Exodus 21:18
And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keepeth his bed:
Original Language Analysis
וְכִֽי
H3588
וְכִֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְרִיבֻ֣ן
strive
H7378
יְרִיבֻ֣ן
strive
Strong's:
H7378
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
אִישׁ֙
together and one
H376
אִישׁ֙
together and one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 14
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וְהִכָּה
smite
H5221
וְהִכָּה
smite
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
4 of 14
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אִישׁ֙
together and one
H376
אִישׁ֙
together and one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 14
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
א֣וֹ
or
H176
א֣וֹ
or
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
9 of 14
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָמ֖וּת
and he die
H4191
יָמ֖וּת
and he die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
12 of 14
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
Historical Context
The Book of the Covenant (Exodus 20:22-23:33) is Israel's foundational legal code, predating later expansions in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It addresses civil, criminal, and ceremonial matters.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
- What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keepeth his bed:
This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.