King James Version
Exodus 21:18 in the King James Version says “And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keepeth his bed: a...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“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”
Exodus 21:18 · KJV
And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.
And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death. curseth: or, revileth
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
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
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
KJV Study — Public Domain
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
“strive”
H7378properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
“together and one”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
“together and one”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“or”
H176desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“not but keepeth”
H5307to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
“his bed”
H4904a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse
This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Exodus 21:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Exodus 21:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge