Exodus 21:34
The owner of the pit shall make it good, and give money unto the owner of them; and the dead beast shall be his.
Original Language Analysis
לִבְעָלָ֑יו
The owner
H1167
לִבְעָלָ֑יו
The owner
Strong's:
H1167
Word #:
1 of 9
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
הַבּוֹר֙
of the pit
H953
הַבּוֹר֙
of the pit
Strong's:
H953
Word #:
2 of 9
a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)
יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם
shall make it good
H7999
יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם
shall make it good
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
3 of 9
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
יָשִׁ֣יב
and give
H7725
יָשִׁ֣יב
and give
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
5 of 9
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
לִבְעָלָ֑יו
The owner
H1167
לִבְעָלָ֑יו
The owner
Strong's:
H1167
Word #:
6 of 9
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
וְהַמֵּ֖ת
of them and the dead
H4191
וְהַמֵּ֖ת
of them and the dead
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
7 of 9
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
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
The owner of the pit shall make it good, and give money unto the owner of them; and the dead beast shall be his.
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.