If the ox gores a son or a daughter,This phrase addresses the situation where an ox, a common domestic animal in ancient agrarian societies, causes harm to a child. The inclusion of both "son" and "daughter" highlights the equal value placed on male and female children in the context of justice. In ancient Israel, livestock were integral to daily life, and laws governing their behavior were necessary for community safety. This reflects the broader biblical principle of accountability and the protection of human life, as seen in
Genesis 9:5-6, where God requires a reckoning for the lifeblood of humans.
it shall be done to him
The phrase "it shall be done to him" indicates that the owner of the ox bears responsibility for the actions of his animal. This principle of liability is consistent with the broader legal framework in the Mosaic Law, which emphasizes personal responsibility and restitution. The owner is held accountable, reflecting the biblical theme of stewardship and the consequences of negligence. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to be responsible stewards of what God has entrusted to them (1 Peter 4:10).
according to the same rule.
The "same rule" refers to the established legal precedent set earlier in the chapter, specifically inExodus 21:28-30, where the consequences for an ox goring a person are outlined. This ensures consistency and fairness in the application of the law, a principle that is foundational to justice. The rule underscores the importance of equal treatment under the law, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, including in the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized justice and mercy (Matthew 23:23). This consistency in legal application reflects God's unchanging nature and His desire for order and righteousness in human society.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The OxA domesticated animal often used for labor in ancient agrarian societies. In this context, it represents potential danger and responsibility.
2.
The OwnerThe person responsible for the ox. This individual is accountable for the actions of their property, highlighting the importance of stewardship and responsibility.
3.
Son or DaughterRepresents any child or young person in the community, emphasizing the value of human life and the protection of the vulnerable.
4.
The RuleRefers to the legal and moral guidelines established by God for the Israelites, ensuring justice and accountability within the community.
5.
The CommunityThe broader group of Israelites who are governed by these laws, reflecting the collective responsibility to uphold justice and protect one another.
Teaching Points
Responsibility and StewardshipAs believers, we are called to be responsible stewards of what God has entrusted to us, whether it be property, relationships, or spiritual gifts.
Value of Human LifeThis passage highlights the intrinsic value of human life, reminding us to protect and honor each person as made in the image of God.
Justice and AccountabilityGod's laws are designed to ensure justice and accountability. We are called to uphold these principles in our communities and personal lives.
Community and ProtectionThe well-being of the community is a shared responsibility. We must look out for one another, especially the vulnerable, and ensure their safety.
Mercy and ForgivenessWhile justice is important, we are also called to balance it with mercy and forgiveness, following the example of Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 21:31?
2.How does Exodus 21:31 emphasize the value of human life in God's eyes?
3.What principles of justice can we derive from Exodus 21:31 for today?
4.How does Exodus 21:31 connect with the commandment "You shall not murder"?
5.In what ways can Exodus 21:31 guide our interactions with others?
6.How can we apply the fairness principle in Exodus 21:31 to modern society?
7.How does Exodus 21:31 reflect on the value of human life in biblical law?
8.What does Exodus 21:31 reveal about justice and equality in ancient Israelite society?
9.How should Exodus 21:31 be interpreted in the context of modern legal systems?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 21?
11.Did God command human sacrifice? (Genesis 22:2 vs. Deuteronomy 12:31)
12.Exodus 21:7-11 mentions selling one's daughter; how does this align with other biblical teachings on the value and protection of children?
13.Deuteronomy 21:18-21: Does the mandate to stone a rebellious son conflict with the commandment against murder (Exodus 20:13)?
14.In Exodus 21:2-6, how is the practice of permanently marking a servant's ear and lifelong servitude reconciled with moral or ethical standards?What Does Exodus 21:31 Mean
If the ox gores– “If the ox gores…” (Exodus 21:31a). The setting continues the case law begun in vv. 28–30, where an ox that kills carries consequences for both animal and owner. The verb “gores” anchors the issue in real, bodily harm, underscoring that God’s law speaks to everyday life (seeExodus 21:28;Genesis 9:5–6).
– God recognizes that even livestock can become instruments of violence; the owner’s responsibility is therefore moral, not merely economic (compareProverbs 12:10).
– By naming the specific act—goring—the text calls us to proactive stewardship, echoing the earlier warning that negligence makes the owner liable (Exodus 21:29).
A son or a daughter– “…a son or a daughter…” (21:31b). The wording deliberately includes children, affirming the equal value of every human life regardless of age or gender (Genesis 1:27;Psalm 127:3).
– In the broader context (Exodus 22:21–24), God’s law consistently protects the vulnerable. Placing sons and daughters here prevents any thought that minors are of lesser worth in matters of justice.
– This clause also widens application: the same principle applies whether the victim is an adult man (v. 29), a slave (vv. 32–34), or a child—God’s standard of justice is impartial (Deuteronomy 1:17).
It shall be done to him– “…it shall be done to him…” (21:31c). Responsibility falls squarely on the negligent owner. Actions toward the ox mirror actions toward the owner, stressing personal accountability (Numbers 35:16–18).
– Earlier, if the ox is known to gore and the owner fails to restrain it, “the ox must be stoned, and its owner also must be put to death” unless a ransom is set (Exodus 21:29–30). Verse 31 extends that liability to cases involving children, removing loopholes or excuses.
– Justice here is not revenge but measured retribution administered by the community (cf.Deuteronomy 19:12;Romans 13:4).
According to the same rule– “…according to the same rule” (21:31d). God insists on consistent standards: what applied in vv. 29–30 applies unchanged when the victim is a son or daughter.
–Leviticus 24:22 echoes this principle: “You are to have the same law for the foreigner and the native-born.” Consistent justice safeguards society from favoritism and maintains respect for life (James 2:1).
– The phrase also points to the broader biblical ethic of equitable restitution: “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth” (Exodus 21:24), always within lawful, judicial process—not personal vengeance (Matthew 5:38–39 shows the heart behind the law).
summaryExodus 21:31 extends the liability of an ox’s owner to include cases where children are harmed. God’s law values every human life equally, demands proactive responsibility from those who own potentially dangerous property, and insists on consistent, impartial justice. The verse reinforces the seriousness with which Scripture treats negligence and upholds a standard that safeguards the community while honoring the sanctity of life.
Verse 31. -
Whether he have gored a son or a daughter. If the sufferer were a child, the value of the life, and therefore the amount of the fine, would be less.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Ifאוֹ־(’ōw-)Conjunction
Strong's 176:Desire, if[the ox] goresיִגָּ֖ח(yig·gāḥ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5055:To butt with the horns, to war againsta sonבֵ֥ן(ḇên)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A sonorאוֹ־(’ōw-)Conjunction
Strong's 176:Desire, ifa daughter,בַ֣ת(ḇaṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1323:A daughterit shall be doneיֵעָ֥שֶׂה(yê·‘ā·śeh)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, maketo himלּֽוֹ׃(lōw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrewaccording to the sameהַזֶּ֖ה(haz·zeh)Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, thatrule.כַּמִּשְׁפָּ֥ט(kam·miš·pāṭ)Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4941:A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style
Links
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OT Law: Exodus 21:31 Whether it has gored a son (Exo. Ex) 
