Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 21:28 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 21:28 addresses the issue of liability and justice concerning personal injury caused by an animal, specifically an ox. This verse forms part of a broader collection of laws in Exodus 21-23, which are known as the Book of the Covenant. These laws were given to the Israelites by God through Moses, and they encompass a wide range of civil, criminal, and moral guidelines meant to establish a just and righteous society. Exodus 21:28 stands out as it provides a clear regulation regarding the consequences for an ox that kills a person, along with the responsibility of the animal’s owner.
This article will explore the context, meaning, and implications of Exodus 21:28, comparing it with other biblical texts, discussing its modern-day relevance, and providing a comprehensive commentary on its significance for Christians today.
The Context of Exodus 21:28 KJV
Exodus 21 falls within the section of the Torah known as the Book of the Covenant, which is part of the broader Mosaic Law given to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. This body of laws was given to help regulate society, ensure justice, and guide the Israelites in their relationship with God and with one another.
Exodus 21 specifically deals with matters of personal injury, violence, and compensation, while also covering the treatment of servants and animals. In the previous verses, the laws focus on various forms of harm that might come between individuals, including slavery, personal injury, and property damage. Exodus 21:28 directly addresses a case where an ox causes the death of a person, providing a legal framework for determining the consequences for such an event.
The verse reads:
“If an ox gores a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit.” (Exodus 21:28, KJV)
In this law, the focus is on both the animal’s behavior and the responsibility of the animal’s owner. This rule is embedded in the broader understanding that there are consequences for actions, whether intentional or accidental, and that accountability is required when harm is caused.
The Historical Context
In ancient Israel, agriculture and animal husbandry were central to daily life. Cattle, especially oxen, were valuable assets, commonly used for plowing fields, transporting goods, and other essential tasks. The death of a person caused by an animal would have been a serious matter, and the law in Exodus 21:28 was designed to address the justice due to the family of the deceased while also establishing the responsibilities of the animal’s owner.
The law also reflects God’s concern for justice, the protection of human life, and the proper handling of situations involving property and personal injury. Exodus 21:28 serves to protect the dignity of the person who has been wronged and ensures that the owner of the ox is not automatically blamed for the death unless it was clear that negligence or malice was involved.
The Meaning of Exodus 21:28
Exodus 21:28 is a legal statute that addresses the case of an ox killing a person, specifying the necessary actions to take in response. The verse can be broken down as follows:
“If an ox gores a man or a woman, that they die:” This part establishes the scenario in which an ox causes the death of a person. The ox’s behavior—goring—is the central issue. In the ancient world, oxen were used for heavy labor, and their temperament could sometimes be unpredictable, leading to accidental harm. The law does not assume malice on the part of the ox, but rather addresses an accident that results in death.
“Then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten:” The punishment for the ox is death by stoning, a severe penalty that underscores the seriousness of the harm caused. Stoning the ox serves as a public act of justice and deterrence. The prohibition on eating the ox’s flesh reinforces the idea that the ox is an unclean animal due to its involvement in the death of a person.
“But the owner of the ox shall be quit:” The owner of the ox is not held responsible for the death of the person unless there was evidence of negligence or prior knowledge that the ox was dangerous. This part of the law establishes that the owner is not guilty unless the ox had been previously known to be dangerous and the owner failed to take appropriate precautions.
The Principle of Responsibility
This law highlights an important principle of responsibility: if harm occurs, the responsible party must bear the consequences. However, it also acknowledges that accidents happen and that the owner may not always be liable, unless there is clear negligence. The idea is that the owner should take reasonable precautions to prevent harm, but if the harm occurs unexpectedly, the owner is not automatically guilty.
Exodus 21:28 Application in Life
Exodus 21:28 offers valuable lessons in the application of justice, responsibility, and ethics that can be applied in various aspects of modern life.
1. Accountability in the Use of Resources
The law in Exodus 21:28 teaches that individuals who own animals—or any potentially dangerous resources—are responsible for the actions of those resources. This principle can be applied to modern contexts such as the responsibility of pet owners for the behavior of their animals or the liability of businesses and individuals for any harmful actions caused by their equipment or tools. This highlights the need for proper care and precaution in handling animals, machinery, and other assets that may cause harm if misused.
For example, a dog owner who allows their dog to roam unchecked and it attacks someone would be held accountable for that action. Similarly, in business, employers may be liable for accidents that occur due to the negligence of their employees or faulty equipment, demonstrating the broader principle of responsibility for one’s possessions and actions.
2. Justice in Unintentional Harm
Exodus 21:28 also illustrates the biblical principle of restorative justice, which seeks to balance harm with an appropriate response. This law highlights that not all harm is the result of intentional wrongdoing, and justice should take that into account. The owner is not blamed if the harm was accidental and the ox was not previously known to be dangerous. This provides a model for how we might approach justice in cases where harm is done unintentionally. Restitution or compensation might be necessary, but harsh penalties should not be imposed unless malice or negligence is evident.
3. Protection of Life and Property
The law shows God’s concern for the sanctity of life and fair treatment of individuals. The death of a person is not something to be taken lightly, and justice requires appropriate restitution for the family of the deceased. The killing of the ox serves as a form of compensation and justice, symbolizing the gravity of the offense. In the modern world, this principle can be applied to personal injury cases, workers’ compensation, and situations where accidents result in harm or death.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 21:28 can be compared with several other biblical texts that address the issue of personal injury, liability, and justice.
Leviticus 24:17-22
Leviticus 24:17-22 expands on the principle of proportional justice, stating:
“And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death. And he that killeth a beast shall make it good; beast for beast.” (Leviticus 24:17-18)
While Leviticus addresses the killing of a person and the restitution required for animals, Exodus 21:28 focuses more narrowly on situations where an animal causes the death of a person. Both passages emphasize the idea that harm must be appropriately addressed, but Exodus 21:28 highlights the role of the animal owner and their accountability.
Matthew 7:12
In the New Testament, Jesus offers a broader ethical principle in Matthew 7:12, often referred to as the Golden Rule:
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)
The Golden Rule aligns with the spirit of justice found in Exodus 21:28, calling on individuals to consider the consequences of their actions on others and to act with fairness and care. Just as the ox’s owner is required to act responsibly, Christians are called to treat others with the same respect and accountability they would expect.
Modern-Day Relevance
Exodus 21:28 continues to hold relevance in modern society, especially when considering issues of responsibility, liability, and justice.
1. Animal Ownership and Liability
In today’s world, the principle of responsibility for dangerous animals still holds. Pet owners can be held accountable for harm caused by their animals, especially if the animal has a known history of aggression. Modern laws regarding animal control and liability, such as dog bite laws, reflect the same concerns that Exodus 21:28 addresses. It encourages individuals to take care in the ownership and management of animals to prevent harm to others.
2. Personal Injury Law
Exodus 21:28 also speaks to personal injury law, where liability is often determined based on fault or negligence. Just as the owner of the ox is not automatically liable for harm unless negligence is evident, modern legal systems often distinguish between accidents and intentional harm. Restorative justice is increasingly emphasized in modern legal systems, and this biblical principle can inform contemporary discussions about fair and just responses to personal injury.
Conclusion
Exodus 21:28 provides a framework for understanding justice in cases of accidental harm. The law highlights the importance of responsibility in both individual actions and the treatment of animals, as well as the importance of proportional justice. It is a law that offers both restoration and protection, teaching us that justice should be measured, and harm should be appropriately addressed without undue punishment.
For Christians today, this passage offers valuable lessons in responsible living, compassion, and the pursuit of justice in our communities. Whether it is through proper care of animals or navigating personal injury cases, Exodus 21:28 remains a timeless principle that encourages fair and just treatment for all.
Exodus 21:28 Commentary
Exodus 21:28 encapsulates key themes of justice, personal responsibility, and proportionality. It reflects God’s desire for a balanced society where harm is acknowledged, but the response is both fair and just. The law also emphasizes human dignity—the life of the individual must be protected, and the victim’s family is entitled to justice. At the same time, the law avoids overly harsh retribution against the ox owner if the harm was not intentional.
This verse is not just about punishment but about restoration and ensuring that justice is served in a way that respects both human life and the rights of individuals.
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