Exodus 21:28
If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit.
Original Language Analysis
וְכִֽי
H3588
וְכִֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אִ֛ישׁ
a man
H376
אִ֛ישׁ
a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 19
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)
א֥וֹ
H176
א֥וֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
6 of 19
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וָמֵ֑ת
that they die
H4191
וָמֵ֑ת
that they die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
9 of 19
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
יִסָּקֵ֜ל
shall be surely
H5619
יִסָּקֵ֜ל
shall be surely
Strong's:
H5619
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, to be weighty; but used only in the sense of lapidation or its contrary (as if a delapidation)
יִסָּקֵ֜ל
shall be surely
H5619
יִסָּקֵ֜ל
shall be surely
Strong's:
H5619
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, to be weighty; but used only in the sense of lapidation or its contrary (as if a delapidation)
וְלֹ֤א
H3808
וְלֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּשָׂר֔וֹ
and his flesh
H1320
בְּשָׂר֔וֹ
and his flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
16 of 19
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
וּבַ֥עַל
but the owner
H1167
וּבַ֥עַל
but the owner
Strong's:
H1167
Word #:
17 of 19
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern law codes (Hammurabi, Hittite) addressed similar property issues but often with class-based penalties. Israel's law applied more uniformly regardless of social status.
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 an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit.
This case law addresses property damage and personal injury, establishing liability principles. The mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטִים, judgments) apply Decalogue principles to everyday situations, creating just society. Owner responsibility reflects broader biblical principle: we're stewards of possessions, accountable for harm they cause. The law balances justice (compensation for victims) with mercy (proportional rather than excessive penalties). These principles undergird modern tort law and demonstrate God's concern for social order.