What Does Exodus 21:31 Mean?

Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 21:31 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.

Exodus 21:31 is a part of the Old Testament law, situated within the broader context of Israel’s legal codes as presented in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. This verse, along with others in the same chapter, provides a framework for understanding how the ancient Israelites were instructed to handle various situations, including issues of personal injury, property rights, and social justice. In this article, we will explore the context, meaning, and application of Exodus 21:31, and how it relates to other biblical texts and its relevance to modern-day life.

The Context of Exodus 21:31 KJV

Exodus 21:31 comes in the midst of a series of laws known as the Book of the Covenant (Exodus 20-23). These laws are a part of God’s covenant with the Israelites, providing instructions for how they should live in harmony with God and one another. In the chapter, the laws address various civil and ethical issues, including the treatment of servants, property disputes, and personal injury.

Exodus 21:31 specifically addresses the situation of animals that cause harm to humans. In this case, the animal involved is an ox, which, according to the context of Exodus 21:28-32, could be a dangerous creature. The laws surrounding animals are important in understanding the broader concept of responsibility and liability in ancient Israelite society. They highlight a system of justice designed to balance the rights of the injured party with the responsibilities of the owner.

The verse reads:

“Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him.” (Exodus 21:31 KJV)

This verse deals specifically with the scenario where an ox has caused harm to a person, whether a son or a daughter, and outlines the legal response to this situation.

The Meaning of Exodus 21:31

Legal Responsibility and Consequences

The main focus of Exodus 21:31 is on the legal responsibility of the ox’s owner in the case of harm caused to a person, whether child or adult. In this situation, the law provides a clear consequence for the owner: if the ox is known to be dangerous, and it injures or kills someone, the owner is liable and must face judgment. This reflects a principle of personal responsibility and justice that permeates the entire Mosaic Law.

This verse suggests that the owner’s knowledge of the animal’s dangerous tendencies plays a crucial role in determining the judgment. If the owner was aware that the ox had gored people before or exhibited aggressive behavior, they are expected to take measures to prevent further harm. The punishment could range from compensation to the injured party or even more severe consequences depending on the nature of the injury or death.

The Role of Compensation and Justice

The idea of compensation plays a central role in Exodus 21:31. In biblical law, justice often involved providing restitution to the injured party. If an ox gored someone, the owner might be required to pay restitution to the family of the injured or deceased individual. This idea of compensation for harm or loss is also seen throughout the laws in Exodus 21 and the surrounding chapters, emphasizing a balanced system of reparation and justice.

The Importance of Human Life

Another significant aspect of this law is the recognition of the value of human life. The law is concerned not only with the rights of the animal’s owner but also with ensuring that those who are harmed, especially children (sons and daughters), receive proper justice. This highlights the broader biblical theme of valuing life and the responsibility humans have to protect and preserve it.

Exodus 21:31 Application in Life

While Exodus 21:31 addresses a very specific scenario involving oxen, its broader principles offer valuable insights into how we should think about justice, responsibility, and the value of life today.

Personal Responsibility

One of the key lessons from Exodus 21:31 is the importance of personal responsibility. The owner of the ox is held accountable for the harm their animal causes, especially when the animal has demonstrated dangerous tendencies. This principle can be applied in modern life in various contexts, such as personal liability in legal matters. For example, if a person knowingly allows their property or actions to cause harm to others, they bear responsibility for the consequences. This could apply in cases of negligence or failure to act when there is a known danger.

Justice and Compensation

The application of justice through compensation seen in Exodus 21:31 also holds relevance in today’s society. The Bible teaches that justice should be fair, with proper restitution for those who suffer loss. In modern times, this concept is reflected in various areas of law, such as personal injury cases or compensation for wrongful actions. It reminds us of the need for fairness in addressing harm, whether physical, emotional, or financial.

Protecting the Vulnerable

The emphasis on protecting children—whether a son or a daughter—reminds us of our responsibility to protect the most vulnerable in society. Exodus 21:31 reinforces the biblical principle that those with power or authority (such as parents, guardians, or those in positions of responsibility) should care for and defend those who are defenseless or less capable of defending themselves.

Comparison with Other Biblical Texts

Exodus 21:31 shares several themes with other passages in the Bible. One key principle in this verse—personal responsibility—is a theme that runs through the entire Bible, particularly in the Old Testament.

Genesis 9:6

Genesis 9:6 states, “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” This verse introduces the principle of justice for taking human life, reinforcing the importance of valuing human life. While Exodus 21:31 is about an animal causing harm, Genesis 9:6 underscores the severity of harm done to humans and the principle of justice that demands an appropriate response.

Leviticus 24:19-21

Leviticus 24:19-21 outlines the principle of lex talionis, or “an eye for an eye,” stating that if a person causes physical harm to another, they must face a similar punishment. While this principle was a common law in the ancient world, it reflects the idea of balanced justice, which is also seen in Exodus 21:31. The key difference is that Exodus 21:31 deals with a situation where the harm was caused by an animal, and thus, the owner is responsible for the harm caused by their property.

Deuteronomy 19:21

Deuteronomy 19:21 states, “Thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” This is another example of the principle of retributive justice, similar to what is seen in Exodus 21:31. The principle of proportionate justice is clear: the punishment must fit the crime, ensuring fairness and equity in all legal matters.

Matthew 7:12 (The Golden Rule)

In the New Testament, Jesus speaks to the principle of justice in a more relational context. In Matthew 7:12, he teaches, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” This is often referred to as the Golden Rule and is a reminder that justice is not only about retribution but also about treating others with fairness, empathy, and respect.

Modern-Day Relevance

While the specific situation in Exodus 21:31 might seem far removed from modern-day life, the broader themes of personal responsibility, justice, and the value of human life remain highly relevant today.

Legal Liability and Responsibility

In today’s society, the idea of legal liability mirrors the principle found in Exodus 21:31. If a person’s actions, or the actions of their property (like a pet or livestock), cause harm to another, the responsible party may be held accountable. For example, if a dog attacks a person, the owner may be liable for the victim’s medical bills or even more serious consequences depending on the case.

Restorative Justice

Exodus 21:31 encourages a concept of justice that focuses on compensation and restitution. In modern discussions about criminal justice reform, restorative justice has gained attention as a model that focuses on repairing harm and addressing the needs of victims, rather than just punishing offenders. The application of this principle can help create a more balanced and empathetic approach to justice.

Protection of the Vulnerable

The protection of vulnerable individuals, such as children, remains a priority in many modern legal systems. Whether it’s through child protection laws or regulations regarding the safety of minors in various contexts, the value placed on protecting the vulnerable in society echoes the concerns seen in Exodus 21:31.

Exodus 21:31 Commentary

The commentary on Exodus 21:31 should focus on understanding its deeper implications, particularly in light of ancient Israel’s societal context. Scholars suggest that the laws surrounding animals, such as the responsibility of an ox owner, served to create a sense of order and accountability within Israelite society. These laws show God’s concern for justice and the proper treatment of all individuals, regardless of their social status or age.

Exodus 21:31 also teaches that there must be accountability for those who own property that can cause harm, whether intentionally or unintentionally. This reflects God’s justice, which is not only concerned with individual relationships but also with social structures that ensure fairness.