Exodus 21:33
And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein;
Original Language Analysis
וְכִֽי
H3588
וְכִֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִפְתַּ֨ח
shall open
H6605
יִפְתַּ֨ח
shall open
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
2 of 16
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
אִ֛ישׁ
And if a man
H376
אִ֛ישׁ
And if a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 16
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)
בֹּ֖ר
a pit
H953
בֹּ֖ר
a pit
Strong's:
H953
Word #:
4 of 16
a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)
א֠וֹ
H176
א֠וֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
5 of 16
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 16
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִכְרֶ֥ה
shall dig
H3738
יִכְרֶ֥ה
shall dig
Strong's:
H3738
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, to dig; figuratively, to plot; generally, to bore or open
אִ֛ישׁ
And if a man
H376
אִ֛ישׁ
And if a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
8 of 16
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)
בֹּ֖ר
a pit
H953
בֹּ֖ר
a pit
Strong's:
H953
Word #:
9 of 16
a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְכַסֶּ֑נּוּ
and not cover
H3680
יְכַסֶּ֑נּוּ
and not cover
Strong's:
H3680
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
וְנָֽפַל
fall
H5307
וְנָֽפַל
fall
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
12 of 16
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
שָׁ֥מָּה
H8033
שָׁ֥מָּה
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
13 of 16
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
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
And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein;
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.