Exodus 21:34

The owner of the pit shall make [it] good, [and] give money unto the owner of them; and the dead [beast] shall be his.

The owner {H1167} of the pit {H953} shall make it good {H7999}, and give {H7725} money {H3701} unto the owner {H1167} of them; and the dead {H4191} beast shall be his.

the owner of the cistern must make good the loss by compensating the animal's owner; but the dead animal will be his.

the owner of the pit shall make restitution; he must pay its owner, and the dead animal will be his.

the owner of the pit shall make it good; he shall give money unto the owner thereof, and the dead beast shall be his.

Commentary

Exodus 21:34 is part of the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22-23:33), a collection of civil laws given by God to Moses for ancient Israel immediately following the Ten Commandments. This specific verse addresses a scenario of negligence involving an uncovered pit and an animal falling into it, detailing the required compensation.

Context

Chapter 21 of Exodus lays out specific statutes governing various aspects of daily life and social justice in Israelite society. These laws cover everything from master-slave relationships to personal injury and property damage, providing a framework for ethical conduct and legal recourse. Verses 33-34 deal with the responsibility of an individual whose uncovered pit causes harm to another's livestock. The law here is designed to prevent such accidents by holding the negligent party accountable and ensuring fair restitution for the victim.

Key Themes

  • Personal Responsibility and Accountability: The verse clearly assigns blame and financial responsibility to the owner of the pit. It underscores the principle that individuals are accountable for the consequences of their actions, or inactions, particularly when they lead to harm.
  • Restitution and Compensation: The core message is that damage caused by negligence must be "made good." This means the owner of the pit must pay money to the owner of the deceased animal, ensuring the victim is compensated for their loss. This principle of restitution for damages is foundational in Israelite law.
  • Justice and Fairness: The law ensures a just outcome for the injured party, preventing financial hardship due to another's carelessness. It reflects God's concern for fair dealings among His people.
  • Value of Property: Livestock was a vital asset in ancient economies, representing livelihood and wealth. The law recognizes this value by requiring full compensation for its loss.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "make it good" translates the Hebrew verb shalam (שָׁלַם), which means to be complete, sound, or whole. In this context, it signifies making full compensation, repaying, or restoring what was lost. This root is also the basis for the word shalom (peace), implying that justice through restitution brings a form of completeness or order back to a disrupted situation.

Practical Application and Reflection

While this law addresses a specific scenario from ancient agricultural life, its underlying principles remain highly relevant today. It teaches us about the importance of:

  • Diligence and Due Care: We are called to be responsible stewards of our property and actions, ensuring they do not cause harm to others. This applies to everything from maintaining our homes to operating vehicles or businesses.
  • Accountability for Negligence: The verse reminds us that negligence has consequences. We are expected to take responsibility for harm we cause, whether through direct action or oversight.
  • Seeking and Providing Restitution: When harm occurs, the emphasis is on restoring the injured party. This principle is foundational to modern legal systems concerning liability and compensation. God's law here demonstrates His desire for a society where justice is upheld and wrongs are made right, fostering a community built on integrity and care for one another, echoing the broader call to care for the vulnerable and uphold justice.
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 22:14 (2 votes)

    And if a man borrow [ought] of his neighbour, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof [being] not with it, he shall surely make [it] good.

  • Exodus 21:29 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Exodus 21:30 (2 votes)

    If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him.

  • Exodus 22:6 (2 votes)

    If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed [therewith]; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.