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◄ Exodus 21:32►

New International Version
If the bull gores a male or female slave, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of the slave, and the bull is to be stoned to death.

New Living Translation
But if the ox gores a slave, either male or female, the animal’s owner must pay the slave’s owner thirty silver coins, and the ox must be stoned.

English Standard Version
If the ox gores a slave, male or female, the owner shall give to their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

Berean Standard Bible
If the ox gores a manservant or maidservant, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of that servant, and the ox must be stoned.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
If the ox gores a male or female servant, he shall give to their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

New American Standard Bible
If the ox gores a male or female slave, the owner shall give hisor her master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

NASB 1995
“If the ox gores a male or female slave, the owner shall give his or her master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

NASB 1977
“If the ox gores a male or female slave, the owner shall give hisor her master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

Legacy Standard Bible
If the ox gores a male or female slave, the owner shall give hisor her master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

Amplified Bible
If the ox gores a male or a female servant, the owner shall give to the servant’s master thirty shekels of silver [the purchase price for a slave], and the ox shall be stoned.

Christian Standard Bible
If the ox gores a male or female slave, he must give thirty shekels of silver to the slave’s master, and the ox must be stoned.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If the ox gores a male or female slave, he must give 30 shekels of silver to the slave’s master, and the ox must be stoned.”

American Standard Version
If the ox gore a man-servant or a maid-servant, there shall be given unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

Contemporary English Version
If the bull kills a slave, you must pay the slave owner 30 pieces of silver for the loss of the slave, and the bull must be killed by stoning.

English Revised Version
If the ox gore a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If the bull gores a male or female slave, its owner must pay 12 ounces of silver to the slave's master, and the bull must be stoned.

Good News Translation
If the bull kills a male or female slave, its owner shall pay the owner of the slave thirty pieces of silver, and the bull shall be stoned to death.

International Standard Version
"If the ox gores a male or female servant, the owner is to give 30 shekels of silver to the servant's master, and the ox is to be stoned.

NET Bible
If the ox gores a male servant or a female servant, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver, and the ox must be stoned.

New Heart English Bible
If the bull gores a male servant or a female servant, thirty shekels of silver shall be given to their master, and the ox shall be stoned.

Webster's Bible Translation
If the ox shall push a man-servant, or maid-servant; he shall give to their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
If the ox gores a manservant or maidservant, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of that servant, and the ox must be stoned.

World English Bible
If the bull gores a male servant or a female servant, thirty shekels of silver shall be given to their master, and the ox shall be stoned.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
If the ox gores a manservant or a handmaid, he gives thirty silver shekels to their lord, and the ox is stoned.

Young's Literal Translation
'If the ox gore a man-servant or a handmaid, thirty silver shekels he doth give to their lord, and the ox is stoned.

Smith's Literal Translation
If the ox shall push a servant, or a maid, he shall give thirty shekels of silver to his lord, and the ox shall be stoned.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
If he assault a bondman or a bond woman, he shall give thirty sicles of silver to their master, and the ox shall be stoned.

Catholic Public Domain Version
If it attacks a male or female servant, he shall give thirty shekels of silver to their lord, yet truly the ox shall be stoned.

New American Bible
But if it is a male or a female slave that it gores, he must pay the owner of the slave thirty shekels of silver, and the ox must be stoned.

New Revised Standard Version
If the ox gores a male or female slave, the owner shall pay to the slaveowner thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
If the ox gores a manservant or a maidservant, the owner shall give to their master thirty shekels of silver and the ox shall be stoned.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And if an ox will gore a Servant or a Maidservant, he shall give thirty shekels of silver to his/her Master and the ox shall be stoned.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
If the ox gore a bondman or a bondwoman, he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And if the bull gore a man-servant or maid-servant, he shall pay to their master thirty silver didrachms, and the bull shall be stoned.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Personal Injury Laws
…31If the ox gores a son or a daughter, it shall be done to him according to the same rule.32If the ox gores a manservant or maidservant,the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of that servant,and the ox must be stoned.

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Leviticus 24:18
Whoever kills an animal must make restitution—life for life.

Numbers 35:31-32
You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death. / Nor should you accept a ransom for the person who flees to a city of refuge and allow him to return and live on his own land before the death of the high priest.

Deuteronomy 22:29
then the man who lay with her must pay the young woman’s father fifty shekels of silver, and she must become his wife because he has violated her. He must not divorce her as long as he lives.

1 Samuel 6:18
The number of gold rats also corresponded to the number of Philistine cities belonging to the five rulers—the fortified cities and their outlying villages. And the large rock on which they placed the ark of the LORD stands to this day in the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh.

2 Kings 15:20
Menahem exacted this money from each of the wealthy men of Israel—fifty shekels of silver from each man—to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria withdrew and did not remain in the land.

Isaiah 53:10
Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.

Ezekiel 34:4
You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty.

Matthew 5:17-18
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. / For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

Matthew 26:15
and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver.

Luke 22:5
They were delighted and agreed to give him money.

John 10:11-15
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ...

Acts 20:28
Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Corinthians 6:20
you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.

1 Corinthians 7:23
You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.

Treasury of Scripture

If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give to their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

Genesis 37:28
Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twentypieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.

Zechariah 11:12,13
And I said unto them, If ye think good, giveme my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirtypieces of silver…

Matthew 26:15
And saidunto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

and the ox

Exodus 21:28,29
If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the oxshall be quit…

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Bondman Bondwoman Bull Caused Death Female Gore Gores Maidservant Maid-Servant Male Manservant Man-Servant Master Ox Pay Push Servant Shekels Silver Slave Stoned Thirty Woman-Servant

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Bondman Bondwoman Bull Caused Death Female Gore Gores Maidservant Maid-Servant Male Manservant Man-Servant Master Ox Pay Push Servant Shekels Silver Slave Stoned Thirty Woman-Servant

Exodus 21

1.Laws for men servants
5.For the servant whose ear is bored
7.For women servants
12.For manslaughter
16.For kidnappers
17.For cursers of parents
18.For smiters
22.For a hurt by chance
28.For an ox that gores
33.For him who is an occasion of harm

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

If the ox gores a manservant or maidservant
This phrase addresses the situation where an ox, a common domestic animal in ancient agrarian societies, causes harm to a servant. The inclusion of both "manservant" and "maidservant" indicates the law's application to both male and female servants, reflecting the social structure of ancient Israel where servitude was a recognized institution. The law underscores the value of human life and the responsibility of animal owners to control their animals. This reflects the broader biblical principle of justice and care for all individuals, regardless of their social status.

the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of that servant
The payment of thirty shekels of silver serves as compensation for the loss of the servant. This amount is significant, as it was considered the standard price for a slave (seeGenesis 37:28, where Joseph is sold by his brothers for twenty shekels, indicating inflation or increased valuation over time). The use of silver as currency highlights the economic practices of the time. This specific amount is also prophetically significant, as it is the same price for which Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus (Matthew 26:15), drawing a typological connection between the value placed on a servant's life and the price of betrayal of the Messiah.

and the ox must be stoned
The stoning of the ox serves as a form of capital punishment for the animal, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense and the need for public accountability. This act removes the dangerous animal from the community, preventing further harm. It also serves as a deterrent, encouraging owners to take responsibility for their animals. The requirement for stoning reflects the broader biblical principle of justice and the sanctity of life, as well as the communal responsibility to uphold these values. This mirrors the biblical theme of atonement and the removal of sin, as seen in the sacrificial system where the shedding of blood was required for the atonement of sin.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Ox
A domesticated animal often used for labor in ancient agrarian societies. In this context, it represents property that can cause harm.

2.Slave
A person in servitude, often due to debt or as a result of war. In ancient Israel, slaves had certain rights and protections under the law.

3.Owner
The person responsible for the ox. This individual is held accountable for the actions of their property.

4.Master of the Slave
The person who holds authority over the slave and receives compensation for the loss or injury of the slave.

5.Thirty Shekels of Silver
A specific amount of money that serves as compensation for the loss of a slave, reflecting the value placed on human life and labor.

Teaching Points

Value of Human Life
The compensation of thirty shekels of silver underscores the intrinsic value of human life, even in a servitude context. It reminds us of the importance of valuing every individual as created in the image of God.

Accountability and Responsibility
The owner of the ox is held accountable for the actions of their property, teaching us the importance of responsibility for our possessions and their impact on others.

Justice and Restitution
The law provides a system of justice and restitution, reflecting God's desire for fairness and the restoration of wrongs. This principle can guide us in seeking justice in our own lives.

Symbolism of Silver
The use of silver as compensation can be seen as a foreshadowing of the price paid for Jesus' betrayal, inviting reflection on the cost of sin and redemption.

Protection of the Vulnerable
The law's provision for slaves highlights God's concern for the vulnerable and marginalized, encouraging us to advocate for and protect those who are powerless.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Exodus 21:32?

2.How does Exodus 21:32 reflect God's justice in societal laws?

3.What does the "thirty shekels of silver" signify in biblical and historical context?

4.How can Exodus 21:32 guide us in valuing human life today?

5.Connect Exodus 21:32 with New Testament teachings on justice and restitution.

6.How should Christians apply the principles of Exodus 21:32 in modern legal systems?

7.Why does Exodus 21:32 assign a monetary value to a human life?

8.How does Exodus 21:32 reflect the cultural norms of ancient Israel?

9.What is the significance of the thirty shekels in Exodus 21:32?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 21?

11.What is the significance of thirty pieces of silver?

12.Zechariah 11:12–13 mentions thirty pieces of silver—does this passage genuinely predict Judas’s betrayal, or is it anachronistic in light of New Testament narratives?

13.How does the betrayal arrangement in Matthew 26:14–16 align historically with known practices of the Jewish leadership and Roman authorities of that era?

14.Is Zechariah 11:12-13 a Messianic prophecy?

What Does Exodus 21:32 Mean

If the ox gores a manservant or maidservant

• God’s law treats servants as genuine human lives whose safety matters. Earlier instructions include, “If the ox gores a man or a woman to death… the ox must be stoned” (Exodus 21:28). This verse extends that same protection to hired or bonded workers, reinforcingGenesis 9:5-6 where God demands an account for every human life lost.

• The wording assumes a real incident, reminding owners that animals are their responsibility. Negligence toward others’ welfare violates the command to “build a parapet on your roof, so that you may not bring bloodshed on your house” (Deuteronomy 22:8).

• Every member of the covenant community—free or servant—enjoys God-given dignity. The principle shows up again when servants injured by their masters were to be released (Exodus 21:26-27).

the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of that servant

• Restitution is required. Just as a thief must repay multiple times what he stole (Exodus 22:1-4), the ox’s owner must cover the economic loss.

• Thirty shekels represented the typical market price of a slave (compareZechariah 11:12 andMatthew 26:15, where thirty pieces of silver tragically price the Messiah). The amount underscores that the servant’s labor had measurable value, while the servant’s life had immeasurable worth acknowledged through both payment and capital penalty on the animal.

• Monetary compensation goes to the servant’s master because the servant’s earnings belonged contractually to him (Leviticus 25:51-53). Yet the law’s primary thrust remains: life cannot be treated cheaply.

and the ox must be stoned

• The animal is executed to remove danger and symbolize that innocent blood brings guilt upon the land (Numbers 35:33). Killing the ox eliminates any future profit, ensuring the owner gains nothing from negligence.

• Stoning prevents the carcass from being eaten, keeping Israel ceremonially clean (Exodus 21:28;Leviticus 11:24).

• The action mirrors the principle of “life for life” (Leviticus 24:17-18). While the owner’s life is spared in this particular scenario, the deadly seriousness of the offense is still made visible. Should the ox have a known history of goring and its owner fail to restrain it, the owner himself could face death (Exodus 21:29-30).

summary

Exodus 21:32 teaches that every human life, including that of a servant, is precious. God holds people accountable for the harm their property causes, requiring both just restitution and decisive removal of danger. The set amount—thirty shekels of silver—highlights the servant’s tangible worth, while the stoning of the ox dramatizes the spiritual and social gravity of shedding blood. Together these measures uphold justice, deter negligence, and proclaim the sanctity of human life.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 32. -If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant. Hitherto, the case of free persons only has been considered. But the accident might have happened to a slave. Where this was the case, the death of the ox was still made indispensable, and thus far the same sacredness was made to attach to the life of the slave and of the freeman. But, in lieu of a varying fine, the average price of a slave, thirty shekels of silver, was appointed to be paid in all cases, as a compensation to the master

CHAPTER 21:33-36

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

If
אִם־(’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

the ox
הַשּׁ֖וֹר(haš·šō·wr)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7794:A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera)

gores
יִגַּ֥ח(yig·gaḥ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5055:To butt with the horns, to war against

a manservant
עֶ֛בֶד(‘e·ḇeḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5650:Slave, servant

or
א֣וֹ(’ōw)
Conjunction
Strong's 176:Desire, if

maidservant,
אָמָ֑ה(’ā·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 519:A maidservant, female slave

[the owner] must pay
יִתֵּן֙(yit·tên)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, set

thirty
שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים(šə·lō·šîm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 7970:Thirty, thirtieth

shekels
שְׁקָלִ֗ים(šə·qā·lîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8255:A weight, a commercial standard

of silver
כֶּ֣סֶף ׀(ke·sep̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701:Silver, money

to the master of that servant,
לַֽאדֹנָ֔יו(la·ḏō·nāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 113:Sovereign, controller

and the ox
וְהַשּׁ֖וֹר(wə·haš·šō·wr)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7794:A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera)

must be stoned.
יִסָּקֵֽל׃(yis·sā·qêl)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5619:To stone, put to death by stoning

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OT Law: Exodus 21:32 If the bull gores a male servant (Exo. Ex)