King James Version
Exodus 21
36 verses with commentary
Laws About Servants
Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them.</strong><br><br>'Judgments' (מִשְׁפָּטִים, mishpatim) means judicial decisions, case laws, ordinances—applications of the Decalogue's principles to specific situations. The Ten Words (ch. 20) provide foundation; the mishpatim build the superstructure of covenant community life. 'Set before them' (תָּשִׂים לִפְנֵיהֶם, tasim lifne...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
XXI.
LAWS CONCERNING THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS.
(1) **These are the judgments.**—“The laws” (Knobel), “the rights” (Keil), “the rules which shall guide judicial decisions” (Pool). The paraphrase alone gives the full meaning.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, &c.--**Their salutations would be marked by all the warm and social greetings of Oriental friends (see on Ex 4:27)--the one going out to "meet" the other, the "obeisance," the "kiss" on each side of the head, the silent entrance into the tent for consultation; and their conversation ran in the strain that might have been expected of two pious men,...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Laws respecting servants.(1-11)
Judicial laws.(12-21)
Judicial laws.(22-36)
**Verses 1-11**
The laws in this chapter relate to the fifth and sixth commandments; and though they differ from our times and customs, nor are they binding on us, yet they explain the moral law, and the rules of natural justice. The servant, in the state of servitude, was a...
Read full commentary →If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing.</strong><br><br>God's first civil law addresses slavery—revealing His priority to protect the vulnerable. 'Hebrew servant' (עֶבֶד עִבְרִי, eved ivri) refers to debt-servitude (not chattel slavery)—Israelites who sold themselves to pay debts. The six-year limit prevents permanent po...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **If thou buy an Hebrew servant.**—Ancient society was founded upon slavery. “The ultimate elements of the household,” says Aristotle, “are the master and his slave, the husband and his wife, the father and his children” (*Pol. i.* 2, § 1). In any consideration of the rights of persons, those of the slave class naturally presented themselves first of all, since they were the most liable to inf...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Laws respecting servants.(1-11)
Judicial laws.(12-21)
Judicial laws.(22-36)
**Verses 1-11**
The laws in this chapter relate to the fifth and sixth commandments; and though they differ from our times and customs, nor are they binding on us, yet they explain the moral law, and the rules of natural justice. The servant, in the state of servitude, was a...
Read full commentary →If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married , then his wife shall go out with him. by himself: Heb. with his body
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if he were married, then his wife shall go out with him.</strong><br><br>This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practica...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **His wife shall go out with him.**—The privilege of the married Hebrew slave was to attach also to his wife, if he was married when he became a slave. It further, no **doubt, **attached to his children.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Laws respecting servants.(1-11)
Judicial laws.(12-21)
Judicial laws.(22-36)
**Verses 1-11**
The laws in this chapter relate to the fifth and sixth commandments; and though they differ from our times and customs, nor are they binding on us, yet they explain the moral law, and the rules of natural justice. The servant, in the state of servitude, was a...
Read full commentary →If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.</strong><br><br>This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach coven...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) If his master have given him a wife.—If, however, the Hebrew slave, being previously unmarried, had been allowed by his master to take to wife one of his female slaves, then, when the husband claimed his freedom the wife could not claim hers. Both she and her children remained in the slave condition.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Laws respecting servants.(1-11)
Judicial laws.(12-21)
Judicial laws.(22-36)
**Verses 1-11**
The laws in this chapter relate to the fifth and sixth commandments; and though they differ from our times and customs, nor are they binding on us, yet they explain the moral law, and the rules of natural justice. The servant, in the state of servitude, was a...
Read full commentary →And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: shall: Heb. saying shall say
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free:</strong><br><br>Love can voluntarily extend servitude—'I love' (אָהַבְתִּי, ahavti) my master, wife, children. The servant may prefer security with a good master over freedom with poverty. This provision protects servants' choice—freedom isn't forced. The ear-piercing ritual (v. 6) mar...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **And if.**—Better, *But if.*
**I love my master.**—Under every system of slavery affection grows up between the slaves and a master who is indulgent to them. At Rome it was common for slaves to endure the severest torture rather than betray or accuse their owners. If a man has no rights, he is thankful for small mercies, and responds with warm feeling to those who treat him kindly. As the Heb...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Laws respecting servants.(1-11)
Judicial laws.(12-21)
Judicial laws.(22-36)
**Verses 1-11**
The laws in this chapter relate to the fifth and sixth commandments; and though they differ from our times and customs, nor are they binding on us, yet they explain the moral law, and the rules of natural justice. The servant, in the state of servitude, was a...
Read full commentary →Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.</strong><br><br>This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and commun...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **His master shall bring him unto the judges.**—A formal act was necessary. The State must sanction the passing of a citizen into the slave condition, and so the “judges” were called in. The change was to be made by a significant ceremony. In order to mark that henceforth the volunteer bondman became attached to the household, he was to be physically attached to the house by having an awl forc...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. Jethro ... took a burnt offering--**This friendly interview was terminated by a solemn religious service--the burnt offerings were consumed on the altar, and the sacrifices were peace offerings, used in a feast of joy and gratitude at which Jethro, as priest of the true God, seems to have presided, and to which the chiefs of Israel were invited. This incident is in beautiful keeping with the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Laws respecting servants.(1-11)
Judicial laws.(12-21)
Judicial laws.(22-36)
**Verses 1-11**
The laws in this chapter relate to the fifth and sixth commandments; and though they differ from our times and customs, nor are they binding on us, yet they explain the moral law, and the rules of natural justice. The servant, in the state of servitude, was a...
Read full commentary →And if a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And if a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do.</strong><br><br>This provision regulates Hebrew servitude (עֶבֶד עִבְרִי, eved ivri), protecting indentured servants from exploitation. Unlike ancient Near Eastern chattel slavery, Israel's system limited bondage to six years with mandatory release, reflecting God's concern for human dignity. Th...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **If a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant.**—The right of selling their children into slavery was regarded in ancient times as inherent in the *patria potestas, *and was practised largely by many nations (Herod. v. 6; Heyne, *Opusc., *vol. iv., p. 125). Among the Hebrews such sales were, comparatively speaking, rare; but still they occasionally took place, in consequence of extreme pove...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-26. on the morrow ... Moses sat to judge the people, &c.--**We are here presented with a specimen of his daily morning occupations; and among the multifarious duties his divine legation imposed, it must be considered only a small portion of his official employments. He appears in this attitude as a type of Christ in His legislative and judicial characters.
**the people stood by Moses fr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Laws respecting servants.(1-11)
Judicial laws.(12-21)
Judicial laws.(22-36)
**Verses 1-11**
The laws in this chapter relate to the fifth and sixth commandments; and though they differ from our times and customs, nor are they binding on us, yet they explain the moral law, and the rules of natural justice. The servant, in the state of servitude, was a...
Read full commentary →If she please not her master, who hath betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her unto a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her. please: Heb. be evil in the eyes of, etc
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>If she please not her master, who hath betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her unto a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her.</strong><br><br>This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and co...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Who hath betrothed her to himself.**—The reading is to be preferred which gives the opposite sense—“who hath *not *betrothed her;” and the meaning is, “If the man, after purchasing the woman to be his wife, finds that he does not like her, and *refuses *to go through the ceremony of betrothal”—
**Then shall he let her be redeemed.**—Heb., *then let him cause her to be redeemed: i.e., *let hi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-26. on the morrow ... Moses sat to judge the people, &c.--**We are here presented with a specimen of his daily morning occupations; and among the multifarious duties his divine legation imposed, it must be considered only a small portion of his official employments. He appears in this attitude as a type of Christ in His legislative and judicial characters.
**the people stood by Moses fr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Laws respecting servants.(1-11)
Judicial laws.(12-21)
Judicial laws.(22-36)
**Verses 1-11**
The laws in this chapter relate to the fifth and sixth commandments; and though they differ from our times and customs, nor are they binding on us, yet they explain the moral law, and the rules of natural justice. The servant, in the state of servitude, was a...
Read full commentary →And if he have betrothed her unto his son, he shall deal with her after the manner of daughters.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And if he have betrothed her unto his son, he shall deal with her after the manner of daughters.</strong><br><br>This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through d...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-26. on the morrow ... Moses sat to judge the people, &c.--**We are here presented with a specimen of his daily morning occupations; and among the multifarious duties his divine legation imposed, it must be considered only a small portion of his official employments. He appears in this attitude as a type of Christ in His legislative and judicial characters.
**the people stood by Moses fr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Laws respecting servants.(1-11)
Judicial laws.(12-21)
Judicial laws.(22-36)
**Verses 1-11**
The laws in this chapter relate to the fifth and sixth commandments; and though they differ from our times and customs, nor are they binding on us, yet they explain the moral law, and the rules of natural justice. The servant, in the state of servitude, was a...
Read full commentary →If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.</strong><br><br>This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Throu...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **If he take him another wife.**—Polygamy is viewed as lawful in this passage, as elsewhere generally in the Mosaic Law, which did not venture to forbid, though to some extent discouraging it. The legislator was forced to allow many things to the Hebrews, “for the hardness of their hearts” (Matthew 19:8).
**Her duty of marriage.**—Rather, *her right of cohabitation.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-26. on the morrow ... Moses sat to judge the people, &c.--**We are here presented with a specimen of his daily morning occupations; and among the multifarious duties his divine legation imposed, it must be considered only a small portion of his official employments. He appears in this attitude as a type of Christ in His legislative and judicial characters.
**the people stood by Moses fr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Laws respecting servants.(1-11)
Judicial laws.(12-21)
Judicial laws.(22-36)
**Verses 1-11**
The laws in this chapter relate to the fifth and sixth commandments; and though they differ from our times and customs, nor are they binding on us, yet they explain the moral law, and the rules of natural justice. The servant, in the state of servitude, was a...
Read full commentary →And if he do not these three unto her, then shall she go out free without money.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And if he do not these three unto her, then shall she go out free without money.</strong><br><br>This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinanc...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **These three**—*i.e., one of these three things: *(1) Espouse her himself; (2) marry her to his son; or (3) transfer her, on the terms on which he received her, to another Hebrew.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-26. on the morrow ... Moses sat to judge the people, &c.--**We are here presented with a specimen of his daily morning occupations; and among the multifarious duties his divine legation imposed, it must be considered only a small portion of his official employments. He appears in this attitude as a type of Christ in His legislative and judicial characters.
**the people stood by Moses fr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Laws respecting servants.(1-11)
Judicial laws.(12-21)
Judicial laws.(22-36)
**Verses 1-11**
The laws in this chapter relate to the fifth and sixth commandments; and though they differ from our times and customs, nor are they binding on us, yet they explain the moral law, and the rules of natural justice. The servant, in the state of servitude, was a...
Read full commentary →Laws About Violence
He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.</strong><br><br>Lex talionis (law of retaliation) begins—'smiteth a man so he die' (מַכֵּה אִישׁ וָמֵת, makkeh ish vamet) means fatal striking. The doubled verb 'shall surely die' (מוֹת יוּמָת, mot yumat) emphasizes certainty. This implements the sixth commandment—murder requires capital punishment. Why death for death? G...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12-14) **He that smiteth a man, so that he die.**—Homicide had been broadly and generally forbidden in the sixth commandment. But something more was necessary. Laws are for the most part inoperative unless they are enforced by penalties; and for every case of homicide the same penalty would not be fitting. Accordingly we have here, first, the assignment of the death penalty for homicide of the fi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-26. on the morrow ... Moses sat to judge the people, &c.--**We are here presented with a specimen of his daily morning occupations; and among the multifarious duties his divine legation imposed, it must be considered only a small portion of his official employments. He appears in this attitude as a type of Christ in His legislative and judicial characters.
**the people stood by Moses fr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-21**
God, who by his providence gives and maintains life, by his law protects it. A wilful murderer shall be taken even from God's altar. But God provided cities of refuge to protect those whose unhappiness it was, and not their fault, to cause the death of another; for such as by accident, when a man is doing a lawful act, without intent of hurt, happens to kill another. Let child...
Read full commentary →And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.</strong><br><br>This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **If a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand.**—If, that is, without malice aforethought, a man happen upon his enemy, God’s providence bringing the two into contact without man’s contrivance, and the result is that one slay the other, then the law of the refuge or asylum shall come in. A place is to be provided whither the man-slayer may flee, and where he may be safe, at an...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-26. on the morrow ... Moses sat to judge the people, &c.--**We are here presented with a specimen of his daily morning occupations; and among the multifarious duties his divine legation imposed, it must be considered only a small portion of his official employments. He appears in this attitude as a type of Christ in His legislative and judicial characters.
**the people stood by Moses fr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-21**
God, who by his providence gives and maintains life, by his law protects it. A wilful murderer shall be taken even from God's altar. But God provided cities of refuge to protect those whose unhappiness it was, and not their fault, to cause the death of another; for such as by accident, when a man is doing a lawful act, without intent of hurt, happens to kill another. Let child...
Read full commentary →But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.</strong><br><br>This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God a...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **If a man come presumptuously.**—Rather, *if a man come maliciously, *or *with premeditation. *(Vulg., *de industria.*)
**Thou shalt take him from mine altar.**—Comp. 1Kings 2:28-34. In most parts of the ancient world a scruple was felt about putting criminals to death when once they had taken sanctuary, and those who did so were regarded as accursed (Herod. v. 71, 72; Thucyd. i. 126; Plut. ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-26. on the morrow ... Moses sat to judge the people, &c.--**We are here presented with a specimen of his daily morning occupations; and among the multifarious duties his divine legation imposed, it must be considered only a small portion of his official employments. He appears in this attitude as a type of Christ in His legislative and judicial characters.
**the people stood by Moses fr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-21**
God, who by his providence gives and maintains life, by his law protects it. A wilful murderer shall be taken even from God's altar. But God provided cities of refuge to protect those whose unhappiness it was, and not their fault, to cause the death of another; for such as by accident, when a man is doing a lawful act, without intent of hurt, happens to kill another. Let child...
Read full commentary →And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death.</strong><br><br>This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15-17) **And he that smiteth his father . . .**-With homicide are conjoined some other offences, regarded as of a heinous character, and made punishable by death: viz. (1), striking a parent; (2) kidnapping; and (3) cursing a parent. The immediate sequence of these crimes upon murder, and their punishment by the same penalty, marks strongly God’s abhorrence of them. The parent is viewed as God’s ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-26. on the morrow ... Moses sat to judge the people, &c.--**We are here presented with a specimen of his daily morning occupations; and among the multifarious duties his divine legation imposed, it must be considered only a small portion of his official employments. He appears in this attitude as a type of Christ in His legislative and judicial characters.
**the people stood by Moses fr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-21**
God, who by his providence gives and maintains life, by his law protects it. A wilful murderer shall be taken even from God's altar. But God provided cities of refuge to protect those whose unhappiness it was, and not their fault, to cause the death of another; for such as by accident, when a man is doing a lawful act, without intent of hurt, happens to kill another. Let child...
Read full commentary →And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.</strong><br><br>This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practicall...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-26. on the morrow ... Moses sat to judge the people, &c.--**We are here presented with a specimen of his daily morning occupations; and among the multifarious duties his divine legation imposed, it must be considered only a small portion of his official employments. He appears in this attitude as a type of Christ in His legislative and judicial characters.
**the people stood by Moses fr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-21**
God, who by his providence gives and maintains life, by his law protects it. A wilful murderer shall be taken even from God's altar. But God provided cities of refuge to protect those whose unhappiness it was, and not their fault, to cause the death of another; for such as by accident, when a man is doing a lawful act, without intent of hurt, happens to kill another. Let child...
Read full commentary →And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death. curseth: or, revileth
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.</strong><br><br>This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-26. on the morrow ... Moses sat to judge the people, &c.--**We are here presented with a specimen of his daily morning occupations; and among the multifarious duties his divine legation imposed, it must be considered only a small portion of his official employments. He appears in this attitude as a type of Christ in His legislative and judicial characters.
**the people stood by Moses fr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-21**
God, who by his providence gives and maintains life, by his law protects it. A wilful murderer shall be taken even from God's altar. But God provided cities of refuge to protect those whose unhappiness it was, and not their fault, to cause the death of another; for such as by accident, when a man is doing a lawful act, without intent of hurt, happens to kill another. Let child...
Read full commentary →And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keepeth his bed: another: or, his neighbour
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keepeth his bed:</strong><br><br>This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18, 19) Severe assault, endangering life, but not actually taking it, is placed under the same head with homicide, as approaching to it, but is not to be punished in the same way. If death ensues in such a case, the crime is, of course, murder or manslaughter, according to the attendant circumstances; but if death does not ensue, it is aggravated assault only. In such cases punishment could not b...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-26. on the morrow ... Moses sat to judge the people, &c.--**We are here presented with a specimen of his daily morning occupations; and among the multifarious duties his divine legation imposed, it must be considered only a small portion of his official employments. He appears in this attitude as a type of Christ in His legislative and judicial characters.
**the people stood by Moses fr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-21**
God, who by his providence gives and maintains life, by his law protects it. A wilful murderer shall be taken even from God's altar. But God provided cities of refuge to protect those whose unhappiness it was, and not their fault, to cause the death of another; for such as by accident, when a man is doing a lawful act, without intent of hurt, happens to kill another. Let child...
Read full commentary →If he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed. the loss: Heb. his ceasing
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>If he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff, then shall he that smote him be quit: only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall cause him to be thoroughly healed.</strong><br><br>This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The cas...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **If he rise again, and walk abroad upon his staff.**—The charge of murder was not to be kept hanging over a man indefinitely. If the injured person recovered sufficiently to leave his bed, and get about by the help of a stick, the injurer was to pay his fine and be quit of his offence, whatever might happen afterwards.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-26. on the morrow ... Moses sat to judge the people, &c.--**We are here presented with a specimen of his daily morning occupations; and among the multifarious duties his divine legation imposed, it must be considered only a small portion of his official employments. He appears in this attitude as a type of Christ in His legislative and judicial characters.
**the people stood by Moses fr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-21**
God, who by his providence gives and maintains life, by his law protects it. A wilful murderer shall be taken even from God's altar. But God provided cities of refuge to protect those whose unhappiness it was, and not their fault, to cause the death of another; for such as by accident, when a man is doing a lawful act, without intent of hurt, happens to kill another. Let child...
Read full commentary →And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished. punished: Heb. avenged
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished.</strong><br><br>This provision regulates Hebrew servitude (עֶבֶד עִבְרִי, eved ivri), protecting indentured servants from exploitation. Unlike ancient Near Eastern chattel slavery, Israel's system limited bondage to six years with mandatory release, reflecting God's concern for ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **And if a man smite his servant.**—The homicide hitherto considered has been that of freemen; but the Mosaic Law was not content to stop at this point. Unlike most other codes, it proceeded to forbid the homicide of slaves. Hitherto, throughout the East, and also in many parts of the West, slaves had been regarded as so absolutely their master’s property that he was entitled to do as he plea...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-26. on the morrow ... Moses sat to judge the people, &c.--**We are here presented with a specimen of his daily morning occupations; and among the multifarious duties his divine legation imposed, it must be considered only a small portion of his official employments. He appears in this attitude as a type of Christ in His legislative and judicial characters.
**the people stood by Moses fr...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-21**
God, who by his providence gives and maintains life, by his law protects it. A wilful murderer shall be taken even from God's altar. But God provided cities of refuge to protect those whose unhappiness it was, and not their fault, to cause the death of another; for such as by accident, when a man is doing a lawful act, without intent of hurt, happens to kill another. Let child...
Read full commentary →Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money.</strong><br><br>This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detai...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **If he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished.**—Comp. the proviso with respect to freemen (Exodus 21:19). The notion is, that unless the death follows speedily it must be presumed not to have been intended; and this might be especially presumed in the case of a man killing his slave, since thereby he inflicted on himself a pecuniary loss.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-21**
God, who by his providence gives and maintains life, by his law protects it. A wilful murderer shall be taken even from God's altar. But God provided cities of refuge to protect those whose unhappiness it was, and not their fault, to cause the death of another; for such as by accident, when a man is doing a lawful act, without intent of hurt, happens to kill another. Let child...
Read full commentary →If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.</strong><br><br>This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic dispu...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22-25) A personal injury peculiar to women—a hurt producing miscarriage—is here considered. The miscarriage might cost the woman her life, in which case the man who caused it was to suffer death (Exodus 21:23); or it might have no further ill result than the loss of the child. In this latter case the penalty was to be a fine, assessed by the husband with the consent of the judge (Exodus 21:22). T...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-36**
The cases here mentioned give rules of justice then, and still in use, for deciding similar matters. We are taught by these laws, that we must be very careful to do no wrong, either directly or indirectly. If we have done wrong, we must be very willing to make it good, and be desirous that nobody may lose by us.
And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,</strong><br><br>Lex talionis principle: 'life for life' (נֶפֶשׁ תַּחַת נָפֶשׁ, nefesh tachat nefesh)—exact equivalence, not escalation. This LIMITS revenge, preventing blood feuds. If injury is minor, penalty is minor; if death results, death penalty follows. Ancient cultures allowed unlimited vengeance (Lamech: 'seventy-seven...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 19 Ex 19:1-25. Arrival at Sinai.
**1. In the third month--**according to Jewish usage, the first day of that month--"same day."--It is added, to mark the time more explicitly, that is, forty-five days after Egypt--one day spent on the mount (Ex 19:3), one returning the people's answer (Ex 19:7, 8), three days of preparation, making the whole time fifty days from the first passover to the ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-36**
The cases here mentioned give rules of justice then, and still in use, for deciding similar matters. We are taught by these laws, that we must be very careful to do no wrong, either directly or indirectly. If we have done wrong, we must be very willing to make it good, and be desirous that nobody may lose by us.
Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,</strong><br><br>The famous formula: exact correspondence between crime and punishment. 'Eye for eye' (עַיִן תַּחַת עָיִן, ayin tachat ayin) means the punishment fits the crime—no more, no less. This prevents both excessive vengeance and inadequate justice. Rabbinic tradition interpreted this as monetary compensation (paying the va...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. were come to the desert of Sinai--**The desert has its provinces, or divisions, distinguished by a variety of names; and the "desert of Sinai" is that wild and desolate region which occupies the very center of the peninsula, comprising the lofty range to which the mount of God belongs. It is a wilderness of shaggy rocks of porphyry and red granite, and of valleys for the most part bare of ver...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-36**
The cases here mentioned give rules of justice then, and still in use, for deciding similar matters. We are taught by these laws, that we must be very careful to do no wrong, either directly or indirectly. If we have done wrong, we must be very willing to make it good, and be desirous that nobody may lose by us.
Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.</strong><br><br>This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practically. Through detailed ordinances, God shapes Israel as...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-6. Moses went up unto God--**the Shekinah--within the cloud (Ex 33:20; Joh 1:18).
**Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, &c.--**The object for which Moses went up was to receive and convey to the people the message contained in these verses, and the purport of which was a general announcement of the terms on which God was to take the Israelites into a close and peculiar relation to...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-36**
The cases here mentioned give rules of justice then, and still in use, for deciding similar matters. We are taught by these laws, that we must be very careful to do no wrong, either directly or indirectly. If we have done wrong, we must be very willing to make it good, and be desirous that nobody may lose by us.
And if a man smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid, that it perish; he shall let him go free for his eye's sake.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And if a man smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid, that it perish; he shall let him go free for his eye's sake.</strong><br><br>This provision regulates Hebrew servitude (עֶבֶד עִבְרִי, eved ivri), protecting indentured servants from exploitation. Unlike ancient Near Eastern chattel slavery, Israel's system limited bondage to six years with mandatory release, reflecting God...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26, 27) **The eye **. . . **Tooth.**—An exception to the law of retaliation is here made. If the injurer is a free man and the injured person a slave, the marked social inequality of the parties would make exact retaliation an injustice. Is the slave, then, to be left without protection? By no means. As the legislation had already protected his life (Exodus 21:20), so it now protects him from per...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-6. Moses went up unto God--**the Shekinah--within the cloud (Ex 33:20; Joh 1:18).
**Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, &c.--**The object for which Moses went up was to receive and convey to the people the message contained in these verses, and the purport of which was a general announcement of the terms on which God was to take the Israelites into a close and peculiar relation to...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-36**
The cases here mentioned give rules of justice then, and still in use, for deciding similar matters. We are taught by these laws, that we must be very careful to do no wrong, either directly or indirectly. If we have done wrong, we must be very willing to make it good, and be desirous that nobody may lose by us.
And if he smite out his manservant's tooth, or his maidservant's tooth; he shall let him go free for his tooth's sake.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And if he smite out his manservant's tooth, or his maidservant's tooth; he shall let him go free for his tooth's sake.</strong><br><br>This provision regulates Hebrew servitude (עֶבֶד עִבְרִי, eved ivri), protecting indentured servants from exploitation. Unlike ancient Near Eastern chattel slavery, Israel's system limited bondage to six years with mandatory release, reflecting God's concer...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-6. Moses went up unto God--**the Shekinah--within the cloud (Ex 33:20; Joh 1:18).
**Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, &c.--**The object for which Moses went up was to receive and convey to the people the message contained in these verses, and the purport of which was a general announcement of the terms on which God was to take the Israelites into a close and peculiar relation to...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-36**
The cases here mentioned give rules of justice then, and still in use, for deciding similar matters. We are taught by these laws, that we must be very careful to do no wrong, either directly or indirectly. If we have done wrong, we must be very willing to make it good, and be desirous that nobody may lose by us.
Laws About Property Damage
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 ox shall be quit.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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 ox shall be quit.</strong><br><br>This case law addresses property damage and personal injury, establishing liability principles. The mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטִים, judgments) apply Decalogue principles to everyday situations, creating just society. Owner resp...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(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 no...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-6. Moses went up unto God--**the Shekinah--within the cloud (Ex 33:20; Joh 1:18).
**Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, &c.--**The object for which Moses went up was to receive and convey to the people the message contained in these verses, and the purport of which was a general announcement of the terms on which God was to take the Israelites into a close and peculiar relation to...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-36**
The cases here mentioned give rules of justice then, and still in use, for deciding similar matters. We are taught by these laws, that we must be very careful to do no wrong, either directly or indirectly. If we have done wrong, we must be very willing to make it good, and be desirous that nobody may lose by us.
But if the ox were wont to push with his horn in time past , and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But if the ox were wont to push with his horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death.</strong><br><br>This case law addresses property damage and personal injury, establishing liability principles. The mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטִים, judgments) ap...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(29) **His owner also shall be put to death.**—It seems clear that under this law the representatives of the slain person might have exacted life for life; but probably they would in almost all cases have been ready to accept a compensation.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-8. Moses came and called for the elders of the people--**The message was conveyed to the mighty multitude through their elders, who, doubtless, instructed them in the conditions required. Their unanimous acceptance was conveyed through the same channel to Moses, and by him reported to the Lord. Ah! how much self-confidence did their language betray! How little did they know what spirit they we...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-36**
The cases here mentioned give rules of justice then, and still in use, for deciding similar matters. We are taught by these laws, that we must be very careful to do no wrong, either directly or indirectly. If we have done wrong, we must be very willing to make it good, and be desirous that nobody may lose by us.
If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him.</strong><br><br>This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor prac...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **Whatsoever is laid upon him.**—Primarily, by the aggrieved relatives; but in the case of an exorbitant demand there was, no doubt, an appeal to the judges, who would then **fix **the amount.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-8. Moses came and called for the elders of the people--**The message was conveyed to the mighty multitude through their elders, who, doubtless, instructed them in the conditions required. Their unanimous acceptance was conveyed through the same channel to Moses, and by him reported to the Lord. Ah! how much self-confidence did their language betray! How little did they know what spirit they we...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-36**
The cases here mentioned give rules of justice then, and still in use, for deciding similar matters. We are taught by these laws, that we must be very careful to do no wrong, either directly or indirectly. If we have done wrong, we must be very willing to make it good, and be desirous that nobody may lose by us.
Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him.</strong><br><br>This judgment (mishpat) from the Book of the Covenant applies moral law to civil society. God's justice is comprehensive—addressing economic disputes, family relations, and community welfare. The case laws teach covenant people how to love God and neighbor practicall...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9-15. The Lord said unto Moses, Lo, I come ... in a thick cloud, &c.--**The deepest impressions are made on the mind through the medium of the senses; and so He who knew what was in man signalized His descent at the inauguration of the ancient church, by all the sensible tokens of august majesty that were fitted to produce the conviction that He is the great and terrible God. The whole multi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-36**
The cases here mentioned give rules of justice then, and still in use, for deciding similar matters. We are taught by these laws, that we must be very careful to do no wrong, either directly or indirectly. If we have done wrong, we must be very willing to make it good, and be desirous that nobody may lose by us.
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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>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 fulfil...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9-15. The Lord said unto Moses, Lo, I come ... in a thick cloud, &c.--**The deepest impressions are made on the mind through the medium of the senses; and so He who knew what was in man signalized His descent at the inauguration of the ancient church, by all the sensible tokens of august majesty that were fitted to produce the conviction that He is the great and terrible God. The whole multi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-36**
The cases here mentioned give rules of justice then, and still in use, for deciding similar matters. We are taught by these laws, that we must be very careful to do no wrong, either directly or indirectly. If we have done wrong, we must be very willing to make it good, and be desirous that nobody may lose by us.
And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein;
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein;</strong><br><br>This case law addresses property damage and personal injury, establishing liability principles. The mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטִים, judgments) apply Decalogue principles to everyday situations, creating just society. Owner responsibility reflects broader biblical princip...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
LAWS CONCERNING THE RIGHTS OF PROPERTY.
(33-36) The legislation slides from rights of persons to rights of property easily and without effort, by passing from the injuries which cattle cause to those which they suffer. They are injured (1) by the culpable *laches *of persons leaving their pits uncovered; (2) by hurts which one man’s cattle inflict upon another’s. Both kinds of loss have to be made...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9-15. The Lord said unto Moses, Lo, I come ... in a thick cloud, &c.--**The deepest impressions are made on the mind through the medium of the senses; and so He who knew what was in man signalized His descent at the inauguration of the ancient church, by all the sensible tokens of august majesty that were fitted to produce the conviction that He is the great and terrible God. The whole multi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-36**
The cases here mentioned give rules of justice then, and still in use, for deciding similar matters. We are taught by these laws, that we must be very careful to do no wrong, either directly or indirectly. If we have done wrong, we must be very willing to make it good, and be desirous that nobody may lose by us.
The owner of the pit shall make it good, and give money unto the owner of them; and the dead beast shall be his.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>The owner of the pit shall make it good, and give money unto the owner of them; and the dead beast shall be his.</strong><br><br>This case law addresses property damage and personal injury, establishing liability principles. The mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטִים, judgments) apply Decalogue principles to everyday situations, creating just society. Owner responsibility reflects broader biblical princi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(34) **The dead beast shall be his.**—Having paid the full value of the live animal, the owner of the well was entitled to make what he could by the carcass.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9-15. The Lord said unto Moses, Lo, I come ... in a thick cloud, &c.--**The deepest impressions are made on the mind through the medium of the senses; and so He who knew what was in man signalized His descent at the inauguration of the ancient church, by all the sensible tokens of august majesty that were fitted to produce the conviction that He is the great and terrible God. The whole multi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-36**
The cases here mentioned give rules of justice then, and still in use, for deciding similar matters. We are taught by these laws, that we must be very careful to do no wrong, either directly or indirectly. If we have done wrong, we must be very willing to make it good, and be desirous that nobody may lose by us.
And if one man's ox hurt another's, that he die; then they shall sell the live ox, and divide the money of it; and the dead ox also they shall divide.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And if one man's ox hurt another's, that he die; then they shall sell the live ox, and divide the money of it; and the dead ox also they shall divide.</strong><br><br>This case law addresses property damage and personal injury, establishing liability principles. The mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטִים, judgments) apply Decalogue principles to everyday situations, creating just society. Owner responsib...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(35-36) **if one** **man’s ox hurt another’s.**—Where no blame attached to the owner, the loss was to be equally shared. Where the dangerous character of the animal was, or ought to have been, known, the man whose ox was killed received its full value.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Bible Hub
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9-15. The Lord said unto Moses, Lo, I come ... in a thick cloud, &c.--**The deepest impressions are made on the mind through the medium of the senses; and so He who knew what was in man signalized His descent at the inauguration of the ancient church, by all the sensible tokens of august majesty that were fitted to produce the conviction that He is the great and terrible God. The whole multi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-36**
The cases here mentioned give rules of justice then, and still in use, for deciding similar matters. We are taught by these laws, that we must be very careful to do no wrong, either directly or indirectly. If we have done wrong, we must be very willing to make it good, and be desirous that nobody may lose by us.
Or if it be known that the ox hath used to push in time past , and his owner hath not kept him in; he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall be his own.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Or if it be known that the ox hath used to push in time past, and his owner hath not kept him in; he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall be his own.</strong><br><br>This case law addresses property damage and personal injury, establishing liability principles. The mishpatim (מִשְׁפָּטִים, judgments) apply Decalogue principles to everyday situations, creating just society. Owner ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9-15. The Lord said unto Moses, Lo, I come ... in a thick cloud, &c.--**The deepest impressions are made on the mind through the medium of the senses; and so He who knew what was in man signalized His descent at the inauguration of the ancient church, by all the sensible tokens of august majesty that were fitted to produce the conviction that He is the great and terrible God. The whole multi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-36**
The cases here mentioned give rules of justice then, and still in use, for deciding similar matters. We are taught by these laws, that we must be very careful to do no wrong, either directly or indirectly. If we have done wrong, we must be very willing to make it good, and be desirous that nobody may lose by us.