King James Version

What Does Exodus 21:28 Mean?

Exodus 21:28 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 21:28 · KJV

Context

26

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.

27

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.

28

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.

29

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.

30

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.

Read Exodus 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 principle: we're stewards of possessions, accountable for harm they cause. The law balances justice (compensation for victims) with mercy (proportional rather than excessive penalties). These principles undergird modern tort law and demonstrate God's concern for social order.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern law codes (Hammurabi, Hittite) addressed similar property issues but often with class-based penalties. Israel's law applied more uniformly regardless of social status.

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 · 19 words
וְכִֽי1 of 19
H3588

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

יִגַּ֨ח2 of 19

“gore”

H5055

to butt with the horns; figuratively, to war against

הַשּׁ֖וֹר3 of 19

“If an ox”

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

אֶת4 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אִ֛ישׁ5 of 19

“a man”

H376

a 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)

א֥וֹ6 of 19
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

אֶת7 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אִשָּׁ֖ה8 of 19

“or a woman”

H802

a woman

וָמֵ֑ת9 of 19

“that they die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

יִסָּקֵ֜ל10 of 19

“shall be surely”

H5619

properly, to be weighty; but used only in the sense of lapidation or its contrary (as if a delapidation)

יִסָּקֵ֜ל11 of 19

“shall be surely”

H5619

properly, to be weighty; but used only in the sense of lapidation or its contrary (as if a delapidation)

הַשּׁ֖וֹר12 of 19

“If an ox”

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

וְלֹ֤א13 of 19
H3808

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

יֵֽאָכֵל֙14 of 19

“shall not be eaten”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֶת15 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּשָׂר֔וֹ16 of 19

“and his flesh”

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

וּבַ֥עַל17 of 19

“but the owner”

H1167

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

הַשּׁ֖וֹר18 of 19

“If an ox”

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

נָקִֽי׃19 of 19

“shall be quit”

H5355

innocent

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 21:28 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 21:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 21:32Genesis 9:5-6Leviticus 20:15-16

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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