Exodus 21:35
And if one man's ox hurt another's, that he die; then they shall sell the live ox, and divide the money of it; and the dead ox also they shall divide.
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
יִגֹּ֧ף
hurt
H5062
יִגֹּ֧ף
hurt
Strong's:
H5062
Word #:
2 of 19
to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease)
אִ֛ישׁ
And if one man's
H376
אִ֛ישׁ
And if one man's
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
4 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)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמֵּ֖ת
of it and the dead
H4191
הַמֵּ֖ת
of it and the dead
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
8 of 19
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
וּמָ֨כְר֜וּ
then they shall sell
H4376
וּמָ֨כְר֜וּ
then they shall sell
Strong's:
H4376
Word #:
9 of 19
to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַחַי֙
the live
H2416
הַחַי֙
the live
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
12 of 19
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כַּסְפּ֔וֹ
the money
H3701
כַּסְפּ֔וֹ
the money
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
15 of 19
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
וְגַ֥ם
H1571
וְגַ֥ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
17 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
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 one man's ox hurt another's, that he die; then they shall sell the live ox, and divide the money of it; and the dead ox also they shall divide.
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.