Exodus 21:30
Exodus 21:30 in Multiple Translations
If payment is demanded of him instead, he may redeem his life by paying the full amount demanded of him.
If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him.
If there be laid on him a ransom, then he shall give for the redemption of his life whatsoever is laid upon him.
If a price is put on his life, let him make payment of whatever price is fixed.
But if instead the payment of compensation is required, the owner may buy back his or her life by paying the full amount of compensation demanded.
If there be set to him a summe of mony, then he shall pay the raunsome of his life, whatsoeuer shalbe laied vpon him.
'If atonement is laid upon him, then he hath given the ransom of his life, according to all that is laid upon him;
If a ransom is imposed on him, then he shall give for the redemption of his life whatever is imposed.
If there shall be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatever is laid upon him.
And if they set a price upon him, he shall give for his life whatsoever is laid upon him.
However, if the owner of the bull is allowed to pay a fine ◄to save his own life/in order not to be executed►, he must pay the full amount that the judges say that he must pay.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 21:30
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 21:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
כֹּ֖פֶר
יוּשַׁ֣ת
עָלָ֑י/ו
וְ/נָתַן֙
פִּדְיֹ֣ן
נַפְשׁ֔/וֹ
כְּ/כֹ֥ל
אֲשֶׁר
יוּשַׁ֖ת
עָלָֽי/ו
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
כֹּ֖פֶר
kôpher
H3724
ransom
N-ms
יוּשַׁ֣ת
shîyth
H7896
to set
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
עָלָ֑י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
וְ/נָתַן֙
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
פִּדְיֹ֣ן
pidyôwm
H6306
redemption
N-ms
נַפְשׁ֔/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
כְּ/כֹ֥ל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יוּשַׁ֖ת
shîyth
H7896
to set
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
עָלָֽי/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 21:30
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
כֹּ֖פֶר
kôpher
H3724
"ransom"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a cover or a village, and also refers to bitumen, henna, and a redemption price. It is translated as bribe, ransom, or satisfaction in the KJV Bible. The word has various meanings in different contexts.
Definition: price of a life, ransom, bribe
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: bribe, camphire, pitch, ransom, satisfaction, sum of money, village. See also: Genesis 6:14; Job 36:18; Psalms 49:8.
יוּשַׁ֣ת
shîyth
H7896
"to set"
V-Hophal-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.
עָלָ֑י/ו
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.
וְ/נָתַן֙
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.
פִּדְיֹ֣ן
pidyôwm
H6306
"redemption"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a ransom or redemption, like in Exodus when God redeemed the Israelites from slavery. It refers to the act of paying a price to set someone free. This concept is central to the story of God's love for humanity.
Definition: ransom, redemption Another spelling of pid.yon (פִּדְיוֹן "redemption" H6306B)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: ransom, that were redeemed, redemption. See also: Exodus 21:30; Numbers 3:49; Psalms 49:9.
נַפְשׁ֔/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
כְּ/כֹ֥ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
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.
יוּשַׁ֖ת
shîyth
H7896
"to set"
V-Hophal-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.
עָלָֽי/ו
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.
Study Notes — Exodus 21:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 21:30 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:30
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:30
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 21:30
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:30
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:30
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 21:30
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:30
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 21:30
- Sermons on Exodus 21:30
Context — Personal Injury Laws
28If an ox gores a man or woman to death, the ox must surely be stoned, and its meat must not be eaten. But the owner of the ox shall not be held responsible.
29But if the ox has a habit of goring, and its owner has been warned yet does not restrain it, and it kills a man or woman, then the ox must be stoned and its owner must also be put to death.
30If payment is demanded of him instead, he may redeem his life by paying the full amount demanded of him.
31If the ox gores a son or a daughter, it shall be done to him according to the same rule. 32If the ox gores a manservant or maidservant, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of that servant, and the ox must be stoned.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 21:22 | 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. |
| 2 | Exodus 30:12 | “When you take a census of the Israelites to number them, each man must pay the LORD a ransom for his life when he is counted. Then no plague will come upon them when they are numbered. |
| 3 | Numbers 35:31–33 | You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death. Nor should you accept a ransom for the person who flees to a city of refuge and allow him to return and live on his own land before the death of the high priest. Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. |
| 4 | Proverbs 13:8 | Riches may ransom a man’s life, but a poor man hears no threat. |
Exodus 21:30 Summary
Exodus 21:30 tells us that if someone's ox has a habit of goring and kills someone, the owner can save his own life by paying a certain amount of money. This shows that God values human life very much and wants those responsible for harm to make things right. It's similar to how Jesus paid the price for our sins so we could be forgiven and have eternal life (Romans 5:8). This principle reminds us to respect and care for each other, just as God cares for us, and to be thankful for the redemption we have through faith in Jesus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'redeem his life' in Exodus 21:30?
To redeem his life means the owner of the ox can save himself from death by paying a price, much like we are redeemed by the blood of Christ as stated in Romans 3:24-25, where our lives are saved from eternal punishment through faith in Jesus.
Why is payment allowed as an alternative to death in this case?
The allowance for payment instead of death shows God's mercy, similar to the concept of restitution in other laws, such as Exodus 22:1-4, where the focus is on restoring justice and making amends for wrongdoing.
How does this verse relate to the concept of valuing human life?
This verse highlights the high value God places on human life, as seen in the requirement for the owner to pay the full amount demanded or face death, underscoring the principle that human life is precious and not to be taken lightly, as also emphasized in Genesis 9:6.
Is this principle of redemption only applicable in the context of the Law?
While the specific context is within the Mosaic Law, the principle of redemption through payment or sacrifice points forward to the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ, who paid the price for our sins, as explained in Hebrews 9:11-14, making it relevant to all of God's plan for humanity.
Reflection Questions
- How does the concept of redemption in this verse make you think about your own redemption in Christ, and how should it influence your daily life?
- In what ways can you apply the principle of valuing human life, as seen in this verse, to your interactions with others and your stance on social issues?
- Reflect on a time when you felt the weight of your actions or mistakes; how does the idea of making amends, as hinted at in this verse, relate to your experience, and what does it teach you about God's character?
- Consider the contrast between the owner's responsibility for the ox's actions and our responsibility before God; how does this verse encourage you to take responsibility for your actions and their consequences?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:30
If there be laid on him a sum of money,.... By the decree of the judges, as Aben Ezra, or which the sanhedrim of Israel have laid upon him; if his sentence of death is commuted for a fine, with the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:30
If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit. If an ox gore a man.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 21:30
If there be laid on him; either by the avenger of blood, the next akin to the party slain, who is willing to exchange the punishment; or by the judge, who may discern some circumstances which may much lessen the crime, as if an ox had broken his cords wherewith he was tied, or broke forth through the carelessness or wickedness of his servant to whose care he was committed.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:30
Exodus 21:30 If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him.Ver. 30. Sum of money.] Taxed upon him by the next of kin, or, if he be unreasonable, by the judge.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:30
(30) Whatsoever is laid upon him.—Primarily, by the aggrieved relatives; but in the case of an exorbitant demand there was, no doubt, an appeal to the judges, who would then fix the amount.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 21:30
Verse 30. If there be laid on him a sum of money - the ransom of his life] So it appears that, though by the law he forfeited his life, yet this might be commuted for a pecuniary mulct, at which the life of the deceased might be valued by the magistrates.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:30
30. The owner of the ox may, however, escape the extreme penalty of the law, if the relatives of the man who had been killed are willing to accept a money-compensation for his life. The owner’s negligence amounted to murder only in theory, so it was reasonable to allow him his merciful alternative. be laid on him (cf. v. 22)] viz. by the relatives of the man who has been killed. a ransom] Heb. kτpher, the price of a life: see Exodus 30:12, Psalms 49:7, Proverbs 6:35; Proverbs 13:8; Proverbs 21:18, Isaiah 43:3. This and v. 32 are the only cases in which Heb. law allowed what was so common among many ancient nations, the ποινή, or ‘wergild,’ i.e. the money offered for the life of a murdered man to appease a kinsman’s wrath: see Numbers 35:31 f. (P), where the acceptance of a kτpher is forbidden. redemption] The same word, in a similar connexion, Psalms 49:8 (where ‘soul’ = ‘life’ here, lit. soul). For the corresponding verb, used of the redemption of a life that is forfeit, see on Exodus 13:13.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 21:30
28-32. If an ox gore a man — This statute further guards the sanctity of human life.
Sermons on Exodus 21:30
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(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 |
|
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 |
|
(Exodus) Exodus 30:11-20 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being cleansed and redeemed in order to worship and serve God. He explains that the brazen altar in the outer court repres |
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Hidden Sin - Part 2 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of unmitigated prosperity and the moral decline that can result from it, highlighting the importance of acknowledging the Bible's role in shaping |
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1 Peter 1:18 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the profound nature of redemption in his sermon on 1 Peter 1:18, explaining that believers are not redeemed with corruptible things like silver and gold, but t |