King James Version

What Does Exodus 21:36 Mean?

Exodus 21:36 in the King James Version says “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 o... — study this verse from Exodus chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Exodus 21:36 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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
א֣וֹ1 of 19
H176

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

נוֹדַ֗ע2 of 19

Or if it be known

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּ֠י3 of 19
H3588

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

הַשּׁ֔וֹר4 of 19

for ox

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

נַגָּ֥ח5 of 19

hath used to push

H5056

butting, i.e., vicious

הוּא֙6 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

מִתְּמ֣וֹל7 of 19

in time past

H8543

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

שִׁלְשֹׁ֔ם8 of 19
H8032

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

וְלֹ֥א9 of 19
H3808

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

יִשְׁמְרֶ֖נּוּ10 of 19

hath not kept

H8104

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

בְּעָלָ֑יו11 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)

יְשַׁלֵּ֥ם12 of 19

him in he shall surely

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

יְשַׁלֵּ֥ם13 of 19

him in he shall surely

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

הַשּׁ֔וֹר14 of 19

for ox

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

תַּ֣חַת15 of 19
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

הַשּׁ֔וֹר16 of 19

for ox

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

וְהַמֵּ֖ת17 of 19

and the dead

H4191

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

יִֽהְיֶה18 of 19
H1961

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

לּֽוֹ׃19 of 19
H0

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 21:36 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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