Exodus 21:35

Arabic Simplified (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

«إنْ نَطَحَ ثَورُ رَجُلٍ ثَورَ رَجُلٍ آخَرَ فَمَاتَ، فَلْيَبِيعَا الثَّورَ الحَيَّ وَيَقْتَسِمَا ثَمَنَهُ. كَمَا يَقْتَسِمَانِ الثَّورَ المَيِّتَ.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes a situation where one person's ox (a work animal) causes the death of another person's ox. The solution is to sell the living ox and split the money, and also split the meat of the dead ox. This is part of the laws given by God through Moses to the Israelites.

Explained for Children

Imagine if your pet dog bit another dog and the other dog got really hurt. This verse is like a rule that says if that happens, you and the other dog's owner should share the cost of both dogs. It’s like sharing the loss when something bad happens to someone else's property.

Historical Background

This verse is from the Book of Exodus, which was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. It was given to the Israelites as part of a set of laws that governed their community and interactions, especially in matters of property and responsibility.

Living It Out Today

In a modern context, this verse can be applied to situations where one person's property damages another's. For example, if a neighbor's dog breaks your fence, it might be fair to share the cost of repairing the fence and possibly the care of the dog.

Topics

• justice
• community
• responsibility
• property laws
• fairness
• resolution

Related Verses

• Exodus 21:28
• Exodus 22:4
• Deuteronomy 22:1
• Matthew 18:29
• Romans 12:18

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this rule important?

This rule is important because it establishes a fair way to handle damages caused by one person's property to another's. It promotes fairness and community harmony.

Does this apply to other animals besides oxen?

The principle likely applies to other animals, but the specific laws would have been tailored to the most common animals used by the Israelites, like oxen and donkeys.

Is this still relevant in today's society?

Yes, the principle of sharing responsibility in cases of damage can be applied to modern situations, such as insurance and property damage claims.

How does this verse relate to Jesus' teachings?

This verse reflects the broader principle of justice and fairness, which is also emphasized in Jesus' teachings about loving one's neighbor and resolving conflicts peacefully.