King James Version
What Does Exodus 21:33 Mean?
“And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein;”
Context
31
Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him.
32
If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.
33
And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein;
34
The owner of the pit shall make it good, and give money unto the owner of them; and the dead beast shall be his.
35
And if one man's ox hurt another's, that he die; then they shall sell the live ox, and divide the money of it; and the dead ox also they shall divide.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English ReadersLAWS CONCERNING THE RIGHTS OF PROPERTY.
(33-36) The legislation slides from rights of persons to rights of property easily and without effort, by passing from the injuries which cattle cause to those which they suffer. They are injured (1) by the culpable *laches *of persons leaving their pits uncovered; (2) by hurts which one man’s cattle inflict upon another’s. Both kinds of loss have to be made good.
(33) **If a man shall open a pit.**—Rather, *uncover a well. *The wells in the East commonly have covers, which are removed when water is drawn, and then replaced. If a man neglected to replace a cover, he was rightly answerable for any damage that might ensue. The case was the same if he dug a new well, and neglected to cover it over.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 21:33 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 21:33
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge