Exodus 21:22
Exodus 21:22 in Multiple Translations
If men who are fighting strike a pregnant woman and her child is born prematurely, but there is no further injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman’s husband demands and as the court allows.
¶ If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman’s husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.
And if men strive together, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart, and yet no harm follow; he shall be surely fined, according as the woman’s husband shall lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.
If men, while fighting, do damage to a woman with child, causing the loss of the child, but no other evil comes to her, the man will have to make payment up to the amount fixed by her husband, in agreement with the decision of the judges.
If men who are fighting happen to hit a pregnant woman so she gives birth prematurely, but no serious injury occurs, he must be fined whatever amount the woman's husband demands and as permitted by the judges.
Also if men striue and hurt a woman with childe, so that her childe depart from her, and death follow not, hee shall bee surely punished according as the womans husband shall appoynt him, or he shall pay as the Iudges determine.
'And when men strive, and have smitten a pregnant woman, and her children have come out, and there is no mischief, he is certainly fined, as the husband of the woman doth lay upon him, and he hath given through the judges;
“If men fight and hurt a pregnant woman so that she gives birth prematurely, and yet no harm follows, he shall be surely fined as much as the woman’s husband demands and the judges allow.
If men shall contend, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit shall depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.
If men quarrel, and one strike a woman with child, and she miscarry indeed, but live herself: he shall be answerable for so much damage as the woman’s husband shall require, and as arbiters shall award.
Suppose two people are fighting and they hurt a pregnant woman with the result that ◄she has a miscarriage/her baby is born prematurely and dies►. If the woman is not harmed in any other way, the one who injured her must pay a fine. He must pay whatever the woman’s husband demands, after a judge approves of the fine.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 21:22
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 21:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כִֽי
יִנָּצ֣וּ
אֲנָשִׁ֗ים
וְ/נָ֨גְפ֜וּ
אִשָּׁ֤ה
הָרָה֙
וְ/יָצְא֣וּ
יְלָדֶ֔י/הָ
וְ/לֹ֥א
יִהְיֶ֖ה
אָס֑וֹן
עָנ֣וֹשׁ
יֵעָנֵ֗שׁ
כַּֽ/אֲשֶׁ֨ר
יָשִׁ֤ית
עָלָי/ו֙
בַּ֣עַל
הָֽ/אִשָּׁ֔ה
וְ/נָתַ֖ן
בִּ/פְלִלִֽים
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
יִנָּצ֣וּ
nâtsâh
H5327
to struggle
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
אֲנָשִׁ֗ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
וְ/נָ֨גְפ֜וּ
nâgaph
H5062
to strike
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
אִשָּׁ֤ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
הָרָה֙
hâreh
H2030
pregnant
Adj
וְ/יָצְא֣וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
יְלָדֶ֔י/הָ
yeled
H3206
youth
N-mp | Suff
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִהְיֶ֖ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אָס֑וֹן
ʼâçôwn
H611
harm
N-ms
עָנ֣וֹשׁ
ʻânash
H6064
to fine
V-Qal-Ptc
יֵעָנֵ֗שׁ
ʻânash
H6064
to fine
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
כַּֽ/אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
יָשִׁ֤ית
shîyth
H7896
to set
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עָלָי/ו֙
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
בַּ֣עַל
baʻal
H1167
master
N-ms
הָֽ/אִשָּׁ֔ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
Art | N-fs
וְ/נָתַ֖ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
בִּ/פְלִלִֽים
pâlîyl
H6414
judge
Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 21:22
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj | Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יִנָּצ֣וּ
nâtsâh
H5327
"to struggle"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
To desolate or lay waste, this word describes the destruction of a city or land. It is used in the book of Jeremiah to describe the fall of Jerusalem. The word implies a complete ruin.
Definition: 1) to struggle 1a) (Niphal) to struggle 1b) (Hiphil) to struggle
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: be laid waste, runinous, strive (together). See also: Exodus 2:13; 2 Samuel 14:6; Psalms 60:2.
אֲנָשִׁ֗ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וְ/נָ֨גְפ֜וּ
nâgaph
H5062
"to strike"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
To strike or smite is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used in Joshua to describe battles and in Psalms to describe God's judgment. It can also mean to stumble or hurt someone, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite 1a) (Qal) to strike, smite 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be smitten 1c) (Hithpael) to stumble
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: beat, dash, hurt, plague, slay, smite (down), strike, stumble, [idiom] surely, put to the worse. See also: Exodus 7:27; 2 Samuel 10:15; Psalms 89:24.
אִשָּׁ֤ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
הָרָה֙
hâreh
H2030
"pregnant"
Adj
This Hebrew word means to be pregnant, as seen in Genesis when women like Sarah and Rachel conceive. It describes a woman with child, emphasizing the miracle of new life. The KJV Bible translates it as 'with child' or 'conceive'.
Definition: pregnant Also means: ha.riy.yah (הָרִיָּה "pregnant" H2030B)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: (be, woman) with child, conceive, [idiom] great. See also: Genesis 16:11; 2 Kings 8:12; Isaiah 7:14.
וְ/יָצְא֣וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
יְלָדֶ֔י/הָ
yeled
H3206
"youth"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a young person, like a child or teenager, such as the youth who helped David in 1 Samuel 20:1. It can also mean offspring or descendants, like the children of Israel in Exodus 12:37.
Definition: 1) child, son, boy, offspring, youth 1a) child, son, boy 1b) child, children 1c) descendants 1d) youth 1e) apostate Israelites (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: boy, child, fruit, son, young man (one). See also: Genesis 4:23; 1 Kings 12:10; Isaiah 2:6.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִהְיֶ֖ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
אָס֑וֹן
ʼâçôwn
H611
"harm"
N-ms
This word means harm or hurt, describing something that causes evil or mischief. It is used in the Bible to describe the consequences of sin. The KJV translates it as mischief.
Definition: evil, mischief, harm, hurt
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: mischief. See also: Genesis 42:4; Genesis 44:29; Exodus 21:23.
עָנ֣וֹשׁ
ʻânash
H6064
"to fine"
V-Qal-Ptc
To fine or punish is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often implying a penalty. It is used in the Bible to describe punishment or condemnation, as seen in various translations. This word is about inflicting a penalty.
Definition: 1) to fine, amerce, punish, condemn, mulct 1a) (Qal) to fine, punish 1b) (Niphal) to be fined, be punished, be mulcted
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: amerce, condemn, punish, [idiom] surely. See also: Exodus 21:22; Proverbs 21:11; Proverbs 17:26.
יֵעָנֵ֗שׁ
ʻânash
H6064
"to fine"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To fine or punish is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often implying a penalty. It is used in the Bible to describe punishment or condemnation, as seen in various translations. This word is about inflicting a penalty.
Definition: 1) to fine, amerce, punish, condemn, mulct 1a) (Qal) to fine, punish 1b) (Niphal) to be fined, be punished, be mulcted
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: amerce, condemn, punish, [idiom] surely. See also: Exodus 21:22; Proverbs 21:11; Proverbs 17:26.
כַּֽ/אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יָשִׁ֤ית
shîyth
H7896
"to set"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to place or set something, and it's used in many different ways, like appointing someone to a job or setting your mind to do something. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to lay hands on someone or make something happen.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, lay (hand upon) 1a2) to set, station, appoint, fix, set mind to 1a3) to constitute, make (one something), make like, perform 1a4) to take one's stand 1a5) to lay waste 1b) (Hophal) to be imposed, be set upon
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, [idiom] look, make, mark, put (on), [phrase] regard, set, shew, be stayed, [idiom] take. See also: Genesis 3:15; Psalms 21:7; Psalms 3:7.
עָלָי/ו֙
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בַּ֣עַל
baʻal
H1167
"master"
N-ms
Means master or owner, often referring to a husband or leader, as seen in the book of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : master/leader 1) owner, husband, lord 1a) owner 1b) a husband 1c) citizens, inhabitants 1d) rulers, lords 1e) (noun of relationship used to characterise-ie, master of dreams)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, [phrase] babbler, [phrase] bird, captain, chief man, [phrase] confederate, [phrase] have to do, [phrase] dreamer, those to whom it is due, [phrase] furious, those that are given to it, great, [phrase] hairy, he that hath it, have, [phrase] horseman, husband, lord, man, [phrase] married, master, person, [phrase] sworn, they of. See also: Genesis 14:13; 1 Samuel 23:11; Proverbs 1:17.
הָֽ/אִשָּׁ֔ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
וְ/נָתַ֖ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
בִּ/פְלִלִֽים
pâlîyl
H6414
"judge"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a judge or magistrate, like those in the book of Exodus. It refers to someone who makes decisions and settles disputes. This word is used to describe leaders in Israel.
Definition: judge, assessment, estimate
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: judge. See also: Exodus 21:22; Deuteronomy 32:31; Job 31:11.
Study Notes — Exodus 21:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 21:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 21:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 21:22
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:22
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 21:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 21:22
- Sermons on Exodus 21:22
Context — Personal Injury Laws
20If a man strikes his manservant or maidservant with a rod, and the servant dies by his hand, he shall surely be punished.
21However, if the servant gets up after a day or two, the owner shall not be punished, since the servant is his property.
22If men who are fighting strike a pregnant woman and her child is born prematurely, but there is no further injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman’s husband demands and as the court allows.
23But if a serious injury results, then you must require a life for a life— 24eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 22:18–19 | Then the elders of that city shall take the man and punish him. They are also to fine him a hundred shekels of silver and give them to the young woman’s father, because this man has given a virgin of Israel a bad name. And she shall remain his wife; he must not divorce her as long as he lives. |
| 2 | Exodus 21:30 | If payment is demanded of him instead, he may redeem his life by paying the full amount demanded of him. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 16:18 | You are to appoint judges and officials for your tribes in every town that the LORD your God is giving you. They are to judge the people with righteous judgment. |
Exodus 21:22 Summary
This verse, Exodus 21:22, is about what happens if someone hurts a pregnant woman and her baby is born early, but both are okay. The person who hurt them has to pay a fine, decided by the woman's husband and the court. This shows that God cares about keeping people safe, especially those who can't defend themselves, like unborn babies (see Psalm 139:13-16). It also reminds us that our actions have consequences, and we should try to live in a way that respects and cares for others, just like God does (see Matthew 22:39).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this verse say about the value of unborn life?
This verse, Exodus 21:22, indicates that the life of an unborn child is valuable and worthy of protection, as seen in the punishment for harm caused to the child (see also Psalm 139:13-16).
How does this verse relate to the concept of lex talionis, or 'an eye for an eye'?
While Exodus 21:22 does not directly invoke lex talionis, the following verses, Exodus 21:23-24, do, suggesting that the punishment should fit the crime, but in this specific case, a fine is imposed instead, showing a more nuanced approach to justice.
What role does the husband's demand play in determining the fine in this verse?
The fine imposed on the person who caused harm to the pregnant woman and her child is determined by the woman's husband and the court, suggesting a balance between the family's interests and the community's standards of justice (see also Deuteronomy 22:29).
How does this verse reflect God's care for the vulnerable, including pregnant women and their children?
Exodus 21:22 demonstrates God's concern for the well-being of the most vulnerable members of society, including pregnant women and their unborn children, as seen in the provision for their protection and the punishment for those who harm them (see also Isaiah 1:17, Jeremiah 22:3).
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's heart for the vulnerable and the importance of protecting human life?
- How can I apply the principle of caring for the well-being of others, particularly those who are most vulnerable, in my own life and community?
- What does this verse say about the value of human life, and how can I reflect that value in my relationships and interactions with others?
- In what ways can I work to create a culture that values and protects human life, from the womb to old age?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:22
If men strive,.... Quarrel and fight with one another, which is to be understood of Hebrews, as Aben Ezra observes: and hurt a woman with child; who being the wife of one of them, and also an
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:22
If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 21:22
A woman with child, to wit, the wife of the other person, who interposed herself to succour her husband. No mischief follow, neither to the woman nor child; for it is generally so as to reach both, in case the abortive had life in it. The husband shall impose the fine, and if it be unreasonable, the judges shall have a power to moderate it.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:22
Exodus 21:22 If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart [from her], and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman’ s husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges [determine].Ver. 22. And yet no mischief follow,] i.e., No life be lost. There is a time, then, when the embryo is not alive; therefore the soul is not begotten, but infused after a time by God. Infundendo creatur, et creando infnnditur, saith Augustine, who at first doubted, till overcome by Jerome’ s arguments.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:22
(22-25) A personal injury peculiar to women—a hurt producing miscarriage—is here considered. The miscarriage might cost the woman her life, in which case the man who caused it was to suffer death (Exodus 21:23); or it might have no further ill result than the loss of the child. In this latter case the penalty was to be a fine, assessed by the husband with the consent of the judge (Exodus 21:22). The death penalty, where the woman died, is clearly excessive, and probably belongs to the pre-Mosaic legislation, which required “life for life” in every case.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 21:22
Verse 22. And hurt a woman with child] As a posterity among the Jews was among the peculiar promises of their covenant, and as every man had some reason to think that the Messiah should spring from his family, therefore any injury done to a woman with child, by which the fruit of her womb might be destroyed, was considered a very heavy offence; and as the crime was committed principally against the husband, the degree of punishment was left to his discretion. But if mischief followed, that is, if the child had been fully formed, and was killed by this means, or the woman lost her life in consequence, then the punishment was as in other cases of murder - the person was put to death; Exodus 21:23.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:22
22. Injury arising to a pregnant woman out of an affray. And if men strive together] i.e. quarrel and fight, ch. Exodus 2:13, 2 Samuel 14:6, Psalms 60 title. The same words in Deuteronomy 25:2. Not the verb used in v. 18 (which means only to dispute in words). hurt] properly, smite or strike (ch. Exodus 8:2; Isaiah 19:22): so v. 35. Probably the woman is to be thought of (as in Deuteronomy 25:11) as intervening to separate the combatants. her fruit depart] Heb. her children (a generic plural) come forth (Genesis 25:25; Genesis 38:28). but no (other) mischief happen] i.e. no permanent injury from the miscarriage. ‘Mischief’ (’βsτn, v. 23, Genesis 42:4; Genesis 42:38; Genesis 44:29 †) means some serious, or even (cf. v. 23) fatal, bodily injury. fined] viz. for the loss of the child, which would have been the parents’ property. Holzinger cites for parallels, among the Arabs, W.R. Smith, ZATW. 1892, p. 163, and among the Kirghissians, in Turkestan, Radloff, Aus Sibirien (1884), p. 524; here, if a pregnant woman is injured so that her child is born dead, the penalty is a horse or a camel according to its age (the penalty for killing a free man being a fine of 100 horses, and for killing a woman or slave, 50 horses). he shall pay (lit. give) with (the approval of) arbitrators] If the text is correct, the meaning apparently is that the amount of the fine, fixed in the first instance by the woman’s husband, had, before payment, to be submitted to arbitrators, and approved by them.
But the word for arbitrators is rare and poetical (Deuteronomy 32:31, Job 31:11 †), the use of the prep. α is strange, the mention of arbitration is unexpected after the unconditional discretion just given to the husband, nor are any arbitrators mentioned in the similar enactment of v. 30. Under these circumstances the clever suggestion of Budde, απτμιν for ατμιμιν deserves consideration, he shall pay it for the untimely birth (Job 3:16, Psalms 58:9),—the plural being required on account of the plural ‘children,’ just before (concealed in EVV. by the rend. fruit: the α pretii, as Deuteronomy 19:21). Cf. Ḥ ?amm. §§ 209–214; Cook, p. 253 f.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 21:22
The rule would seem to refer to a case in which the wife of a man interfered in a quarrel. This law, “the jus talionis,” is elsewhere repeated in substance, compare the marginal references. and Genesis 9:6.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 21:22
22-25. As the woman’s husband will lay upon him — The Hebrews threw every possible safeguard about the fruit of the womb, and an injury of the kind here specified was treated as a very grave offence.
Sermons on Exodus 21:22
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Through the Bible) Exodus 21-22 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses Exodus chapters 21 and 22, emphasizing the importance of God's judgments and laws as guidelines for judges in Israel. He explains that these laws were not mea |
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Suffering Love: The Doctrine of Nonresistance and Conscientious Objection to War by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, the speaker begins by addressing the issue of human trafficking and challenges the congregation, especially the young people, to take action through prayer. They em |
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Epistle 367 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the necessity of living a life of righteousness and holiness, as it is essential for seeing God and maintaining peace within a community. He warns that unholi |