Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 21:35 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 21:35 is one of several civil laws in the Book of the Covenant, a section of the Old Testament that provides instructions on how the Israelites were to live in community with one another, conduct business, and maintain justice. The verse addresses a specific situation involving animals, property damage, and restitution. Though its immediate application may seem distant from contemporary life, the underlying principles—responsibility, accountability, and justice—remain highly relevant today.
In this article, we will explore the context, meaning, and application of Exodus 21:35, comparing it to other biblical passages, examining its modern-day relevance, and offering commentary on how this law informs Christian living.
The Context of Exodus 21:35 KJV
Exodus 21 forms part of the Book of the Covenant (Exodus 20-23), which details the civil, moral, and ceremonial laws God gave to the Israelites. These laws are grounded in the moral law, reflected in the Ten Commandments, and aim to provide justice and order within the community.
Exodus 21:35 in the Larger Context
Exodus 21:35 is part of a section in which God addresses personal injuries and damages caused by animals, focusing specifically on the situation where one person’s ox causes harm to another person’s property. The verse reads:
“And if one man’s ox hurt another’s, that he die; then they shall sell the live ox, and divide the money of it; and the dead ox also they shall divide.” (Exodus 21:35, KJV).
This verse follows a series of laws concerning personal injury and property damage, and its focus is on the compensation for loss when an ox (or other animal) causes significant damage—either by killing another animal or causing injury to someone’s property. In this case, the owner of the ox is not held completely liable, but rather, the compensation is shared in a manner that is just and equitable.
The Larger Section of Exodus 21
Exodus 21 begins with laws regarding slavery, personal injury, and compensation for damages. The chapter sets forth how disputes should be resolved, especially in cases where property or animals are involved. The laws in Exodus 21 are not only legal stipulations but also reflect the broader moral and ethical imperatives that God imposed on Israelite society.
Exodus 21:35 fits into this legal framework by outlining what happens when one person’s property (in this case, an ox) causes harm to another person’s property. The law is meant to ensure that there is fairness and restitution when damage occurs.
The Meaning of Exodus 21:35
Exodus 21:35 addresses a situation where an ox injures or kills another animal, and it specifies how compensation should be handled. At first glance, the verse may appear to be a straightforward law about property damage, but it reveals deeper principles about justice, fairness, and restitution.
The Law of Compensation
At its core, Exodus 21:35 sets forth a principle of compensation when harm is caused to another’s property. If one man’s ox kills another man’s ox, the loss should not fall entirely on the victim. Instead, the victim and the person responsible for the ox share the compensation. The living ox is sold, and the proceeds are divided, with both parties receiving part of the compensation.
The focus of this law is fairness—ensuring that the injured party receives something for their loss while also acknowledging that the harm was not necessarily the owner’s fault. This division of compensation reflects the idea that restitution should be equitable but not punitive. The damage is shared, rather than placing the entire burden of responsibility on one individual.
The Issue of Accountability
Exodus 21:35 also speaks to the principle of accountability. In this case, the ox’s owner is held accountable for the actions of their animal, but the law doesn’t impose a penalty beyond shared compensation. This suggests that accountability is not simply about assigning blame, but rather ensuring that justice is served through restitution, especially when the harm was unintentional.
It’s important to note that the law does not make the owner of the ox responsible for the death of the animal (unless there is evidence of negligence or malice). Rather, it seeks a just resolution that allows both parties to be treated fairly.
Justice and Fairness in the Law
The primary principle that emerges from Exodus 21:35 is the call for justice. God’s law ensures that when property is damaged or destroyed, the injured party is compensated, but the system also prevents one party from being excessively burdened with responsibility. The division of proceeds from the sale of the ox represents a balance of fairness and equity in the face of loss. The law does not make assumptions about malice or intent but seeks to offer a remedy for those affected by the actions of another, even when the harm may have been accidental.
Exodus 21:35 Application in Life
While Exodus 21:35 directly addresses an agricultural scenario, its principles are applicable to many aspects of modern life. The emphasis on justice, fairness, and restitution is highly relevant in contemporary society, especially in matters of personal injury, property damage, and civil disputes.
Principles of Justice in Modern Law
In contemporary legal systems, the principle of restitution for property damage is widely applied. When someone’s property—whether an animal, vehicle, or any other form of property—causes harm to another, the responsible party is often required to compensate the injured party. For example, if a car hits and damages another vehicle, the owner of the car is responsible for the damage and must provide restitution, similar to the compensation outlined in Exodus 21:35.
The law of compensation reflects a biblical principle: that harm should be made right through equitable means. The division of proceeds from the sale of the ox in Exodus 21:35 can be compared to modern insurance practices, where both parties involved in an accident or damage may be compensated fairly based on the value of the property.
Shared Responsibility in Disputes
Exodus 21:35 teaches that in cases of property damage, shared responsibility is often the fairest approach. The compensation is not fully one-sided but is divided in a way that acknowledges both the loss and the circumstances surrounding the damage. This principle can be applied to many modern scenarios, from business disputes to personal conflicts. For example, in cases where negligence or accidents have occurred, both parties may need to share responsibility for resolving the issue, ensuring that justice is done without unfairly burdening one party.
Restitution and Reconciliation
Beyond legal compensation, Exodus 21:35 speaks to the broader idea of restitution and reconciliation. In many situations where harm has been caused, making restitution is an important step in restoring relationships. Whether in business, personal relationships, or even in our relationship with God, when we cause harm to others, making things right through restitution helps to bring about healing and reconciliation.
For instance, if a person borrows something from another and damages it, the responsible party is obligated to return the item or offer compensation. This is not only a matter of legal obligation but also one of moral duty and relational integrity.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 21:35 shares thematic similarities with other biblical texts that emphasize justice, restitution, and the moral responsibility of individuals. Several other passages in the Old and New Testaments build upon these themes.
Leviticus 24:18-22
Leviticus 24:18-22 expands on the idea of restitution and justice. It underscores the principle of “an eye for an eye,” which helps guide fair and proportional restitution in cases of personal injury or property damage. In this passage, the harm done should be compensated in a manner that reflects the severity of the offense. Similar to Exodus 21:35, it stresses proportionality and fairness in determining appropriate consequences for wrongs.
Matthew 7:12 (The Golden Rule)
In the New Testament, Jesus’ Golden Rule in Matthew 7:12 reflects a broader principle of fairness that aligns with the justice found in Exodus 21:35. Jesus teaches, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” This principle reinforces the idea that fairness and restitution are key to harmonious living. The concept of reciprocity that Jesus teaches can be seen as an extension of the idea of justice in Exodus 21:35—treat others as you would want to be treated, and ensure that restitution is made when wrongs occur.
Luke 10:30-37 (The Parable of the Good Samaritan)
The Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37 also touches on the theme of justice, restitution, and responsibility. In the story, the Samaritan is praised for his compassion and for going beyond merely offering help. He ensures that the injured man receives care, and even makes provision for further needs, demonstrating a deep commitment to justice and care for others. This aligns with the principle found in Exodus 21:35, where individuals take responsibility for the consequences of their actions and work toward reconciliation.
Modern-Day Relevance
In modern society, the principles outlined in Exodus 21:35 are as relevant today as they were in ancient Israel. Laws regarding restitution, property damage, and the compensation for harm are foundational in many legal systems around the world. Additionally, the ethical considerations surrounding fairness, shared responsibility, and justice continue to guide how individuals interact and resolve disputes.
Legal Systems and Insurance
Today, we see the principles of Exodus 21:35 in legal systems that govern personal injury, insurance, and civil disputes. For example, in the case of a car accident or property damage, insurance companies may assess the situation and provide compensation to the injured party. Both the party at fault and the victim are involved in determining fair compensation, reflecting the principles of shared responsibility and equitable restitution found in Exodus 21:35.
Ethical Business Practices
In the business world, companies are increasingly held accountable for the actions of their employees or their products. If a company’s product causes harm to consumers, it is generally expected to provide compensation, just as the owner of the ox would in Exodus 21:35. This reflects the biblical principle of justice and responsibility in business practices.
Conclusion
Exodus 21:35 is a valuable biblical law that teaches important principles of justice, fairness, and accountability. While it deals with a specific case of property damage involving animals, the principles it communicates apply universally. The law emphasizes that when harm occurs, both parties involved must work together to resolve the issue fairly, sharing the responsibility for the restitution.
By reflecting on Exodus 21:35 and its application in our lives, we can learn to be more just in our dealings with others, ensure fairness in our interactions, and seek reconciliation when harm is done. As we navigate the complexities of life, the wisdom in this verse serves as a guiding principle for living in a just and responsible manner.
Exodus 21:35 Commentary
Exodus 21:35 is a law that seeks justice without excess punishment, ensuring fairness for all parties involved. Its emphasis on shared compensation rather than assigning complete blame to one party provides an equitable way to resolve disputes. The passage also teaches the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions, even when they involve indirect harm.
While this law primarily addresses agricultural scenarios, its broader principles about accountability, justice, and restitution can be applied to many areas of life today. Whether in legal matters, personal relationships, or broader societal issues, the call for justice and fairness is a timeless truth.
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