Exodus 21:29

But if the ox were wont to push with his horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death.

But if the ox {H7794} were wont to push with his horn {H5056} in time past {H8543}{H8032}, and it hath been testified {H5749} to his owner {H1167}, and he hath not kept {H8104} him in, but that he hath killed {H4191} a man {H376} or a woman {H802}; the ox {H7794} shall be stoned {H5619}, and his owner {H1167} also shall be put to death {H4191}.

However, if the ox was in the habit of goring in the past, and the owner was warned but did not confine it, so that it ended up killing a man or a woman; then the ox is to be stoned, and its owner too is to be put to death.

But if the ox has a habit of goring, and its owner has been warned yet does not restrain it, and it kills a man or woman, then the ox must be stoned and its owner must also be put to death.

But if the ox was wont to gore in time past, and it hath been testified to its owner, and he hath not kept it in, but it hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and its owner also shall be put to death.

Commentary

Exodus 21:29 is a pivotal verse within the Mosaic Law, dealing with severe consequences for negligence that leads to loss of life. It highlights God's profound regard for human life and the principle of accountability.

Context

This verse is part of the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22-23:33), a collection of civil and criminal statutes given to Moses immediately after the Ten Commandments. Specifically, Exodus 21:28-32 addresses laws concerning damages caused by oxen, distinguishing between accidental harm and harm resulting from an owner's negligence. In ancient Israel, livestock like oxen were vital for agriculture and transportation, but their potential for harm was also recognized. This law establishes a clear legal precedent for holding individuals accountable for foreseeable dangers under their control.

Key Themes

  • Accountability and Responsibility: The core message is that owners are held responsible for the known dangerous behavior of their property. If an owner is aware ("testified to his owner") that their ox is aggressive ("wont to push with his horn") and fails to take preventative action, they bear culpability for any death caused. This principle underscores the importance of diligence and foresight.
  • Sanctity of Human Life: The law places an extremely high value on human life. The death of a man or woman, even by an animal, is treated with utmost seriousness, demanding the death penalty for the negligent owner. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that human beings are made in God's image and their lives are sacred (Genesis 9:6).
  • Divine Justice: The severity of the penalty—stoning the ox and putting the owner to death—reflects God's demand for justice when human life is negligently taken. It serves as a strong deterrent against carelessness and emphasizes that God's law does not tolerate indifference to known dangers.
  • Negligence vs. Accident: This verse clearly defines negligence. Unlike the previous verse (Exodus 21:28), where the owner is exempt from punishment if the goring was unforeseen, verse 29 introduces the element of prior knowledge and failure to act, elevating the offense to a capital crime.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "wont to push with his horn" comes from the Hebrew word נַגָּח (naggach), which describes an animal that is habitually goring or known to be dangerous. It emphasizes the repeated, aggressive nature of the ox.
  • "It hath been testified to his owner" (from הוּעַד, hu'ad) implies that a formal warning was given, or the dangerous propensity was a matter of public knowledge. This establishes the owner's culpable awareness, distinguishing this case from an unforeseen accident.

Practical Application

While the specific scenario of a goring ox is ancient, the principles of Exodus 21:29 remain highly relevant today. It teaches us about:

  • Personal Responsibility: We are accountable for the potential harm caused by things under our control, whether it's a pet, a vehicle, a business, or even dangerous information we disseminate. Knowing a risk and failing to mitigate it carries significant moral and often legal consequences.
  • Foresight and Diligence: This law encourages proactive measures to prevent harm. Modern society has analogous laws concerning dangerous animals (e.g., leash laws, dangerous dog designations), product liability, workplace safety regulations, and even laws against reckless driving. All these stem from the principle of preventing harm when danger is known.
  • Value of Life: The verse powerfully reminds us of the immense value God places on every human life. This should motivate us to prioritize safety and well-being in all our endeavors, recognizing that carelessness can have irreversible and tragic outcomes. Compare this with Deuteronomy 22:8, which mandates building a parapet around rooftops to prevent accidental falls, further illustrating God's concern for human safety.

The law in Exodus 21:29 serves as a timeless reminder that awareness of danger demands action, and failure to act when human life is at stake can carry the gravest of consequences.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 21:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ If [one] be found slain in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it, lying in the field, [and] it be not known who hath slain him:

  • Deuteronomy 21:9 (2 votes)

    So shalt thou put away the [guilt of] innocent blood from among you, when thou shalt do [that which is] right in the sight of the LORD.