Exodus 21:30
If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 11
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
כֹּ֖פֶר
on him a sum of money
H3724
כֹּ֖פֶר
on him a sum of money
Strong's:
H3724
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, a cover, i.e., (literally) a village (as covered in)
עָלָ֑יו
H5921
עָלָ֑יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְנָתַן֙
then he shall give
H5414
וְנָתַן֙
then he shall give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 11
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
נַפְשׁ֔וֹ
of his life
H5315
נַפְשׁ֔וֹ
of his life
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
כְּכֹ֥ל
H3605
כְּכֹ֥ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Exodus 21:22If 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.Exodus 30:12When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the LORD, when thou numberest them; that there be no plague among them, when thou numberest them.
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 there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him.
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.