Exodus 21:22
If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.
Original Language Analysis
וְכִֽי
H3588
וְכִֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִנָּצ֣וּ
strive
H5327
יִנָּצ֣וּ
strive
Strong's:
H5327
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, to go forth, i.e., (by implication) to be expelled, and (consequently) desolate; causatively, to lay waste; also (specifically), to quarrel
אֲנָשִׁ֗ים
If men
H582
אֲנָשִׁ֗ים
If men
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
וְנָ֨גְפ֜וּ
and hurt
H5062
וְנָ֨גְפ֜וּ
and hurt
Strong's:
H5062
Word #:
4 of 20
to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease)
וְיָֽצְא֣וּ
depart
H3318
וְיָֽצְא֣וּ
depart
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
7 of 20
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
יְלָדֶ֔יהָ
so that her fruit
H3206
יְלָדֶ֔יהָ
so that her fruit
Strong's:
H3206
Word #:
8 of 20
something born, i.e., a lad or offspring
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִֽהְיֶ֖ה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֖ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
10 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
יֵֽעָנֵ֗שׁ
he shall be surely
H6064
יֵֽעָנֵ֗שׁ
he shall be surely
Strong's:
H6064
Word #:
12 of 20
properly, to urge; by implication, to inflict a penalty, specifically, to fine
יֵֽעָנֵ֗שׁ
he shall be surely
H6064
יֵֽעָנֵ֗שׁ
he shall be surely
Strong's:
H6064
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, to urge; by implication, to inflict a penalty, specifically, to fine
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָלָיו֙
H5921
עָלָיו֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
16 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בַּ֣עַל
husband
H1167
בַּ֣עַל
husband
Strong's:
H1167
Word #:
17 of 20
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
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 men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.
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.