Exodus 21:19
If he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 13
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יָק֞וּם
If he rise again
H6965
יָק֞וּם
If he rise again
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
2 of 13
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וְהִתְהַלֵּ֥ךְ
and walk
H1980
וְהִתְהַלֵּ֥ךְ
and walk
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
3 of 13
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בַּח֛וּץ
abroad
H2351
בַּח֛וּץ
abroad
Strong's:
H2351
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מִשְׁעַנְתּ֖וֹ
upon his staff
H4938
מִשְׁעַנְתּ֖וֹ
upon his staff
Strong's:
H4938
Word #:
6 of 13
support (abstractly), i.e., (figuratively) sustenance or (concretely) a walking-stick
וְנִקָּ֣ה
him be quit
H5352
וְנִקָּ֣ה
him be quit
Strong's:
H5352
Word #:
7 of 13
to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e., extirpated
הַמַּכֶּ֑ה
then shall he that smote
H5221
הַמַּכֶּ֑ה
then shall he that smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
8 of 13
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
רַ֥ק
H7535
רַ֥ק
Strong's:
H7535
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
יִתֵּ֖ן
only he shall pay
H5414
יִתֵּ֖ן
only he shall pay
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
11 of 13
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
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
If he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed.
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.