Exodus 21:29

Arabic Simplified (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

لَكِنْ إنْ كَانَ مِنْ عَادَةِ الثَّورِ أنْ يَنْطَحَ، وَقَدْ حُذِّرَ مَالِكُهُ لَكِنَّهُ لَمْ يَحْتَجِزْهُ، وَقَتَلَ ذَلِكَ الثَّورُ رَجُلًا أوِ امْرأةً، يُرجَمُ الثَّورُ، وَيُقتَلُ صَاحِبُهُ أيْضًا.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Exodus explains that if an ox has a history of attacking people and its owner fails to keep it contained, resulting in the ox killing someone, both the ox and the owner will be punished. The owner is responsible for controlling the dangerous ox.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a pet dog that likes to chase people. If you know this but don't keep your dog on a leash, and the dog ends up hurting someone, both you and your dog could be in big trouble. This verse is like a rule that says owners must be careful with animals that might hurt others.

Historical Background

This verse is part of the Book of Exodus, written by Moses around 1446 BC. It was intended for the Israelites, who were transitioning from slavery in Egypt to becoming a nation governed by God's laws. The context reflects a society where livestock and personal responsibility were closely linked.

Living It Out Today

In a modern context, this could be compared to a scenario where a car owner knows their vehicle has faulty brakes but still drives it, leading to an accident. Both the car and the owner could be held accountable. This highlights the importance of taking responsibility for potential dangers.

Topics

• responsibility
• punishment
• justice
• animal control
• legal consequences
• accountability

Related Verses

• Exodus 21:18
• Deuteronomy 22:4
• Numbers 35:31
• Matthew 25:14-30
• Romans 14:12

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the owner punished along with the ox?

The owner is punished because they failed to control a known dangerous animal, making them responsible for the outcome. This verse emphasizes the importance of managing potential risks.

Can this law be applied to modern situations?

Yes, modern laws often reflect similar principles, where owners can be held liable for harm caused by their animals if they knew of the risk but did not take action.

What does this teach about the concept of justice?

This verse illustrates that justice involves holding accountable not only the direct cause of harm but also those who have the means to prevent it.

How does this relate to personal responsibility?

It shows that individuals are responsible for the potential consequences of their actions or inactions, especially when they know about a risk.