Exodus 21:22

French OST (Ostervald)

Si des hommes se battent, et frappent une femme enceinte, et qu'elle en accouche, sans qu'il arrive malheur, celui qui l'aura frappée sera condamné à l'amende que le mari de la femme lui imposera; et il la donnera devant des juges.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes a situation where men fighting accidentally hurt a pregnant woman, causing her to miscarry. The punishment is determined by the husband and the judges. It emphasizes the value of human life and the need for justice.

Explained for Children

Imagine if two kids were playing rough and accidentally bumped into a mommy who was carrying her baby. If the baby had an accident because of this, the parents would decide how to make things right. This shows that we need to be careful and make sure people are treated fairly when accidents happen.

Historical Background

This verse is part of the Law given by God to Moses around 1440 BC. It was written for the Israelites to guide their society and legal system. The cultural setting reflects the value placed on human life and the need for just compensation for harm caused.

Living It Out Today

In a modern scenario, if a pregnant woman is hurt in an accident due to someone's negligence, the legal system and family would work to determine fair compensation. This verse underlines the importance of accountability and justice in such cases.

Topics

• justice
• accountability
• human life
• pregnancy
• legal system
• compensation

Related Verses

• Numbers 35:30
• Deuteronomy 19:16
• Job 31:15
• Luke 12:48
• 1 Peter 4:15

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the husband wants excessive punishment?

The judges would have the final say to ensure that the punishment is fair and just, preventing any abuse of power.

Does this apply only to accidental injuries?

The verse is focused on accidental injuries, but the principles of justice and compensation apply broadly to cases where harm is caused.

Is the compensation monetary or can it be non-monetary?

The compensation can be monetary or non-monetary, depending on what the husband and judges determine is appropriate and fair.

How does this verse relate to the value of human life?

This verse underscores the value of human life by ensuring that any harm caused, even unintentionally, is addressed and compensated, highlighting the sacredness of life.