Exodus 21:29 - But if the bull had a habit of goring in the past, and it has been testified to its owner, and he has not kept it in, but it has killed a man or a woman, the bull shall be stoned, and its owner shall also be put to death.
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What does "Exodus 21:29" mean?
Exodus 21:29 deals with the legal consequences of a dangerous animal killing someone. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"But if the bull had a habit of goring in the past...": This establishes a precedent. It's not a one-time, unexpected accident. The bull has a history of attacking or injuring people with its horns (goring).
"...and it has been testified to its owner...": This is crucial. The owner knows the bull is dangerous. They have been warned, likely by multiple people. The law emphasizes the owner's responsibility and awareness.
"...and he has not kept it in...": Despite knowing the bull's dangerous tendencies, the owner failed to take adequate precautions to restrain or confine the animal. They were negligent.
"...but it has killed a man or a woman...": The bull's dangerous behavior, combined with the owner's negligence, results in a death.
"...the bull shall be stoned...": The bull, as the instrument of death, is to be destroyed. Stoning was a common method of execution in that time.
"...and its owner shall also be put to death.": The owner is held directly responsible for the death because they knew of the bull's dangerous nature and failed to prevent it from causing harm. Their negligence is considered so severe that it warrants the death penalty.
In essence, the verse outlines a legal principle of strict liability with a high level of culpability:
Strict Liability: The owner is responsible for the actions of their animal, especially if the animal has known dangerous propensities.
Negligence: The owner's failure to restrain or control a known dangerous animal makes them culpable for the resulting harm.
Punishment: The verse prescribes a severe punishment (death) for the owner because their negligence resulted in a human life being taken.
Important Considerations:
Context: This verse is part of a larger legal code that aims to establish justice and protect human life within the Israelite community.
Proportionality: The severity of the punishment reflects the high value placed on human life and the need to deter negligence.
Evolution of Law: Legal systems have evolved significantly since the time of Exodus. Modern laws regarding animal ownership and liability differ, often emphasizing compensation to the victim's family rather than capital punishment for the owner.
Moral vs. Legal: While this verse describes a specific legal framework, interpretations of its moral implications can vary. Some may argue it's excessively harsh, while others might see it as a necessary deterrent to protect society.
This verse highlights the ancient world's understanding of responsibility, negligence, and the value of human life. It demonstrates the importance of responsible animal ownership and the consequences of failing to protect others from known dangers.
Exodus 21:29 - But if the bull had a habit of goring in the past, and it has been testified to its owner, and he has not kept it in, but it has killed a man or a woman, the bull shall be stoned, and its owner shall also be put to death.
What does "Exodus 21:29" mean?
Exodus 21:29 deals with the legal consequences of a dangerous animal killing someone. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"But if the bull had a habit of goring in the past...": This establishes a precedent. It's not a one-time, unexpected accident. The bull has a history of attacking or injuring people with its horns (goring).
"...and it has been testified to its owner...": This is crucial. The owner knows the bull is dangerous. They have been warned, likely by multiple people. The law emphasizes the owner's responsibility and awareness.
"...and he has not kept it in...": Despite knowing the bull's dangerous tendencies, the owner failed to take adequate precautions to restrain or confine the animal. They were negligent.
"...but it has killed a man or a woman...": The bull's dangerous behavior, combined with the owner's negligence, results in a death.
"...the bull shall be stoned...": The bull, as the instrument of death, is to be destroyed. Stoning was a common method of execution in that time.
"...and its owner shall also be put to death.": The owner is held directly responsible for the death because they knew of the bull's dangerous nature and failed to prevent it from causing harm. Their negligence is considered so severe that it warrants the death penalty.
In essence, the verse outlines a legal principle of strict liability with a high level of culpability:
Strict Liability: The owner is responsible for the actions of their animal, especially if the animal has known dangerous propensities.
Negligence: The owner's failure to restrain or control a known dangerous animal makes them culpable for the resulting harm.
Punishment: The verse prescribes a severe punishment (death) for the owner because their negligence resulted in a human life being taken.
Important Considerations:
Context: This verse is part of a larger legal code that aims to establish justice and protect human life within the Israelite community.
Proportionality: The severity of the punishment reflects the high value placed on human life and the need to deter negligence.
Evolution of Law: Legal systems have evolved significantly since the time of Exodus. Modern laws regarding animal ownership and liability differ, often emphasizing compensation to the victim's family rather than capital punishment for the owner.
Moral vs. Legal: While this verse describes a specific legal framework, interpretations of its moral implications can vary. Some may argue it's excessively harsh, while others might see it as a necessary deterrent to protect society.
This verse highlights the ancient world's understanding of responsibility, negligence, and the value of human life. It demonstrates the importance of responsible animal ownership and the consequences of failing to protect others from known dangers.