King James Version

What Does Exodus 21:29 Mean?

Exodus 21:29 in the King James Version says “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 ke... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 21:29 · KJV


Context

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.

31

Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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
וְאִ֡ם1 of 19
H518

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

הַשּׁוֹר֙2 of 19

But if the ox

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

נַגָּ֨ח3 of 19

were wont to push with his horn

H5056

butting, i.e., vicious

ה֜וּא4 of 19
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

מִתְּמֹ֣ל5 of 19

in time past

H8543

properly, ago, i.e., a (short or long) time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday

שִׁלְשֹׁ֗ם6 of 19
H8032

trebly, i.e., (in time) day before yesterday

וְהוּעַ֤ד7 of 19

and it hath been testified

H5749

to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)

בְּעָלָ֖יו8 of 19

and his owner

H1167

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

וְלֹ֣א9 of 19
H3808

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

יִשְׁמְרֶ֔נּוּ10 of 19

and he hath not kept

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

יוּמָֽת׃11 of 19

also shall be put to death

H4191

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

אִ֖ישׁ12 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)

א֣וֹ13 of 19
H176

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

אִשָּׁ֑ה14 of 19

or a woman

H802

a woman

הַשּׁוֹר֙15 of 19

But if the ox

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

יִסָּקֵ֔ל16 of 19

shall be stoned

H5619

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

וְגַם17 of 19
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

בְּעָלָ֖יו18 of 19

and his owner

H1167

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

יוּמָֽת׃19 of 19

also shall be put to death

H4191

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


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 21:29 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 21:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study