Exodus 21:36
Or if it be known that the ox hath used to push in time past, and his owner hath not kept him in; he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall be his own.
Original Language Analysis
א֣וֹ
H176
א֣וֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
1 of 19
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
נוֹדַ֗ע
Or if it be known
H3045
נוֹדַ֗ע
Or if it be known
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
2 of 19
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֠י
H3588
כִּ֠י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הוּא֙
H1931
הוּא֙
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
6 of 19
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
מִתְּמ֣וֹל
in time past
H8543
מִתְּמ֣וֹל
in time past
Strong's:
H8543
Word #:
7 of 19
properly, ago, i.e., a (short or long) time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday
שִׁלְשֹׁ֔ם
H8032
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִשְׁמְרֶ֖נּוּ
hath not kept
H8104
יִשְׁמְרֶ֖נּוּ
hath not kept
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
בְּעָלָ֑יו
and his owner
H1167
בְּעָלָ֑יו
and his owner
Strong's:
H1167
Word #:
11 of 19
a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)
יְשַׁלֵּ֥ם
him in he shall surely
H7999
יְשַׁלֵּ֥ם
him in he shall surely
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
12 of 19
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
יְשַׁלֵּ֥ם
him in he shall surely
H7999
יְשַׁלֵּ֥ם
him in he shall surely
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
13 of 19
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
תַּ֣חַת
H8478
תַּ֣חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
15 of 19
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
וְהַמֵּ֖ת
and the dead
H4191
וְהַמֵּ֖ת
and the dead
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
17 of 19
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
Or if it be known that the ox hath used to push in time past, and his owner hath not kept him in; he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall be his own.
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.