Laws About Personal Injuries
Exodus 21:12-36
Exo.21.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מכה: VERB,qal,part,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומת: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
- יומת: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Lev.24.17 (verbal): Nearly identical legal formulation: "Whoever takes a human life shall be put to death," echoing the same command and penalty.
- Num.35.16-21 (structural): Develops the homicide laws by distinguishing intentional murder from accidental killing and prescribing the avenger of blood and cities of refuge—context for applying the death penalty in Exod 21:12.
- Deut.19.11-13 (thematic): Regulates the response to a murderer and the role of the avenger of blood; repeats and applies the principle that deliberate killers are to be executed.
- Gen.9.6 (verbal): Foundational prohibition linking shedding human blood with capital sanction: "Whoever sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed," underlying later Mosaic homicide statutes.
- Matt.5.21-22 (quotation): Jesus cites the traditional prohibition "You shall not murder" and then expands its moral scope—direct New Testament engagement with the Old Testament ban on killing.
Alternative generated candidates
- Whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death.
- Whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death.
Exo.21.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואשר: CONJ+PRON,rel
- לא: PART_NEG
- צדה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- והאלהים: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אנה: ADV,interrog
- לידו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ושמתי: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- מקום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ינוס: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שמה: ADV
Parallels
- Exod.21:12-14 (structural): Immediate legal context: v.12 states the death penalty for intentional killing and v.13 contrasts the case of unintentional killing, promising a place of refuge (the same rule continued in v.14).
- Num.35:9-15 (verbal): Gives the detailed ordinance establishing cities of refuge for the one who killed unintentionally—uses language about appointing places where the slayer may flee, echoing Exodus 21:13.
- Deut.19:1-13 (thematic): Repeats the law concerning manslaughter, the avenger of blood, and the designation of cities of refuge; develops the same legal-theological framework as Exodus 21:13.
- Josh.20:1-6 (quotation): Narrative enactment of the earlier law: Joshua is commanded to set aside the cities of refuge so that a person who killed unintentionally might flee there, directly reflecting Exodus 21:13.
Alternative generated candidates
- But if he did not lie in wait, and God let it come into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place to which he may flee.
- But if he did not lie in wait, and God caused it to meet his hand, then I will appoint for you a place to which he may flee.
Exo.21.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכי: CONJ
- יזד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- רעהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- להרגו: VERB,qal,inf,3,m,sg
- בערמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מעם: PREP
- מזבחי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- תקחנו: VERB,qal,imperfect,2,m,sg+3ms
- למות: VERB,qal,inf
Parallels
- Exodus 21:12-13 (verbal): Immediate legal context: 21:12–13 distinguishes intentional murder from accidental killing; 21:14 specifies that a treacherous murderer may be taken from sanctuary to die.
- Numbers 35:16-21 (thematic): Law distinguishing premeditated murder from involuntary manslaughter; mandates death for a murderer rather than protection in a refuge.
- Deuteronomy 19:4-6 (thematic): Sets up cities of refuge and the principle that one who reaches sanctuary is protected unless the killing was deliberate — relates to removing protection for premeditated homicide.
- Leviticus 24:17 (verbal): Short statutory parallel: 'Whoever takes a human life shall surely be put to death,' echoing the penalty for unlawful killing.
- 1 Kings 2:28-34 (structural): Narrative parallel: Joab flees to the altar but is taken from the sanctuary and executed on Solomon's orders — an example of removing sanctuary protection for bloodguilt.
Alternative generated candidates
- And if a man schemes against his neighbor to kill him by treachery, from my altar you shall take him to die.
- But if a man schemes against his neighbor to kill him by treachery, you shall take him even from my altar to die.
Exo.21.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומכה: CONJ+VERB,qal,part,3,m,sg
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ואמו: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs+3ms
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
- יומת: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Leviticus 20:9 (verbal): Prescribes the death penalty for cursing (and dishonoring) one's parents; closely parallels Exodus 21:15–17 in wording and punishment for offenses against parents.
- Exodus 21:12 (structural): General homicide statute ('whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall be put to death'); provides the broader legal pattern of capital punishment reflected in 21:15 for violence within the household.
- Deuteronomy 21:18-21 (thematic): Law prescribing capital punishment for a stubborn/rebellious son who disobeys and dishonors parents; thematically linked as another family-related capital statute.
- Exodus 20:12 (thematic): The Fifth Commandment ('Honor your father and your mother') sets the ethical backdrop for laws protecting parents and prohibiting violence against them.
- Proverbs 20:20 (verbal): A wisdom saying that pronounces doom on one who curses a parent ('his lamp shall be put out'); echoes the severe consequences for parent-directed abuse found in Exodus 21:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- Whoever strikes his father or his mother shall surely be put to death.
- Whoever strikes his father or his mother shall surely be put to death.
Exo.21.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וגנב: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומכרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ונמצא: VERB,nip,perf,3,m,sg
- בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
- יומת: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Deut.24.7 (quotation): Nearly identical restatement of the same crime and penalty—kidnapping and selling an Israelite is punishable by death; repetition of the covenant-law.
- Exod.20.15 (thematic): The Decalogue’s prohibition “You shall not steal” supplies the broader moral/legal principle underlying the specific prohibition against man‑stealing.
- Lev.25.39-46 (thematic): Laws governing sale and servitude: distinguishes permitted servitude for impoverished Israelites from unlawful sale/enslavement and forbids permanent sale of Israelites to foreigners (esp. v.42).
- Gen.37.27-28 (allusion): Narrative instance of a man being seized and sold (Joseph); a real‑life example of the practice the statute aims to prohibit and punish.
Alternative generated candidates
- Whoever steals a person and sells him, and he is found in his hand, shall surely be put to death.
- Whoever kidnaps a man and sells him, and he is found in his possession, shall surely be put to death.
Exo.21.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומקלל: CONJ+VERB,piel,ptc,3,m,sg
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ואמו: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss:3ms
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
- יומת: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Leviticus 20:9 (quotation): Repeats the same legal pronouncement: anyone who curses father or mother shall be put to death — virtually identical wording and penalty.
- Deuteronomy 27:16 (verbal): Covenantal curse formula: 'Cursed be anyone who dishonors his father or his mother,' echoing the prohibition and curse language of Exodus 21:17.
- Deuteronomy 21:18-21 (structural): Related legal passage prescribing capital punishment for a 'stubborn and rebellious' son brought by his parents — a structural parallel concerning filial offenses and death penalty procedures.
- Exodus 20:12 (cf. Deuteronomy 5:16) (thematic): The Fifth Commandment to 'honor your father and your mother' provides the moral foundation for prohibitions and penalties against cursing or dishonoring parents.
- Proverbs 20:20 (thematic): Wisdom tradition echo: cursing one's parents brings severe consequences ('his lamp will be put out in utter darkness'), reflecting the same condemnation of parental curses.
Alternative generated candidates
- Whoever curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death.
- Whoever curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death.
Exo.21.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכי: CONJ
- יריבן: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אנשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- והכה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- רעהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- באבן: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- או: CONJ
- באגרף: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- ימות: VERB,qal,juss,3,m,sg
- ונפל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- למשכב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exod.21.19 (structural): Direct continuation of the same legal case: if the injured person is confined to bed the assailant must pay for loss of time and care (follows the scenario of assault without death).
- Exod.21.20 (structural): Closely related assault-law in the same pericope dealing with injury and death (includes treatment of a beating that results in death or serious injury, expanding the regulation of personal violence).
- Lev.24.19-20 (verbal): Applies the lex talionis and principle of proportionate retribution/compensation for bodily injury ('fracture for fracture, eye for eye'), providing the broader legal principle governing assault and injury.
- Deut.19.21 (allusion): Repeats the lex talionis ethic ('so shall you do to him: fracture for fracture'), reflecting the same principle of proportional punishment and deterrence underlying the assault statutes.},{
Alternative generated candidates
- And if men quarrel and one strikes his neighbor with a stone or with his fist, and he does not die but falls to his bed,
- When men quarrel and one strikes his neighbor with a stone or with the fist, and he does not die but takes to his bed,
Exo.21.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אם: CONJ
- יקום: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- והתהלך: VERB,hitp,perf,3,m,sg
- בחוץ: ADV
- על: PREP
- משענתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ונקה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- המכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- רק: PRT
- שבתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- יתן: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- ורפא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ירפא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 21:18 (structural): Immediate preceding clause in the same legal unit describing assault and its outcome; v.18 lays out the case that v.19 (recovery) follows.
- Exodus 21:20-21 (thematic): Related regulations about bodily harm and death from beating; contrasts different treatments and penalties depending on survival and status of the victim.
- Leviticus 24:19-20 (verbal): Applies the lex talionis (‘fracture for fracture, eye for eye’) and the principle of proportionate reparation for bodily injury, a parallel legal principle to compensatory provisions in Exod 21:18–19.
- Deuteronomy 19:21 (verbal): Repeats the retributive formula (‘life for life, eye for eye’) and underscores the Old Testament legal framework for responding to personal injury.
- Matthew 5:38 (allusion): Jesus cites the 'eye for eye' rule from the OT law and reframes it; the verse is an explicit New Testament engagement with the same legal tradition underlying Exod 21:18–19.
Alternative generated candidates
- if he rises and walks outside on his staff, then the striker shall be cleared; only he shall pay for his loss of time, and he shall surely provide for his healing.
- if he rises and walks outside on his staff, the striker shall be cleared; only he shall pay for his loss of time and shall surely cause him to be healed.
Exo.21.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכי: CONJ
- יכה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- עבדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- או: CONJ
- את: PRT,acc
- אמתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- בשבט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומת: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- תחת: PREP
- ידו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- נקם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ינקם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 21:26-27 (structural): Same legal section on injuries to slaves—prescribes that if a master maims a slave (eye or tooth), the slave goes free; directly related to the treatment and consequences for harming servants.
- Leviticus 24:20 (verbal): States the lex talionis ('fracture for fracture, eye for eye') for bodily injury; echoes the principle of measured legal response to personal injury underlying Exodus 21.
- Numbers 35:16-31 (thematic): Regulations distinguishing intentional murder from accidental killing and prescribing punishment (including death for intentional homicide); thematically parallels the liability and sanctions when one person's actions cause another's death.
- Deuteronomy 15:12-18 (thematic): Laws concerning the release and fair treatment of Hebrew servants after six years, reflecting the wider legal and ethical framework governing masters' obligations toward servants in the Pentateuch.
- 1 Peter 2:18 (thematic): New Testament exhortation for servants to endure unjust suffering at the hands of masters; thematically connected to the social reality and expectations about master–servant relations implicit in Exodus 21.
Alternative generated candidates
- And if a man strikes his slave or his female slave with a rod and he dies under his hand, vengeance shall surely be taken.
- When a man strikes his male slave or his female slave with a rod, and he dies under his hand, vengeance shall surely be taken.
Exo.21.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אך: PART
- אם: CONJ
- יום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- או: CONJ
- יומים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יעמד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- יקם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- כספו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.21.20 (structural): Immediate context: the preceding law distinguishes beating that causes death (owner liable) from the case where the servant recovers after a day or two (no remedy).
- Exod.21.26-27 (thematic): Another regulation about injuring a slave—if the master causes loss of an eye or tooth the slave is to go free—shows different legal outcomes for bodily harm to servants.
- Lev.25.39-43 (thematic): Laws governing treatment of Israelite servants, forbidding harsh rule and insisting on humane treatment, parallels the legal concern for servants' welfare in Exodus 21.
- Deut.15.12-15 (thematic): Regulation for Hebrew servants' release and provision when they depart after service—another legal framework addressing the rights and remedies of servitude within Israelite law.
Alternative generated candidates
- But if he stands a day or two, he shall not be avenged, for he is his money.
- But if he survives a day or two, vengeance shall not be taken, for he is his property.
Exo.21.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכי: CONJ
- ינצו: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,pl
- אנשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ונגפו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- אשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הרה: ADJ,f,sg
- ויצאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ילדיה: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3f.suf
- ולא: CONJ
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אסון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ענוש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יענש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כאשר: CONJ
- ישית: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- בעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האשה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ונתן: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בפללים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 21:12 (structural): Another statute in the same casuistic collection dealing with interpersonal violence; contrasts the death-penalty for killing a person with 21:22’s calibrated penalties when a pregnant woman is harmed and the fetus is lost.
- Exodus 21:28-32 (thematic): Laws about an ox goring and the owner's liability distinguish outcomes (injury vs death) and impose fines or capital measures—parallel to 21:22’s distinction between fetal loss without further harm and more serious consequences.
- Leviticus 24:17-22 (thematic): Lex talionis and statutory penalties for killing or injuring emphasize proportional punishment and legal differentiation of harm, providing a broader legal principle underlying Exodus 21’s graduated sanctions.
- Numbers 35:9-34 (structural): Regulations establishing cities of refuge and the distinction between accidental killing and murder develop the same concern with intent and differing penalties reflected in Exodus 21:22’s treatment of accidental or non-lethal outcomes.
- Deuteronomy 19:1-13 (thematic): Procedural rules for determining manslaughter versus murder and protecting the unintentional slayer (cities of refuge) further explicate the legal distinction between accidental harm and culpable killing implicit in Exodus 21:22.
Alternative generated candidates
- And if men fight and they strike a pregnant woman so that her children come out, but there is no harm, he shall surely be fined, as the woman’s husband shall lay upon him, and he shall pay by the decision of the judges.
- When men fight and they strike a pregnant woman so that her children come out, but no harm follows, he shall surely be fined as the woman’s husband imposes on him, and he shall pay according to the decision of the judges.
Exo.21.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואם: CONJ
- אסון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ונתתה: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- נפש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תחת: PREP
- נפש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exod.21.24 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the same legal formula (lex talionis): 'eye for eye, tooth for tooth' within the same statute that frames 'life for life.'
- Leviticus 24:17-22 (verbal): Restates and applies the principle of equivalent retribution (including 'life for life' and 'eye for eye') as a principle of communal justice.
- Deuteronomy 19:21 (verbal): Echoes the lex talionis language ('life for life, eye for eye'), instructing that punishments match the offense and warning against pity that would undermine equal retribution.
- Genesis 9:6 (thematic): Articulates the underlying rationale for capital retribution — 'whoever sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed' — reflecting the 'life for life' principle in a patriarchal covenant context.
- Matthew 5:38-39 (quotation): Jesus cites the 'eye for eye' formula ('You have heard...'), directly engaging the lex talionis represented by 'life for life' and then reinterpreting it in a call to non-retaliation.
Alternative generated candidates
- But if harm occurs, then you shall give life in place of life,
- But if harm does follow, then you shall give life for life,
Exo.21.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עין: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- תחת: PREP
- עין: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- שן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תחת: PREP
- שן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תחת: PREP
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רגל: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תחת: PREP
- רגל: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Lev.24.19-20 (verbal): Repeats the lex talionis formula almost verbatim (eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot) as the rule for equitable retribution.
- Deut.19.21 (verbal): Affirms the same principle of proportionate retribution (fracture for fracture, eye for eye) as a deterrent—'so you shall purge the evil.'
- Matt.5.38-39 (quotation): Jesus cites the 'eye for eye' formula ('You have heard that it was said...') and contrasts it with his ethic of non-retaliation ('turn the other cheek').
- Gen.9.6 (thematic): Articulates a related principle of retributive justice—'whoever sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed'—reflecting the same lex talionis ethic of proportionate punishment.
Alternative generated candidates
- eye in place of eye, tooth in place of tooth, hand in place of hand, foot in place of foot,
- eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
Exo.21.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כויה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תחת: PREP
- כויה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- פצע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תחת: PREP
- פצע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חבורה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תחת: PREP
- חבורה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Leviticus 24:19-20 (verbal): Direct repetition of the lex talionis language ('eye for eye, tooth for tooth') applied to injuries and restitution; closely parallels Exodus wording and legal principle.
- Deuteronomy 19:21 (verbal): Restates the principle of equivalent retribution to deter escalation: the offender receives the same penalty as the injury inflicted ('fracture for fracture, eye for eye').
- Matthew 5:38-39 (quotation): Jesus explicitly quotes the 'eye for eye' formula and then reinterprets it, urging non-retaliation ('Do not resist an evildoer')—a theological response to the Exodus/Deuteronomy law.
- Romans 12:17-19 (thematic): Paul rejects personal vengeance ('Repay no one evil for evil') and urges leaving judgment to God, engaging the same issue of retaliation and justice addressed by the lex talionis.
Alternative generated candidates
- burn in place of burn, wound in place of wound, bruise in place of bruise.
- burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.
Exo.21.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכי: CONJ
- יכה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- עין: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- עבדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- או: CONJ
- את: PRT,acc
- עין: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- אמתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3ms
- ושחתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לחפשי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישלחנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg+3ms
- תחת: PREP
- עינו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3ms
Parallels
- Exod.21.25 (verbal): Gives the general principle of lex talionis in the same legal context — 'fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth' that underlies the specific provision about a servant's damaged eye.
- Exod.21.27 (verbal): A closely related case in the same chapter applying the same compensatory logic to a servant whose tooth is broken, showing the parallel remedial rule for bodily injury.
- Lev.24.19-20 (verbal): Reiterates the 'eye for eye' formula as the norm for judging personal injury, applying the principle of proportional retribution within Israel's legal corpus.
- Deut.19.21 (thematic): Affirms the principle of equivalent retribution — 'fracture for fracture' — as a deterrent and guiding rule for justice, echoing the Exodus provision's proportionality.
- Matt.5.38-39 (quotation): Jesus cites the 'eye for eye' saying and then challenges its application, explicitly engaging the Old Testament legal tradition represented by Exodus 21:26 and related texts.
Alternative generated candidates
- And if a man strikes the eye of his slave or the eye of his female slave and destroys it, he shall let that slave go out free, in place of the eye.
- When a man strikes the eye of his male slave or the eye of his female slave and destroys it, he shall send him out free, in compensation for his eye.
Exo.21.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואם: CONJ
- שן: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- עבדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- או: CONJ
- שן: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- אמתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3ms
- יפיל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לחפשי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישלחנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg+3ms
- תחת: PREP
- שנו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3ms
Parallels
- Exod.21.26 (verbal): Immediate companion clause: the law pairs loss of an eye or tooth with manumission—same legal formulation extending to both injuries.
- Exod.21.20-21 (thematic): Regulates violence against slaves and the owner's liability; thematically connected as part of the broader corpus governing injuries to servants and consequences for the master.
- Lev.24.19-20 (verbal): Articulates the lex talionis ('eye for eye, tooth for tooth')—a parallel legal principle of proportionate compensation for bodily harm that illuminates Exodus' distinct remedy (manumission) in the case of a slave.
- Lev.25.39-43 (thematic): Laws concerning the humane treatment and eventual release of Hebrew servants—relates to Exodus' concern for the rights and release of injured/inferior-status persons.
- Deut.15.12-18 (thematic): Law requiring the release of a Hebrew servant after six years and provisions for his freedom; thematically linked to Exodus 21:27's provision of manumission as redress for injury.
Alternative generated candidates
- And if he knocks out the tooth of his slave or the tooth of his female slave, he shall let that slave go out free, in place of the tooth.
- And if he knocks out the tooth of his male slave or the tooth of his female slave, he shall send him out free, in compensation for his tooth.
Exo.21.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכי: CONJ
- יגח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- או: CONJ
- את: PRT,acc
- אשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומת: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- סקול: VERB,qal,ptc,m,sg
- יסקל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- השור: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ולא: CONJ
- יאכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- בשרו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ובעל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השור: NOUN,m,sg,def
- נקי: ADJ,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.21.29-32 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the same statute: further specification of when the owner is liable (if the ox was known to be dangerous) and the penalties/compensation; uses the same terminology and legal framework.
- Exod.21.33-36 (structural): Closely related legal material in the same block concerning oxen and owner liability (pit into which an ox falls); contrasts situations where the owner is held responsible with 21:28 where the owner is cleared.
- Deut.22:8 (thematic): A law imposing a duty on property owners to prevent harm (building a parapet on a roof); thematically related to owner responsibility and prevention of accidents that could cause death or injury.
- Num.35:22-25 (thematic): Laws distinguishing accidental from intentional killing and assigning consequences (cities of refuge, exile) — parallels the legal principle in Exod 21:28 of distinguishing kinds of causation and allocating liability accordingly.
Alternative generated candidates
- And if an ox gores a man or a woman and he dies, the ox shall surely be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be cleared.
- When an ox gores a man or a woman so that he dies, the ox shall surely be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be cleared.
Exo.21.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואם: CONJ
- שור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נגח: VERB,qal,ptc,m,sg
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- מתמל: ADV
- שלשם: ADV
- והועד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- בבעליו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3,m,pl
- ולא: CONJ
- ישמרנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg+1,pl
- והמית: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- או: CONJ
- אשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- השור: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יסקל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- וגם: CONJ
- בעליו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- יומת: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.21.28 (verbal): Immediate preceding clause in the same legal unit: if an ox gores and the owner was not warned the owner is not put to death. Shares wording and provides the contrast that makes 21:29's harsher penalty conditional on prior warning.
- Exod.21.30-32 (structural): Continuation of the same statute: provisions for ransom and varying liability depending on the owner’s knowledge and conduct. These verses complete the legal scheme treating deadly goring and the owner's responsibility.
- Num.35.11-31 (thematic): Law of cities of refuge and the distinction between manslaughter and murder. The passage frames Israelite practice of differentiating accidental from culpable killing, relevant to determining when an owner is criminally liable for a death caused by his animal.
- Deut.19.1-13 (thematic): Regulations about the avenger of blood, cities of refuge, and the investigation of killing to determine intent. Echoes the concern in Exod.21:29 to assess culpability before imposing capital sanction.
- Lev.24.17-21 (thematic): The lex talionis ('life for life') principle and retributive justice for causing death. Provides a parallel legal rationale for imposing death as a sanction when one's actions (or negligent stewardship) result in another’s death.
Alternative generated candidates
- But if the ox was known to gore from yesterday and the day before, and it was testified to its owner and he did not guard it, and it kills a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned and its owner also shall be put to death.
- But if the ox was a gorer from yesterday and the day before, and it had been testified to its owner, yet he did not keep it in, and it kills a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned, and its owner also shall be put to death.
Exo.21.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אם: CONJ
- כפר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יושת: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- ונתן: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- פדין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נפשו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ככל: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יושת: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 35:31 (verbal): Uses the same idea/term of accepting or refusing a ransom for a slayer; here the law forbids accepting a ransom for a murderer, a thematic counterpoint to Exodus 21:30's allowance of payment for certain cases.
- Deuteronomy 19:4-6 (thematic): Part of the cities-of-refuge legislation that distinguishes accidental manslaughter from murder and protects the manslayer from the avenger of blood—closely related in purpose to Exodus 21:30's treatment of ransom/compensation for causing death.
- Exodus 21:29-31 (structural): Immediate context in the same legal unit; 21:29–31 develops the parallel distinctions between liability, payment (ransom), and capital punishment for killing (accidental versus intentional).
- Leviticus 24:17-21 (thematic): Affirms the principle of proportionate penalty for killing (‘whoever kills a person shall be put to death’) and the law-of-retribution framework that underlies distinctions between homicide, manslaughter, and monetary compensation found in Exodus 21:30.
Alternative generated candidates
- If ransom is laid upon him, then he shall give the redemption of his life, whatever is laid upon him.
- If a ransom is imposed on him, he shall pay the redemption price for his life, whatever is imposed on him.
Exo.21.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- או: CONJ
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יגח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- או: CONJ
- בת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- יגח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כמשפט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.21:28-32 (structural): Immediate context — the same legal unit on an ox that gores, repeating the formulas and penalties (including treatment when the ox injures/kills members of a household).
- Lev.24:17-22 (thematic): Articulates the lex talionis ('fracture for fracture, eye for eye') — same underlying principle of proportionate liability and equal measure of punishment for bodily injury.
- Deut.19:21 (thematic): Commands measured retribution ('show no pity… life for life'), reflecting the compensatory/retaliatory logic that governs accidental and culpable killings in the ox-goring statutes.
- Matt.5:38-42 (quotation): Jesus cites the 'eye for eye' tradition from the Torah — an explicit New Testament engagement with the same retaliatory/legal principle found in Exodus' injury laws.
Alternative generated candidates
- Whether it gores a son or gores a daughter, according to this judgment shall be done to him.
- Whether it gores a son or gores a daughter, according to this judgment it shall be done to him.
Exo.21.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אם: CONJ
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יגח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- השור: NOUN,m,sg,def
- או: CONJ
- אמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- שקלים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יתן: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- לאדניו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,sg
- והשור: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- יסקל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.21:28-29 (verbal): Same subject of an ox that gores a person: the ox is to be stoned and the owner's liability depends on whether the animal was known to be dangerous—closely parallel treatment of penalty and owner responsibility.
- Exod.21:31 (verbal): Near-identical provision stating that if an ox gores a son or daughter the owner must pay thirty shekels to the father and the ox is stoned—matches the amount and remedy, differing only in the recipient.
- Exod.21:23-25 (thematic): The lex talionis in the same chapter (life for life, eye for eye) sets the broader legal framework distinguishing capital punishment from monetary compensation for bodily harm, which undergirds 21:32.
- Lev.24:17-22 (structural): Reiterates the principle of proportionate punishment and impartial enforcement (lex talionis and equal application of penalties), providing a canonical parallel for how Israelite law treats serious injury and death.
Alternative generated candidates
- If the ox gores a male slave or a female slave, thirty shekels of silver he shall give to his master, and the ox shall be stoned.
- If the ox gores a male slave or a female slave, he shall give thirty shekels of silver to the master, and the ox shall be stoned.
Exo.21.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכי: CONJ
- יפתח: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- או: CONJ
- כי: CONJ
- יכרה: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בר: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- יכסנו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- ונפל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמה: ADV
- שור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- או: CONJ
- חמור: PNOUN,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 21:34-36 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same law: consequence and liability when an uncovered pit causes an ox or ass to fall (prescribes restitution or death/no restitution depending on circumstances).
- Exodus 21:28-32 (verbal): Nearby law about an ox that gores—addresses owner liability for an animal's dangerous behavior; shares legal principles about harm caused by animals and restitution/execution of penalties.
- Exodus 22:5 (thematic): Law on liability when negligence (here, letting fire spread) causes another's property to be destroyed; parallels the principle of responsibility for harm resulting from failure to prevent dangerous conditions.
- Deuteronomy 22:8 (thematic): Requires building a parapet on a new roof so no one falls and bloodguilt is avoided; parallels the duty to guard against foreseeable hazards and prevent injury.
- Proverbs 27:12 (thematic): 'A prudent person foresees danger and hides himself...'—expresses the ethical expectation to foresee and avert harm, echoing the underlying rationale for the pit/covering regulation.
Alternative generated candidates
- And if a man opens a pit, or if a man digs a pit and does not cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls there,
- When a man opens a pit, or when a man digs a pit and does not cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls there,
Exo.21.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבור: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ישלם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישיב: VERB,hifil,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לבעליו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3,pl
- והמת: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 21:28-31 (structural): Immediately related law about an ox that kills: both passages assign liability depending on the owner's knowledge and custody of a dangerous thing (owner’s responsibility for damage or death).
- Exodus 21:35-36 (structural): Continuing material in the same legal block concerning interpersonal harm and financial responsibility; shares the same formula of restitution and consequences for deaths resulting from negligent or dangerous conditions.
- Deuteronomy 22:8 (thematic): Requires building a parapet on roofs to prevent people from falling; thematically parallel in imposing a duty on property holders to prevent hazards and thereby avoid liability for ensuing injury or death.
- Deuteronomy 22:1-4 (thematic): Laws about returning and protecting others' lost or straying animals and assisting neighbors; reflects the broader principle of communal responsibility for others' property and preventing harm to animals or people.
Alternative generated candidates
- the owner of the pit shall make restitution; he shall give silver back to its owner, and the dead animal shall be his.
- the owner of the pit shall make restitution: he shall pay silver to its owner, and the dead animal shall be his.
Exo.21.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכי: CONJ
- יגף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- שור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רעהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- ומת: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ומכרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- השור: NOUN,m,sg,def
- החי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- וחצו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- כספו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m
- וגם: CONJ
- את: PRT,acc
- המת: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יחצון: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Exod.21:28-32 (verbal): Closely related casuistic law about an ox that gores a person—assigns owner liability (stoning, compensation) and distinguishes known dangerous animals, showing the same legal concern for damage caused by an ox.
- Exod.22:4 (thematic): Law about an owner's liability when his animal causes damage (trampling another's standing grain); shares the principle that animal owners must make restitution for harm caused to neighbors' property.
- Deut.22:1-4 (thematic): Rules about responsibility for a neighbor's stray animals and returning/restituting lost or damaged property — related social-legal obligation to protect and compensate neighbors for animal-related loss.
- Code of Hammurabi (laws on goring animals, e.g. §251) (allusion): Ancient Near Eastern parallel assigning liability when an ox or bull gores/kills another's animal or person; demonstrates a comparable legal resolution (compensation, responsibility of the owner) in contemporaneous law codes.
Alternative generated candidates
- And if a man’s ox strikes the ox of his neighbor and it dies, then they shall sell the live ox and divide its price, and also the dead one they shall divide.
- When one man’s ox strikes the ox of his neighbor and it dies, then they shall sell the living ox and divide its price, and also they shall divide the dead one.
Exo.21.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- או: CONJ
- נודע: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- שור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נגח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- מתמול: ADV
- שלשם: ADV
- ולא: CONJ
- ישמרנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בעליו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- שלם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ישלם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תחת: PREP
- השור: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והמת: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.21:28-31 (verbal): Same legal scenario (an ox that gores). These verses treat the case when the ox kills and when the animal was previously known to be dangerous, prescribing owner liability and penalties—close verbal and legal parallel to v.36.
- Exod.21:33-34 (structural): A related civil‑law provision about failing to prevent harm (an uncovered pit causing an ox to fall). Both verses assign financial liability for damage resulting from neglect to guard against known hazards.
- Exod.22:5 (thematic): Law about liability when someone grazes or tends another’s animals and they are injured or die—shares the theme of responsibility and restitution for animals under a person’s care.
- Deut.22:1-4 (thematic): Commands to return or safeguard a neighbor’s stray animals and to assist animals in distress—reflects the broader Israelite ethic of care and responsibility for others’ livestock underlying the liability rules in Exod.21:36.
Alternative generated candidates
- Or if it was known that it was a goring ox from yesterday and the day before, and its owner did not guard it, he shall surely pay: ox in place of ox, and the dead one shall be his.
- But if it is known that the ox was a gorer from yesterday and the day before, and its owner had not kept it in, he shall surely pay: ox for ox, and the dead animal shall be his.
Whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death. But if he did not lie in wait, but God brought it about into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place to which he may flee. And if a man willfully schemes against his neighbor to kill him by cunning, from my altar you shall take him to die.
Whoever strikes his father or his mother shall surely be put to death.
Whoever steals a man and sells him, or if he is found in his possession, shall surely be put to death.
Whoever curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death. And when men quarrel and a man strikes his neighbor with a stone or with his fist, and he does not die but falls bedridden,
if he rises and walks outside with his staff, the striker shall be acquitted; only he shall pay for his loss of time, and he shall surely have him healed. And when a man strikes his male slave or his female slave with a rod, and he dies under his hand, he shall surely be punished. But if he survives a day or two, he shall not be avenged, for he is his money. And when men struggle and they strike a pregnant woman, and her children come out, but there is no harm, he shall surely be fined as the woman’s husband imposes on him, and he shall pay as the judges determine. But if harm does occur, then you shall give life for life,
eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise. And when a man strikes the eye of his male slave or the eye of his female slave and destroys it, he shall let the slave go free for the eye. And if he knocks out the tooth of his male slave or the tooth of his female slave, he shall let the slave go free for the tooth. And when an ox gores a man or a woman, and the person dies, the ox shall surely be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be acquitted. But if the ox was accustomed to gore in time past, and warning has been given to its owner and he has not kept it in, and it kills a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned, and also its owner shall be put to death.
If a ransom is imposed on him, he shall give for the redemption of his life whatever is imposed upon him.
Whether it gores a son or gores a daughter, according to this judgment it shall be done to him.
If the ox gores a male slave or a female slave, he shall give thirty shekels of silver to the slave’s master, and the ox shall be stoned. And when a man opens a pit, or when a man digs a pit and does not cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls there,
the owner of the pit shall make restitution: he shall pay the owner, and the dead animal shall be his. And when one man’s ox injures his neighbor’s ox and it dies, then they shall sell the live ox and divide its price, and they shall also divide the dead one.
Or if it was known that the ox was accustomed to gore in time past, and its owner had not kept it in, he shall surely pay ox for ox, and the dead animal shall be his.