Exodus 21:32
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 21:32
32 If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.
Chapter Context
Exodus 21 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, love, judgment. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-36: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 21:32
32 If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.
Analysis
If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.
The 'thirty shekels of silver' (שְׁלֹשִׁים שֶׁקֶל כֶּסֶף, sheloshim sheqel kesef) is the compensation for a slave's life—the exact price Judas received for betraying Christ (Matthew 26:15, Zechariah 11:12-13). Jesus' betrayal price fulfilled this prophetic shadow—He was valued as a slave, though He is Lord. The ox is stoned (capital punishment) even for killing a servant—showing animals that kill humans forfeit life (Genesis 9:5-6). Human life, even servant life, has infinite value. Judas's thirty pieces of silver mock Christ's worth—the priceless One sold for slave-price.
Historical Context
Thirty shekels was significant but not enormous—roughly four months' wages. Zechariah 11:12-13 uses this amount sarcastically ('a handsome price!') to show Israel's contempt. Judas's betrayal for this sum fulfills prophetic typology.
Reflection
- How does the thirty shekels for a slave's life connect to Christ's betrayal price?
- What does stoning an ox for killing even a servant teach about human life's value?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Matthew 26:15