The Hebrew word naggâch, represented by H5056, describes something that is "butting" or "vicious." It is used to characterize an animal, specifically an ox, that is "wont to push" with its horns. This term appears 2 times across 2 unique verses, both within the legal codes of the Old Testament.
In its biblical usage, H5056 is a legal classification for an animal with a known history of aggression. The term appears in the context of laws determining liability if an ox causes harm. If an ox was known to be wont to push Exodus 21:29 and its owner failed to restrain it, the owner was held responsible for any resulting death, even to the point of being put to death themselves. The law differentiates based on this foreknowledge, as the same standard applies if "it be known that the ox hath used to push in time past" Exodus 21:36, requiring the negligent owner to make restitution.
Several related words provide essential context for the legal and physical circumstances surrounding H5056:
- H7794 shôwr (a bullock (as a traveller); bull(-ock), cow, ox, wall): This is the specific animal described as being naggâch. The ox is a significant animal in biblical law, often mentioned as a form of property and a measure of wealth Exodus 20:17.
- H4191 mûwth (a primitive root; to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill): This word describes the severe consequence of an attack by a naggâch ox. If the animal "hath killed a man or a woman," both the ox and its negligent owner could be "put to death" Exodus 21:29.
The theological weight of H5056 is found in the principles of justice and responsibility it underpins.
- Personal Responsibility: The core concept is accountability. The owner's guilt is established not by the ox's action alone, but by the owner's prior knowledge of its dangerous nature ("if it be known") combined with a failure to act ("hath not kept him in") (Exodus 21:29, Exodus 21:36).
- Sanctity of Life: The law demonstrates the high value placed on human life. When a naggâch ox kills a person, the penalty for the negligent owner is potentially capital punishment, a far more severe consequence than the mere restitution required for the loss of property Exodus 21:29.
- Justice and Due Process: The use of H5056 shows a system of law that considers intent and negligence. The consequences are directly tied to what was "testified to his owner," highlighting a requirement for evidence and establishing a clear basis for judgment Exodus 21:29.
In summary, H5056 is more than a simple description of an animal's behavior; it is a specific legal term that establishes a history of viciousness. Its use in scripture is confined to laws that powerfully illustrate the biblical principles of personal responsibility for known dangers, the supreme value of human life, and the application of measured justice within the community.
TRV