Exodus 21:32
Exodus 21:32 in Multiple Translations
If 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.
If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.
If the ox gore a man-servant or a maid-servant, there shall be given unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.
If the death of a man-servant or of a woman-servant is caused by the ox, the owner is to give their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox is to be stoned.
If the ox uses its horns and kills a male or female slave, the owner of the ox must pay thirty shekels of silver to the slave's master, and the ox must be stoned to death.
If the oxe gore a seruant or a mayde, hee shall giue vnto their master thirtie shekels of siluer, and the oxe shalbe stoned.
'If the ox gore a man-servant or a handmaid, thirty silver shekels he doth give to their lord, and the ox is stoned.
If the bull gores a male servant or a female servant, thirty shekels of silver shall be given to their master, and the ox shall be stoned.
If the ox shall push a man-servant, or maid-servant; he shall give to their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.
If he assault a bondman or a bond woman, he shall give thirty sicles of silver to their master, and the ox shall be stoned.
If a bull attacks and gores a male or female slave, its owner must pay to the slave’s owner 30 pieces of silver. Then you must kill the bull by throwing stones at it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 21:32
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 21:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
עֶ֛בֶד
יִגַּ֥ח
הַ/שּׁ֖וֹר
א֣וֹ
אָמָ֑ה
כֶּ֣סֶף
שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים
שְׁקָלִ֗ים
יִתֵּן֙
לַֽ/אדֹנָ֔י/ו
וְ/הַ/שּׁ֖וֹר
יִסָּקֵֽל
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
עֶ֛בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-ms
יִגַּ֥ח
nâgach
H5055
to gore
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
הַ/שּׁ֖וֹר
shôwr
H7794
cattle
Art | N-ms
א֣וֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
אָמָ֑ה
ʼâmâh
H519
maidservant
N-fs
כֶּ֣סֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms
שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
thirty
Adj
שְׁקָלִ֗ים
sheqel
H8255
shekel
N-mp
יִתֵּן֙
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לַֽ/אדֹנָ֔י/ו
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
Prep | N-mp | Suff
וְ/הַ/שּׁ֖וֹר
shôwr
H7794
cattle
Conj | Art | N-ms
יִסָּקֵֽל
çâqal
H5619
to stone
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 21:32
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.
עֶ֛בֶד
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-ms
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
יִגַּ֥ח
nâgach
H5055
"to gore"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to push or thrust with force, like an animal using its horns. It can also mean to fight or war against someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe violent or aggressive behavior.
Definition: 1) to push, thrust, gore 1a) (Qal) to gore 1b) (Piel) to push or thrust at 1c) (Hithpael) to engage in thrusting, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: gore, push (down, -ing). See also: Exodus 21:28; 2 Chronicles 18:10; Psalms 44:6.
הַ/שּׁ֖וֹר
shôwr
H7794
"cattle"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to cattle, like oxen or bulls, used for work, food, or sacrifices, as seen in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) ox, bull, a head of cattle 1a) for plowing, for food, as sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: tor (תּוֹר "bullock" H8450)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: bull(-ock), cow, ox, wall (by mistake for H7791 (שׁוּר)). See also: Genesis 32:6; Deuteronomy 15:19; Psalms 69:32.
א֣וֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
אָמָ֑ה
ʼâmâh
H519
"maidservant"
N-fs
A maidservant is a female slave or servant, like the ones mentioned in the stories of Abraham and Sarah in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) maid-servant, female slave, maid, handmaid, concubine 1a) of humility (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: (hand-) bondmaid(-woman), maid(-servant). See also: Genesis 20:17; Judges 9:18; Psalms 86:16.
כֶּ֣סֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
"thirty"
Adj
Thirty is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also be used as an ordinal to describe something as thirtieth. It is used to count quantities in the Bible.
Definition: thirty, thirtieth Aramaic equivalent: te.la.tin (תְּלָתִין "thirty" H8533)
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: thirty, thirtieth. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:3; 1 Samuel 11:8; Jeremiah 38:10.
שְׁקָלִ֗ים
sheqel
H8255
"shekel"
N-mp
A shekel was a unit of weight or money in ancient Israel, like a coin or a measure of gold, silver, or copper. It was used for trade and commerce, as seen in the book of Exodus. The value varied depending on the material.
Definition: 1) shekel 1a) the chief unit of weight or measure 1a1) gold-1/10000 of a talent and equal to 220 grains 1a2) silver-1/3000 of a talent and equal to 132 grains 1a3) copper-1/1500 of a talent and equal to 528 grains Aramaic equivalent: te.qel (תְּקֵל "shekel" H8625B)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: shekel. See also: Genesis 23:15; Numbers 7:55; Jeremiah 32:9.
יִתֵּן֙
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-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.
לַֽ/אדֹנָ֔י/ו
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
וְ/הַ/שּׁ֖וֹר
shôwr
H7794
"cattle"
Conj | Art | N-ms
This word refers to cattle, like oxen or bulls, used for work, food, or sacrifices, as seen in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) ox, bull, a head of cattle 1a) for plowing, for food, as sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: tor (תּוֹר "bullock" H8450)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: bull(-ock), cow, ox, wall (by mistake for H7791 (שׁוּר)). See also: Genesis 32:6; Deuteronomy 15:19; Psalms 69:32.
יִסָּקֵֽל
çâqal
H5619
"to stone"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to stone someone to death, like in the case of someone who broke the law in the Old Testament. It can also mean to free a place from stones.
Definition: 1) to stone (to death), put to death by stoning 1a) (Qal) to pelt with stones, stone to death 1b) (Niphal) to be stoned to death 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to stone, pelt with stones 1c2) to free from stones (of vineyard, highway) 1d) (Pual) to be stoned to death
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (cast, gather out, throw) stone(-s), [idiom] surely. See also: Exodus 8:22; Joshua 7:25; Isaiah 5:2.
Study Notes — Exodus 21:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 21:32 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:32
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:32
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 21:32
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:32
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:32
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 21:32
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:32
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 21:32
- Sermons on Exodus 21:32
Context — Personal Injury Laws
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.
33If a man opens or digs a pit and fails to cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls into it, 34the owner of the pit shall make restitution; he must pay its owner, and the dead animal will be his.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 26:15 | and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. |
| 2 | Zechariah 11:12–13 | Then I told them, “If it seems right to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.” So they weighed out my wages, thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said to me, “Throw it to the potter”—this magnificent price at which they valued me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the LORD. |
| 3 | Matthew 27:3–9 | When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.” So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. The chief priests picked up the pieces of silver and said, “It is unlawful to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.” After conferring together, they used the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on Him by the people of Israel, |
| 4 | Genesis 37:28 | So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. |
| 5 | Philippians 2:7 | but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. |
| 6 | Exodus 21:28–29 | If 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. But 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. |
Exodus 21:32 Summary
This verse is talking about what happens if an ox hurts or kills a servant. The owner of the ox has to pay the servant's master thirty pieces of silver, and the ox has to be put to death. This shows that God cares about people's lives and wants us to take responsibility for our actions, just like it says in Proverbs 22:1 that a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches. It also reminds us that human life is valuable and should be protected, as seen in Psalm 139:13-14, which says that God formed us in our mother's womb and we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the owner have to pay thirty shekels of silver if the ox gores a manservant or maidservant?
The payment of thirty shekels of silver is a form of restitution for the loss of the servant, as specified in Exodus 21:32, and is similar to the principle found in Leviticus 24:18-22, where restitution is made for harm caused to another person or their property.
Why must the ox be stoned if it gores a manservant or maidservant?
The ox must be stoned because it has taken a human life, as stated in Exodus 21:32, and this is in line with the principle that the life of an animal that takes a human life is forfeit, as seen in Genesis 9:5-6.
Is this verse still applicable today?
While the specific laws regarding oxen and servants are not directly applicable in modern societies, the underlying principles of responsibility for one's actions and restitution for harm caused can still be applied, as seen in passages like Romans 13:1-7, which discuss the role of government and personal responsibility.
How does this verse relate to the value of human life?
This verse highlights the value placed on human life in the Bible, as the owner is required to pay a significant amount of money for the loss of a servant, demonstrating that human life is precious and worthy of protection, as stated in Psalm 72:14, which says that God redeems the lives of the needy from the hand of the wicked.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's heart for justice and protection of human life?
- How can I apply the principle of restitution for harm caused in my own life and relationships?
- What does the requirement for the ox to be stoned teach us about the seriousness of taking a human life?
- In what ways can I demonstrate the value and worth of human life in my daily interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:32
If the ox shall push a manservant, or a maidservant,.... Which the Targum of Jonathan and Jarchi interpret of a Canaanitish servant, man or maid; but no doubt the same provision was made for an
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:32
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 21:32
The half the freeman’ s price. See Poole on "".
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:32
Exodus 21:32 If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.Ver. 32. Thirty shekels.] This same was that "goodly price" that our Lord Christ was valued at by the vile Jews.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:32
(28-32) Injuries to the person might arise either from man or from animals. Protection from both was needed. The law given to Noah (Genesis 9:5) had already laid it down that whenever a beast killed a man his life was to be forfeit. This law was now re-enacted, but with a further and very important proviso. If the animal had an owner, and the owner had reason to know that it was dangerous, then not only the beast, but the owner also was to be held guilty. He was to be liable to a process for murder (Exodus 21:29); but, with the consent of the aggrieved family, might pay a sum of money as compensation instead (Exodus 21:30). In the case of a slave, the sum was fixed at what was regarded as the standard price of a slave (Leviticus 25:44-46; Leviticus 27:3), viz., thirty silver shekels.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 21:32
Verse 32. Thirty shekels] Each worth about three shillings English; see Genesis 20:16-15. So, counting the shekel at its utmost value, the life of a slave was valued at four pounds ten shillings. And at this price these same vile people valued the life of our blessed Lord; see Zechariah 11:12-13; Matthew 26:15. And in return, the justice of God has ordered it so, that they have been sold for slaves into every country of the universe. And yet, strange to tell, they see not the hand of God in so visible a retribution!
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:32
32. If the ox killed a slave, however, it was sufficient if its owner paid his master as compensation the ordinary value of a slave, and suffered at the same time the loss of his animal’s services. Another instance of the lower value set upon a slave’s life: he is in this case valued simply as a chattel. a manservant or a maidservant] a male or female Slave. thirty shekels of silver] doubtless the average price of a slave at the time It seems that the intrinsic value of a shekel of silver was about 2 Samuel 9 d. (DB. iii. 420a), so that the silver of 30 shekels would be worth now about £4. 2 Samuel 6 d, (though its purchasing power would be many times greater: ibid. note, and 431 f.). The free Hebrew was valued at 50 shekels (Leviticus 27:3 f.). The same sum was offered as his wages to the prophet who, in the allegory of Zechariah 11, represented the rejected ruler of his people (v. 12: cf. Matthew 26:15). Joseph was sold to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver (Genesis 37:28 b [J]).
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 21:32
28-32. If an ox gore a man — This statute further guards the sanctity of human life.
Sermons on Exodus 21:32
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Genesis) Genesis 40 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the parallels between the life of Joseph and the life of Jesus. He highlights how Joseph was sent to his brethren, just as Jesus was sent to |
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First and Second Coming by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prophecies in the Bible about Jesus' first coming. He highlights Zechariah's prophecy about the shepherd being smitten and the sheep being |
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A Great Revival Is Coming by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for revival in the church. He mentions that two things are necessary for revival to occur, which are closely knit bonds of love amo |
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Grace & Peace by Don McClure | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. He highlights how Jesus was betrayed by a close friend for 30 pieces of silver, |
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(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 11-15 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that society today is not like the Victorian age or a puritan society. He warns against forsaking God's commandments and living like the peo |
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Acts 1 by Bill Gallatin | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unshakable security that believers have in Jesus Christ. He highlights that nothing can hinder God's plan of redemption and the establis |
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Name Your Price by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot for 30 pieces of silver, highlighting the concept of 'seller's remorse' and the tragic consequences of selling out o |