King James Version

What Does Exodus 21:19 Mean?

Exodus 21:19 in the King James Version says “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 o... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Exodus 21:19 · KJV


Context

17

And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death. curseth: or, revileth

18

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

19

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

20

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

21

Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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 holy nation, distinct from pagan neighbors. These laws reveal God's character: just, merciful, concerned with details of everyday life.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Book of the Covenant (Exodus 20:22-23:33) is Israel's foundational legal code, predating later expansions in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It addresses civil, criminal, and ceremonial matters.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this law reveal God's character—His justice, mercy, or holiness?
  2. What New Testament principles build upon or fulfill this Old Testament regulation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
אִם1 of 13
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יָק֞וּם2 of 13

If he rise again

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וְהִתְהַלֵּ֥ךְ3 of 13

and walk

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בַּח֛וּץ4 of 13

abroad

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

עַל5 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מִשְׁעַנְתּ֖וֹ6 of 13

upon his staff

H4938

support (abstractly), i.e., (figuratively) sustenance or (concretely) a walking-stick

וְנִקָּ֣ה7 of 13

him be quit

H5352

to be (or make) clean (literally or figuratively); by implication (in an adverse sense) to be bare, i.e., extirpated

הַמַּכֶּ֑ה8 of 13

then shall he that smote

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

רַ֥ק9 of 13
H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

שִׁבְתּ֛וֹ10 of 13

for the loss of his time

H7674

rest, interruption, cessation

יִתֵּ֖ן11 of 13

only he shall pay

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יְרַפֵּֽא׃12 of 13

and shall cause him to be thoroughly

H7495

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure

יְרַפֵּֽא׃13 of 13

and shall cause him to be thoroughly

H7495

properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure


Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

Exodus 21:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 21:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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