, reflects God's perfect righteousness and His desire for a flourishing and equitable society under His covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Exodus 21:19 provides a tangible legal framework for restitution and healing within the Old Covenant, its deeper theological currents find their profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The law's demand for the assailant to "cause [him] to be thoroughly healed" powerfully foreshadows Christ's ultimate work of spiritual and physical restoration. Humanity, gravely injured and incapacitated by sin, was unable to "rise again" or "walk abroad" in fellowship with God. Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, did not merely pay for a "loss of time" but offered His very life as the ultimate and complete restitution for our spiritual debt, bearing the full penalty of sin on the cross ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His stripes we are healed"); [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ became sin for us")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He "thoroughly healed" us, not just partially, but completely and eternally, reconciling us to God ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation through Christ's blood")) and restoring us to spiritual vitality and wholeness. His glorious resurrection ensures that this healing is not temporary but eternal, enabling us to "rise again" to new life in Him, walking in the freedom and power of the Spirit ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with Christ and raised to new life")). Thus, the Old Testament principles of accountability, restitution, and comprehensive healing in Exodus 21:19 find their perfect, complete, and redemptive expression in the saving work of Christ, who restores us fully to God's intended design and eternal fellowship.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 3:29

Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.

Zechariah 8:4

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age.