If an ox gores a man or woman to deathThis phrase addresses the issue of personal injury caused by an animal, specifically an ox, which was a common domestic animal in ancient agrarian societies. The law reflects the value placed on human life and the need for justice in cases of accidental death. The ox, a symbol of strength and labor, is here depicted as a potential danger, emphasizing the responsibility of animal owners. This law is part of the broader legal code given to Israel, which includes various civil, moral, and ceremonial laws. The principle of accountability for one's property is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as in the laws concerning property damage (
Exodus 22:5-6).
the ox must surely be stoned
The stoning of the ox serves as a form of capital punishment for the animal, symbolizing the seriousness of taking a human life, even accidentally. This act also serves as a deterrent, encouraging owners to manage their animals responsibly. The use of stoning as a method of execution is consistent with other Old Testament laws where stoning is prescribed for various offenses (Leviticus 20:2,Deuteronomy 22:24). The communal nature of stoning reflects the collective responsibility of the community to uphold justice.
and its meat must not be eaten
This prohibition underscores the concept of defilement associated with the ox that has caused a human death. Eating the meat would imply benefiting from a wrongful act, which is contrary to the principles of justice and purity. This reflects the broader biblical theme of avoiding defilement and maintaining holiness, as seen in dietary laws and other purity regulations (Leviticus 11). The prohibition also serves as a reminder of the sanctity of life and the need to respect the boundaries set by God.
But the owner of the ox shall not be held responsible
This clause introduces the concept of liability and intent. The owner is not held responsible if the ox had no known history of aggression, indicating that the incident was unforeseen and accidental. This reflects the biblical principle of justice that considers intent and prior knowledge, as seen in other legal contexts (Numbers 35:22-25). The law balances justice with mercy, recognizing that not all accidents are the result of negligence. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where intent and the heart's condition are emphasized in moral and ethical teachings (Matthew 5:21-22).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
OxA domesticated animal often used for labor in ancient agrarian societies. In this context, it represents property that can cause harm.
2.
Man or WomanRefers to any individual who might be harmed by the ox, emphasizing the value of human life.
3.
Owner of the OxThe person responsible for the animal, highlighting issues of responsibility and liability.
4.
Stoning of the OxA form of capital punishment for the animal, indicating the seriousness of the offense.
5.
Israelite SocietyThe cultural and legal context in which these laws were given, reflecting God's covenant with His people.
Teaching Points
Value of Human LifeThis law underscores the intrinsic value of human life, which is a consistent theme throughout Scripture. It reminds us to prioritize the safety and well-being of others.
Responsibility and AccountabilityWhile the owner is not held responsible in this specific scenario, the broader context of the law emphasizes the importance of being accountable for one's property and actions.
Justice and RestitutionThe stoning of the ox serves as a form of justice, reflecting God's desire for fairness and the protection of the community.
Understanding Old Testament LawThis passage invites us to explore the purpose and heart behind the Old Testament laws, seeing them as part of God's covenant relationship with His people.
Application in Modern ContextWhile we may not have oxen today, the principles of responsibility, justice, and valuing human life are timeless and applicable in our interactions and societal structures.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 21:28?
2.How does Exodus 21:28 emphasize accountability for one's property and actions?
3.What principles of justice are highlighted in Exodus 21:28 for modern believers?
4.How does Exodus 21:28 connect with the broader theme of justice in Scripture?
5.How can we apply the responsibility taught in Exodus 21:28 to our lives?
6.What lessons from Exodus 21:28 can guide us in community relationships today?
7.How does Exodus 21:28 align with modern views on animal responsibility and ownership?
8.Why does Exodus 21:28 focus on oxen rather than other animals?
9.What historical context influenced the laws in Exodus 21:28?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 21?
11.What do birthstones symbolize in the Bible?
12.What does Jesus' life as a ransom signify?
13.How are Moses and the Hammurabi Code similar?
14.Can animals commit sins?What Does Exodus 21:28 Mean
If an ox gores a man or woman to deathThe verse begins with a real-life scenario in an agrarian culture. God’s law meets people where they live, protecting every image-bearer—“man or woman” without distinction (Genesis 1:27;Galatians 3:28).
• Human life is sacred (Genesis 9:5-6); even accidental loss demands attention.
• The case law anticipates other situations, later clarified inExodus 21:29-32, distinguishing accident from neglect.
• By naming both genders, the Lord insists that justice be impartial (Leviticus 24:22).
the ox must surely be stonedThe animal receives capital punishment.
• Bloodshed pollutes the land (Numbers 35:33); removing the ox upholds purity.
• Stoning is public, underscoring community responsibility (Deuteronomy 17:5).
• Animals occasionally bore responsibility for lethal harm (Genesis 9:5;Leviticus 20:15). This reminds us that violence, even from creation itself, is out of step with God’s order (Isaiah 11:6-9, looking ahead to restoration).
its meat must not be eatenNo profit may be gained from the death.
• The carcass is considered cursed, akin toDeuteronomy 21:22-23 where a hanged body is not left overnight.
• Consuming it would trivialize the victim’s blood and normalize violence (Leviticus 7:24; 19:7).
• The ban also prevents a festival atmosphere around a tragedy, keeping focus on justice rather than consumption.
the owner of the ox shall not be held responsibleLiability is suspended because this was an unforeseen event.
• When prior negligence exists—“if the ox has a reputation for goring”—the owner becomes guilty (Exodus 21:29-30).
• God balances mercy with accountability; He does not punish without evidence of willful disregard (Deuteronomy 19:4-6).
• The principle carries into everyday stewardship: secure rooftops (Deuteronomy 22:8) and mindful care of property (Matthew 12:11). Negligence is sin; unforeseeable accidents are handled with grace.
summaryExodus 21:28 affirms the sanctity of human life, demands swift justice, forbids gain from wrongdoing, and distinguishes accident from negligence. The statute teaches that God values life, purity, and responsible stewardship, calling His people to reflect His righteous character in all their dealings.
(28-32) Injuries to the person might arise either from man or from animals. Protection from both was needed. The law given to Noah (
Genesis 9:5) had already laid it down that whenever a beast killed a man his life was to be forfeit. This law was now re-enacted, but with a further and very important proviso. If the animal had an owner, and the owner had reason to know that it was dangerous, then not only the beast, but the owner also was to be held guilty. He was to be liable to a process for murder (
Exodus 21:29); but, with the consent of the aggrieved family, might pay a sum of money as compensation instead (
Exodus 21:30). In the case of a slave, the sum was fixed at what was regarded as the standard price of a slave (
Leviticus 25:44-46;
Leviticus 27:3), viz., thirty silver shekels.
(28)The ox shall be surely stoned--i.e.,he shall die the death of a murderer. . . .
Verses 28-32. -
Injuries done by cattle to slaves and freemen. For the purpose of inculcating as strongly as possible the principle of the sanctity of human life, the legislator notices the case where mortal injury is done to a person by a domesticated animal. The ox is taken as the example, being the animal most likely to inflict such an injury. In accordance with the declaration already made to Noah (
Genesis 9:6), it is laid down that the destructive beast must be killed. Further, to mark the abhorrence in which murder ought to be held, the provision is made, that none of the creature' s flesh must be eaten. The question then arises, is the owner to suffer any punishment? This is answered in the way that natural equity points out - "If he had reason to know the savage temper of the animal, he is to he held responsible; if otherwise, he is to go free." In the former case, the Hebrew law assigned a higher degree of responsibility than accords with modern notions; but practically the result was not very different. The neglectful Hebrew owner was held to have been guilty of a capital offence, but was allowed to "redeem his life" by a fine. His modern counterpart would be held to have been guilty simply of
laches or neglect of duty, and would be punished by fine or imprisonment
Verse 28. -
The ox shall be surely stoned. He shall suffer the same death that would have been the portion of a human murderer.
His flesh shall not be eaten. The animal was regarded as accursed, and therefore, as a matter of course, no Hebrew might eat of it. According to the Rabbinical commentators, it was not even lawful to sell the carcase to Gentiles.
The owner shall be quit -
i.e., "shall be liable to no punishment."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Ifוְכִֽי־(wə·ḵî-)Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionan oxשׁ֥וֹר(šō·wr)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7794:A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera)goresיִגַּ֨ח(yig·gaḥ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5055:To butt with the horns, to war againsta manאִ֛ישׁ(’îš)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personorא֥וֹ(’ōw)Conjunction
Strong's 176:Desire, ifwomanאִשָּׁ֖ה(’iš·šāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 802:Woman, wife, femaleto death,וָמֵ֑ת(wā·mêṯ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191:To die, to killthe oxהַשּׁ֗וֹר(haš·šō·wr)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7794:A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera)must surelyסָק֨וֹל(sā·qō·wl)Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 5619:To stone, put to death by stoningbe stoned,יִסָּקֵ֜ל(yis·sā·qêl)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5619:To stone, put to death by stoningand its meatבְּשָׂר֔וֹ(bə·śā·rōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1320:Flesh, body, person, the pudenda of a, manmust notוְלֹ֤א(wə·lō)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nobe eaten.יֵאָכֵל֙(yê·’ā·ḵêl)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 398:To eatBut the ownerוּבַ֥עַל(ū·ḇa·‘al)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1167:A master, a husband, ownerof the oxהַשּׁ֖וֹר(haš·šō·wr)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7794:A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera)shall not be held responsible.נָקִֽי׃(nā·qî)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5355:Clean, free from, exempt
Links
Exodus 21:28 NIVExodus 21:28 NLTExodus 21:28 ESVExodus 21:28 NASBExodus 21:28 KJV
Exodus 21:28 BibleApps.comExodus 21:28 Biblia ParalelaExodus 21:28 Chinese BibleExodus 21:28 French BibleExodus 21:28 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Exodus 21:28 If a bull gores a man (Exo. Ex) 
