Exodus 21:30 - If a ransom is laid on him, then he shall give for the redemption of his life whatever is laid on him.

Generated Verse: Exodus 21:30

What does "Exodus 21:30" mean?


Exodus 21:30 refers to a situation where a person's dangerous ox has killed someone. The verse states: "If a ransom is laid on him, then he shall give for the redemption of his life whatever is laid on him."

Here's a breakdown of what it means:

Context: The surrounding verses in Exodus 21 deal with the consequences of a dangerous ox goring someone. Specifically, if the ox had a history of goring people and the owner was aware of it but didn't restrain the ox, and the ox kills someone, the owner is held responsible.

"If a ransom is laid on him": This means that instead of facing the death penalty, a monetary payment (a ransom) could be demanded from the owner of the ox as compensation for the loss of life. This was a legal provision that allowed for the deceased person's family to be financially compensated for their loss, instead of automatically demanding the owner's life.

"Then he shall give for the redemption of his life": This indicates that the owner of the ox must pay the ransom amount demanded. The ransom acts as a "redemption" - it buys back the owner's life, allowing him to avoid the death penalty.

"Whatever is laid on him": This emphasizes that the owner must pay the full amount agreed upon as the ransom. The specific amount of the ransom would likely be determined by a court or through negotiation with the victim's family.

In essence, the verse establishes a system of justice where, in certain cases of negligent ownership of a dangerous animal resulting in death, the owner could avoid the death penalty by paying a financial compensation to the victim's family. The amount of this compensation would be determined by a negotiation or legal process. This is an early example of a legal system allowing for financial compensation as a substitute for a strict "eye for an eye" punishment.

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