Exodus 21:28

Arabic Simplified (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

«إنْ نَطَحَ ثَوْرٌ امْرأةً أوْ رَجُلًا وَمَاتَ، يُرْجَمُ الثَّورُ وَلَا يُؤكَلُ لَحْمُهُ، وَأمَّا مَالِكُ الثَّورِ فَيَكُونُ بَرِيئًا.

What Does This Mean?

This verse says that if an ox kills a person by goring them, the ox must be stoned to death. The owner of the ox is not held responsible unless the ox had a history of violence. The key message here is about the responsibility and consequences for animal behavior in ancient society.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a pet dog that suddenly bites someone really badly. This verse tells us that the dog would have to be put down, but your parents wouldn't get in trouble unless they knew the dog was dangerous before. It's like a rule to keep everyone safe.

Historical Background

Exodus 21:28 was written by Moses around 1446 BC, as part of the legal code given to the Israelites. The audience was primarily the Israelites who were preparing to live in a settled society, and the cultural setting was one where animals like oxen were common in daily life and work.

Living It Out Today

In today’s context, this verse can be seen as a principle for handling dangerous animals. For instance, if a pet dog attacks someone, the owner might not be held responsible if it was a first-time incident. However, if the owner knew the dog could be dangerous, they would face consequences.

Topics

• responsibility
• justice
• animal behavior
• community safety
• legal principles
• consequences

Related Verses

• Exodus 21:29
• Exodus 21:36
• Deuteronomy 25:4
• Matthew 19:29
• 1 Corinthians 9:9

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this verse teach about animal responsibility?

The verse teaches that while the owner isn't typically held responsible for the first incident, there is an expectation of awareness and action if the animal has a history of violent behavior.

How is this verse relevant to modern animal laws?

This verse reflects early principles of liability and responsibility for animal behavior, which can be paralleled with today’s laws on pet ownership and animal control.

Can the owner of the ox be held responsible in any case?

Yes, if the owner knew the ox had a history of violence and did not take proper precautions, they could be held responsible, as indicated in Exodus 21:29.

What does this verse say about community safety?

It highlights the importance of community safety by ensuring dangerous animals are dealt with, thus protecting the community from potential harm.