King James Version

What Does Exodus 21:35 Mean?

Exodus 21:35 in the King James Version says “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 d...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Exodus 21:35 · KJV

Context

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.

36

Or if it be known that the ox hath used to push in time past , and his owner hath not kept him in; he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall be his own.

Read Exodus 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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
וְכִֽי1 of 19
H3588

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

יִגֹּ֧ף2 of 19

“hurt”

H5062

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

הַשּׁ֤וֹר3 of 19

“ox”

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

אִ֛ישׁ4 of 19

“And if one man's”

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)

אֶת5 of 19
H853

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

הַשּׁ֤וֹר6 of 19

“ox”

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

רֵעֵ֖הוּ7 of 19

“another's”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

הַמֵּ֖ת8 of 19

“of it and the dead”

H4191

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

וּמָ֨כְר֜וּ9 of 19

“then they shall sell”

H4376

to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)

אֶת10 of 19
H853

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

הַשּׁ֤וֹר11 of 19

“ox”

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

הַחַי֙12 of 19

“the live”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

יֶֽחֱצֽוּן׃13 of 19

“and divide”

H2673

to cut or split in two; to halve

אֶת14 of 19
H853

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

כַּסְפּ֔וֹ15 of 19

“the money”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וְגַ֥ם16 of 19
H1571

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

אֶת17 of 19
H853

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

הַמֵּ֖ת18 of 19

“of it and the dead”

H4191

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

יֶֽחֱצֽוּן׃19 of 19

“and divide”

H2673

to cut or split in two; to halve

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 21:35 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Exodus 21 with CommentaryAll Exodus ChaptersComplete Exodus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes