Exodus 21:31

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Whether he have gored {H5055} a son {H1121}, or {H176} have gored {H5055} a daughter {H1323}, according to this judgment {H4941} shall it be done {H6213} unto him.

Complete Jewish Bible

If the ox gores a son or daughter, the same rule applies.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 21:31, a pivotal statute within the "Book of the Covenant," meticulously outlines the severe legal consequences for an owner whose habitually goring ox causes the death of a child. This verse powerfully underscores God's unwavering commitment to impartial justice, emphasizing that the established penalty—whether death or a substantial ransom—applies equally, affirming the inherent and equal value of all human life, regardless of age or vulnerability.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral component of the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 21-23), a detailed collection of divine statutes delivered to Moses immediately following the Ten Commandments. These laws serve to elaborate upon and provide practical application for the broader moral principles established in the Decalogue, forming the foundational legal framework for ancient Israelite society. Specifically, [Exodus 21:31](/exodus/21-31 "Exodus 21:31 - Judgment for Goring a Child") builds directly upon the preceding legislation concerning liability for a dangerous ox. [Exodus 21:28](/exodus/21-28 "Exodus 21:28 - Ox Goring a Person") addresses an accidental goring resulting in death, where the ox is stoned but the owner is acquitted. However, [Exodus 21:29](/exodus/21-29 "Exodus 21:29 - Owner Responsible for Known Dangerous Ox") introduces a critical distinction: if the ox was known to be dangerous ("wont to push with his horn in time past") and the owner failed to restrain it, then the owner was held culpable, potentially facing the death penalty. [Exodus 21:30](/exodus/21-30 "Exodus 21:30 - Ransom for a Life") then offers the option of a ransom payment ("a sum of money") in lieu of the death penalty, if imposed by the judges. Verse 31 extends this severe judgment, clarifying that the same culpability and potential penalties apply precisely "according to this judgment" (referring to the prior verses) whether the victim is an adult, a "son," or a "daughter," thereby removing any ambiguity regarding the value of a child's life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, livestock, particularly oxen, were indispensable for agricultural labor, transportation, and sustenance, making laws concerning their management crucial for societal order and economic stability. The "Book of the Covenant" reflects a legal system that, while sharing some structural similarities with other ancient Near Eastern law codes (such as the Code of Hammurabi), distinctly emphasizes principles rooted in God's character: justice, equity, and the sanctity of life. Unlike some contemporary codes that might assign different values to lives based on social status, this law, by explicitly mentioning "son" or "daughter," underscores the equal intrinsic worth of all human beings in God's eyes, regardless of age or social standing. This was revolutionary, as children were often seen as property or less significant in other cultures. The concept of "ransom" (כֹּפֶר, _kopher_) was a recognized legal and theological mechanism, allowing for a payment to avert a penalty, often death, foreshadowing deeper redemptive themes. The meticulous detail in these laws reflects a society where divine law permeated every aspect of life, establishing a framework for a just and compassionate community.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 21:31 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the "Book of the Covenant" and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the **Sanctity of Human Life**, which is consistently upheld as supremely valuable, created in God's image (cf. [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - The Sanctity of Life")). The law's refusal to differentiate the value of a child's life from an adult's powerfully reinforces this theme. Another key theme is **Divine Justice and Impartiality**, demonstrating that God's laws are applied without favoritism or prejudice, ensuring equitable treatment for all members of the community, especially the vulnerable (cf. [Deuteronomy 10:17-18](/deuteronomy/10-17-18 "Deuteronomy 10:17-18 - God's Impartiality")). This verse also highlights **Personal and Communal Responsibility**, holding individuals accountable for negligence and the foreseeable consequences of their actions, particularly concerning the safety of others. Finally, the provision for a ransom introduces the theme of **Redemption and Atonement**, where a price can be paid to avert a just penalty, a concept that will find its ultimate fulfillment in later biblical theology (cf. [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gored (Hebrew, _nâgach'_):** The verb נָגַח (_nâgach_, H5055) is a primitive root meaning "to butt with the horns," or "to gore." Figuratively, it can mean "to war against." Its use here emphasizes the violent, forceful, and potentially lethal nature of the ox's actions. The repetition of this verb in the verse underscores the severity of the harm inflicted and, by extension, the owner's culpable failure to prevent such a dangerous outcome from a known threat.
* **Or (Hebrew, _ʼôw'_):** The conjunction או (_ʼôw_, H176) signifies an alternative, meaning "or," "also," or "whether." Its inclusion here is crucial for establishing the comprehensive scope of the law, ensuring that the judgment applies universally, whether the victim is a "son" or a "daughter," leaving no room for gender-based distinctions in the application of justice.
* **Judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** The Hebrew word מִשְׁפָּט (_mishpâṭ_, H4941) is rich in meaning, encompassing a legal verdict, a sentence, a formal decree, divine law, justice, ordinance, custom, or even a just way of living. In this context, "according to this judgment" signifies that the established legal precedent and the principles of justice outlined in the preceding verses (Exodus 21:29-30) are to be rigorously and impartially applied. It underscores that these are not arbitrary rules but divine statutes designed to ensure fairness and righteousness within the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whether he have gored a son,"**: This clause specifically introduces a male child as the victim. The mention of a "son" (בֵּן, _bên_, H1121) immediately brings to focus the vulnerability of children and the particular responsibility of society and individuals to protect them. It ensures that the law's protective scope extends fully to the youngest male members of the community, leaving no room for a lesser penalty due to the victim's age.
* **"or have gored a daughter,"**: The explicit inclusion of a "daughter" (בַּת, _bath_, H1323) alongside a son, connected by the conjunction "or" (_ʼôw_, H176), further reinforces the principle of equality in the application of justice. It demonstrates that gender does not diminish the value of a child's life in the eyes of God's law, emphasizing the impartial nature of divine justice and the equal worth of all individuals created in His image.
* **"according to this judgment shall it be done unto him."**: This concluding phrase is crucial, serving as a direct and emphatic link to the preceding statutes in [Exodus 21:29-30](/exodus/21-29-30 "Exodus 21:29-30 - Owner's Culpability and Ransom"). It mandates that the same severe consequences—either the death penalty for the owner or the payment of a substantial ransom—are to be applied without deviation, irrespective of the victim's age or gender. The phrase "shall it be done unto him" (וְנַעֲשָׂה לוֹ, _v'na'asah lo_, from H6213) firmly establishes the owner's culpability for failing to restrain a known dangerous animal, highlighting the gravity of negligence when human life is at stake and ensuring that the prescribed penalty is enacted.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 21:31, like much of the "Book of the Covenant," employs **Casuistic Law**, characterized by its "if... then..." structure (though implied here by referencing previous verses). This format provides specific case examples and their corresponding legal outcomes, making the application of justice clear and unambiguous. The **Parallelism** and **Repetition** of the phrase "gored a son, or have gored a daughter" serves to emphasize the severity of the act and the absolute equality of the victims in the eyes of the law. This deliberate phrasing highlights the divine mandate for **Impartiality** in justice, ensuring that no loophole would allow for a diminished penalty based on the victim's age or gender. The meticulous detail and **Legal Precision** in these laws reflect their divine origin, underscoring the importance of diligence and foresight in preventing harm, a principle deeply embedded in biblical ethics.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 21:31 profoundly articulates several foundational theological principles: the absolute sanctity of human life, the impartial nature of divine justice, and the critical importance of personal and communal accountability. God's law here makes no distinction between adult and child, male or female, in the value of a life lost due to negligence, demonstrating His deep concern for the vulnerable and His demand for equitable justice. The option of a ransom payment, while a legal provision, also introduces a significant theological theme of redemption, where a price is paid to avert a greater penalty, hinting at a broader biblical narrative of atonement and the ultimate cost of sin.

* [Deuteronomy 22:8](/deuteronomy/22-8 "Deuteronomy 22:8 - Building a Parapet")
* [Proverbs 31:8-9](/proverbs/31-8-9 "Proverbs 31:8-9 - Speak Up for the Voiceless and Defend the Rights of the Poor")
* [Matthew 18:6](/matthew/18-6 "Matthew 18:6 - Causing a Little One to Stumble")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient law of Exodus 21:31 remains remarkably relevant, offering timeless wisdom for our contemporary lives and societies. It compels us to recognize our profound responsibility for the potential dangers associated with our property, our actions, and even our negligence. This principle extends beyond literal oxen to encompass anything under our control that could foreseeably harm others—from maintaining safe environments and responsible pet ownership to exercising caution in our driving, the content we share online, or the words we speak. Furthermore, the law's specific mention of "son" and "daughter" serves as a powerful reminder of our particular moral and societal obligation to protect the vulnerable among us, especially children, who are often least able to defend themselves. It challenges us to actively identify and mitigate risks to those who are marginalized or at risk, advocating for their safety and well-being, and ensuring that our systems and structures do not inadvertently cause harm. Ultimately, this verse calls us to embody God's impartial justice, ensuring that our personal conduct and societal structures reflect the inherent and equal value of every human life, striving for a community marked by diligence, compassion, and fairness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "known dangers" (literal or figurative) in my life or sphere of influence am I responsible for, and how can I proactively mitigate them to prevent harm to others?**
* **In what specific ways can I contribute to protecting the vulnerable, especially children, in my community or broader society, reflecting God's impartial justice?**
* **How does the principle of accountability for negligence in this ancient law challenge or affirm my modern understanding of personal responsibility and its impact on others?**

### FAQ

**Why does the law specifically mention "son" or "daughter" when "person" was used earlier in the chapter?**

Answer: The specific mention of "son" or "daughter" in [Exodus 21:31](/exodus/21-31 "Exodus 21:31 - Judgment for Goring a Child") is not redundant but crucial for clarity and emphasis. While [Exodus 21:29](/exodus/21-29 "Exodus 21:29 - Owner Responsible for Known Dangerous Ox") refers to "any man or any woman," verse 31 explicitly includes children to remove any ambiguity regarding their legal status and value. In many ancient cultures, children might have been considered less valuable or their deaths might have incurred a lesser penalty than that of an adult. By specifically stating "son" or "daughter," God's law unequivocally declares that the life of a child holds the same intrinsic value and warrants the same severe judgment for negligence as that of an adult. This highlights God's profound concern for the vulnerable and His commitment to impartial justice, ensuring that no loophole would allow for a diminished penalty when a child's life was lost.

**How does this ancient law relate to modern concepts of negligence or tort law?**

Answer: Exodus 21:31 lays down foundational principles that resonate deeply with modern concepts of negligence and tort law, particularly regarding "strict liability" or "owner's liability." The key element is the "known danger" – if the ox "hath been wont to push with his horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner" ([Exodus 21:29](/exodus/21-29 "Exodus 21:29 - Owner Responsible for Known Dangerous Ox")), the owner is held responsible for failing to take reasonable precautions. This mirrors modern negligence, where a party is liable for harm caused by their failure to exercise reasonable care when a risk is foreseeable. The "ransom" payment ([Exodus 21:30](/exodus/21-30 "Exodus 21:30 - Ransom for a Life")) can be seen as an early form of restitution or punitive damages, where a financial penalty is imposed to compensate for harm and deter future negligence. The law underscores the importance of foresight, due diligence, and accountability for one's property and actions to prevent harm to others, a principle that remains central to legal systems today, emphasizing the societal imperative to protect life and ensure justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 21:31, with its emphasis on the sanctity of life, the gravity of negligence, and the provision of a ransom, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The ransom payment, a "sum of money" offered to avert the death penalty for the culpable owner, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate [redemptive sacrifice of Jesus Christ](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Ransom for Many"). Humanity, culpable in its sin and standing condemned to spiritual death, found its redemption not through a monetary payment, but through Christ, the innocent Lamb of God, who paid the ultimate ransom with His own life, securing eternal life for all who believe ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed with Precious Blood")). Furthermore, this law’s meticulous concern for the vulnerable, specifically children, beautifully anticipates Christ’s own tender care and high regard for them. He welcomed children, rebuking those who would hinder them, declaring that the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these ([Matthew 19:14](/matthew/19-14 "Matthew 19:14 - Let the Little Children Come to Me"); [Luke 18:16](/luke/18-16 "Luke 18:16 - Jesus Blesses the Children")). In Jesus, God’s perfect justice is fully satisfied, and His impartial love for all humanity—regardless of age, status, or vulnerability—is supremely demonstrated, offering not merely a legal judgment but a path to eternal reconciliation and life through His atoning work ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")).

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.