Exodus 21:32

If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

If the ox {H7794} shall push {H5055} a manservant {H5650} or a maidservant {H519}; he shall give {H5414} unto their master {H113} thirty {H7970} shekels {H8255} of silver {H3701}, and the ox {H7794} shall be stoned {H5619}.

If the ox gores a male or female slave, its owner must give their master twelve ounces of silver; and the ox is to be stoned to death.

If the ox gores a manservant or maidservant, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of that servant, and the ox must be stoned.

If the ox gore a man-servant or a maid-servant, there shall be given unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

Commentary

Commentary on Exodus 21:32

Exodus 21:32 is part of the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22-23:33), a collection of civil and social laws given by God to Moses immediately after the Ten Commandments. These statutes were designed to govern daily life in ancient Israel, establishing principles of justice, responsibility, and protection for all members of society. This particular verse addresses liability and compensation when an owner's animal causes harm, specifically to a servant.

Context

This verse continues the legal code concerning dangerous animals, building upon the preceding laws in Exodus 21 that deal with an ox goring a free person (Exodus 21:28-31). While the previous verses addressed injury or death to free individuals, this verse specifies the penalty when the victim is a "manservant" or "maidservant." In ancient Israel, servants (often translated as slaves, but could include indentured servants or those working to pay off debt) were considered property, yet this law demonstrates God's concern for their well-being and established their value, even if different from that of a free person.

Key Themes

  • Justice and Restitution: The law mandates a specific payment to the master of the injured servant, ensuring compensation for damages and loss of labor. This reflects God's demand for fairness and restitution.
  • Value of Human Life and Protection of the Vulnerable: Although servants were part of a household's property, their injury or death was not dismissed lightly. The prescribed compensation and the stoning of the ox underscore the value of human life, even for those in a subordinate social position. God's law consistently shows a concern for the vulnerable in society.
  • Responsibility of Ownership: The owner of the ox is held accountable for the actions of their animal. This principle highlights the importance of responsible stewardship and foresight in preventing harm to others.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "thirty shekels of silver" is a crucial detail. In ancient Near Eastern law codes, this amount was a standard compensation for the value of a slave. This specific sum carries profound symbolic weight, as it is the exact amount for which Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus Christ in the New Testament, linking this ancient civil law to a pivotal moment in salvation history. The command that "the ox shall be stoned" signifies capital punishment for the animal, indicating the severity of the offense and the sacredness of human life. Stoning was a common method of execution in Israel for offenses deemed particularly heinous, reinforcing the idea that even an animal that causes human death or severe injury must be removed from society.

Practical Application

Exodus 21:32, though from an ancient legal code, offers timeless principles. It teaches us about God's character as a God of justice who cares for the vulnerable and demands accountability.

  • Accountability: We are responsible for the consequences of our actions and for what we own. This extends to ensuring our property or possessions do not harm others.
  • Value of All People: The law's provision for servants emphasizes that all human life has inherent value in God's eyes, regardless of social status, wealth, or position. This principle aligns with the New Testament's call to treat all people with dignity and respect.
  • Restitution: When harm is caused, there is a divine expectation for appropriate compensation or restitution. This principle guides our understanding of restorative justice and making things right.
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Cross-References

  • Matthew 26:15 (6 votes)

    And said [unto them], What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

  • Zechariah 11:12 (5 votes)

    And I said unto them, If ye think good, give [me] my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty [pieces] of silver.

  • Zechariah 11:13 (5 votes)

    And the LORD said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prised at of them. And I took the thirty [pieces] of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the LORD.

  • Matthew 27:3 (3 votes)

    Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

  • Matthew 27:9 (3 votes)

    Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;

  • Genesis 37:28 (2 votes)

    Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty [pieces] of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.

  • Philippians 2:7 (2 votes)

    But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: