King James Version

What Does Exodus 21:22 Mean?

Exodus 21:22 in the King James Version says “If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be s... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 21:22 · KJV


Context

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.

22

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.

23

And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,

24

Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 20 words
וְכִֽי1 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יִנָּצ֣וּ2 of 20

strive

H5327

properly, to go forth, i.e., (by implication) to be expelled, and (consequently) desolate; causatively, to lay waste; also (specifically), to quarrel

אֲנָשִׁ֗ים3 of 20

If men

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

וְנָ֨גְפ֜וּ4 of 20

and hurt

H5062

to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease)

הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה5 of 20

a woman

H802

a woman

הָרָה֙6 of 20

with child

H2030

pregnant

וְיָֽצְא֣וּ7 of 20

depart

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

יְלָדֶ֔יהָ8 of 20

so that her fruit

H3206

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

וְלֹ֥א9 of 20
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִֽהְיֶ֖ה10 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אָס֑וֹן11 of 20

from her and yet no mischief follow

H611

hurt

יֵֽעָנֵ֗שׁ12 of 20

he shall be surely

H6064

properly, to urge; by implication, to inflict a penalty, specifically, to fine

יֵֽעָנֵ֗שׁ13 of 20

he shall be surely

H6064

properly, to urge; by implication, to inflict a penalty, specifically, to fine

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר14 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יָשִׁ֤ית15 of 20

will lay

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

עָלָיו֙16 of 20
H5921

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

בַּ֣עַל17 of 20

husband

H1167

a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)

הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה18 of 20

a woman

H802

a woman

וְנָתַ֖ן19 of 20

upon him and he shall pay

H5414

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

בִּפְלִלִֽים׃20 of 20

as the judges

H6414

a magistrate


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 21:22 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 21:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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