Exodus 21:35
Exodus 21:35 in Multiple Translations
If a man’s ox injures his neighbor’s ox and it dies, they must sell the live one and divide the proceeds; they also must divide the dead animal.
¶ And if one man’s ox hurt another’s, that he die; then they shall sell the live ox, and divide the money of it; and the dead ox also they shall divide.
And if one man’s ox hurt another’s, so that it dieth, then they shall sell the live ox, and divide the price of it; and the dead also they shall divide.
And if one man's ox does damage to another man's ox, causing its death, then the living ox is to be exchanged for money, and division made of the price of it, and of the price of the dead one.
If someone's ox injures another's ox and it dies, they must sell the live one and share money received; they must also share the dead animal.
And if a mans oxe hurt his neighbours oxe that he die, then they shall sel the liue oxe, and deuide the money thereof, and the dead oxe also they shall deuide.
'And when a man's ox doth smite the ox of his neighbour, and it hath died, then they have sold the living ox, and halved its money, and also the dead one they do halve;
“If one man’s bull injures another’s, so that it dies, then they shall sell the live bull, and divide its price; and they shall also divide the dead animal.
And if one man's ox shall hurt another's that he shall die, then they shall sell the live ox, and divide the money of it, and the dead ox also they shall divide.
If one man’s ox gore another man’s ox, and he die: they shall sell the live ox, and shall divide the price, and the carcass of that which died they shall part between them:
If someone’s bull hurts another person’s bull with the result that it dies, the owners of both bulls must sell the bull that is living, and they must divide between them the money that they receive for it. They must also divide between them the meat of the animal that died.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 21:35
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 21:35 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כִֽי
יִגֹּ֧ף
שֽׁוֹר
אִ֛ישׁ
אֶת
שׁ֥וֹר
רֵעֵ֖/הוּ
וָ/מֵ֑ת
וּ/מָ֨כְר֜וּ
אֶת
הַ/שּׁ֤וֹר
הַ/חַי֙
וְ/חָצ֣וּ
אֶת
כַּסְפּ֔/וֹ
וְ/גַ֥ם
אֶת
הַ/מֵּ֖ת
יֶֽחֱצֽוּ/ן
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
יִגֹּ֧ף
nâgaph
H5062
to strike
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
שֽׁוֹר
shôwr
H7794
cattle
N-ms
אִ֛ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שׁ֥וֹר
shôwr
H7794
cattle
N-ms
רֵעֵ֖/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
וָ/מֵ֑ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
וּ/מָ֨כְר֜וּ
mâkar
H4376
to sell
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/שּׁ֤וֹר
shôwr
H7794
cattle
Art | N-ms
הַ/חַי֙
chay
H2416
alive
Art | Adj
וְ/חָצ֣וּ
châtsâh
H2673
to divide
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כַּסְפּ֔/וֹ
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms | Suff
וְ/גַ֥ם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מֵּ֖ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Art | V-Qal
יֶֽחֱצֽוּ/ן
châtsâh
H2673
to divide
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 21:35
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.
יִגֹּ֧ף
nâgaph
H5062
"to strike"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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.
שֽׁוֹר
shôwr
H7794
"cattle"
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.
אִ֛ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שׁ֥וֹר
shôwr
H7794
"cattle"
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.
רֵעֵ֖/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
וָ/מֵ֑ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וּ/מָ֨כְר֜וּ
mâkar
H4376
"to sell"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to sell something or someone, like a merchant selling goods or a father selling his daughter into marriage. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. The word can also mean to surrender or give something up.
Definition: 1) to sell 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sell 1a2) seller (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sold 1b2) to sell oneself 1b3) to be given over to death 1c) (Hithpael) to sell oneself
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, sell (away, -er, self). See also: Genesis 25:31; Deuteronomy 32:30; Psalms 44:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/שּׁ֤וֹר
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.
הַ/חַי֙
chay
H2416
"alive"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
וְ/חָצ֣וּ
châtsâh
H2673
"to divide"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
To divide means to cut or split something in two, like the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus. This word can also mean to live half of one's life, as seen in the story of Isaac.
Definition: 1) to divide, cut in two, cut short, live half (of one's life) 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to divide 1a2) to half, cut in two 1b) (Niphal) to be divided
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: divide, [idiom] live out half, reach to the midst, participle See also: Genesis 32:8; 2 Kings 2:8; Psalms 55:24.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כַּסְפּ֔/וֹ
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms | Suff
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.
וְ/גַ֥ם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מֵּ֖ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
יֶֽחֱצֽוּ/ן
châtsâh
H2673
"to divide"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
To divide means to cut or split something in two, like the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus. This word can also mean to live half of one's life, as seen in the story of Isaac.
Definition: 1) to divide, cut in two, cut short, live half (of one's life) 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to divide 1a2) to half, cut in two 1b) (Niphal) to be divided
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: divide, [idiom] live out half, reach to the midst, participle See also: Genesis 32:8; 2 Kings 2:8; Psalms 55:24.
Study Notes — Exodus 21:35
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Exodus 21:35 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:35
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:35
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 21:35
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:35
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:35
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 21:35
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 21:35
Context — Personal Injury Laws
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.
35If a man’s ox injures his neighbor’s ox and it dies, they must sell the live one and divide the proceeds; they also must divide the dead animal.
36But if it was known that the ox had a habit of goring, yet its owner failed to restrain it, he shall pay full compensation, ox for ox, and the dead animal will be his.Exodus 21:35 Summary
This verse is about two people whose oxen get into an accident, and one ox dies. To be fair, they sell the live ox and split the money, and they also split the dead animal. This shows that we should take responsibility for our actions and be fair to others, just like it says in Matthew 7:12 to treat others the way we want to be treated. It's also important to remember that our actions can affect those around us, and we should try to resolve conflicts in a peaceful way, as taught in Romans 12:18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of dividing the proceeds and the dead animal in Exodus 21:35?
The purpose is to ensure fairness and mutual responsibility between the two parties involved, as seen in the principle of restitution in Exodus 22:1-4 and Leviticus 24:21.
Does this verse imply that the owner of the ox that caused the injury is entirely at fault?
Not necessarily, as the next verse, Exodus 21:36, suggests that if the ox had a habit of goring and the owner failed to restrain it, then the owner is fully responsible, but in the case of Exodus 21:35, the fault may be shared, similar to the shared responsibility in Deuteronomy 22:1-4.
How does this verse relate to our relationships with others today?
This verse reminds us of the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and being considerate of others, as taught in Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31, and seeking to resolve conflicts in a fair and mutual manner, as seen in Matthew 18:15-17.
Is this verse only about oxen, or is there a broader principle at play?
While the specific situation involves oxen, the underlying principle is one of mutual responsibility and fairness, as seen in other verses such as Romans 13:8-10, which emphasizes the importance of loving our neighbors as ourselves.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can apply the principle of mutual responsibility in my own relationships and interactions with others?
- How can I ensure that I am taking responsibility for my actions and their impact on those around me, as taught in Galatians 6:5 and Matthew 25:31-46?
- In what ways can I seek to resolve conflicts in a fair and peaceful manner, as modeled in Matthew 5:23-24 and 1 Corinthians 6:1-8?
- What does this verse reveal about God's heart for justice and fairness, and how can I reflect that in my own life, as seen in Isaiah 61:8 and Micah 6:8?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:35
And if one man's ox hurt another's, that he die,.... By pushing with his horns, or his body, or by biting with his teeth, as Jarchi, or by any way whatever: then they shall sell the live ox, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:35
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 21:35
They shall divide the money; not equally, for so the owner of the mischievous ox might be gainer by the mischief, his ox being much worse than that which was killed; but in such proportions as the judges shall think fit, considering the worth of the cattle, and the circumstances of the action.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:35
LAWS THE RIGHTS OF .(33-36) The legislation slides from rights of persons to rights of property easily and without effort, by passing from the injuries which cattle cause to those which they suffer. They are injured (1) by the culpable laches of persons leaving their pits uncovered; (2) by hurts which one man’s cattle inflict upon another’s. Both kinds of loss have to be made good.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:35
18–36. Bodily injuries, caused (a) by human beings, vv. 18–27; (b) by animals, or through the neglect of reasonable precautions, vv. 28–36.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 21:35
The dead ox in this case, as well as in the preceding one, must have been worth no more than the price of the hide, as the flesh could not be eaten. See Leviticus 17:1-6.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 21:35
33-36. The provisions of this section must commend themselves as both wise and prudent. Caution, forethought, and most equitable dealing were hereby inculcated.