Exodus 21:31 speaks to the legal consequences of a bull goring someone and causing death. The verse, "Whether it has gored a son or has gored a daughter, according to this judgment it shall be done to him," means that the same penalty applies regardless of whether the victim is a son or a daughter.
Specifically, the "judgment" being referred to relates to the preceding verses (Exodus 21:28-30). Here's a breakdown of the context:
Exodus 21:28-29: If a bull gores someone to death, it must be stoned, and its meat must not be eaten. However, if the bull was known to be dangerous and the owner had been warned but didn't restrain it, and the bull then kills someone, both the bull must be stoned, and the owner is also liable and can be put to death.
Exodus 21:30: However, the verse permits a "ransom" to be paid by the owner instead of the death penalty if the judges consider this to be appropriate. The owner can "redeem his life" by paying a sum of money.
Therefore, the verse Exodus 21:31 extends this principle without any gender discrimination: if a dangerous bull (whose owner was warned) kills either a son or a daughter, the owner faces the same potential consequences: death (if the court doesn't allow a ransom) or the obligation to pay a ransom to avoid death.
In summary, the verse ensures equal justice, stating the value of a son's life is the same as that of a daughter in this specific legal case concerning a goring bull. It prevents any argument that a daughter's life is worth less than a son's when determining the owner's liability.
Exodus 21:31 speaks to the legal consequences of a bull goring someone and causing death. The verse, "Whether it has gored a son or has gored a daughter, according to this judgment it shall be done to him," means that the same penalty applies regardless of whether the victim is a son or a daughter.
Specifically, the "judgment" being referred to relates to the preceding verses (Exodus 21:28-30). Here's a breakdown of the context:
Exodus 21:28-29: If a bull gores someone to death, it must be stoned, and its meat must not be eaten. However, if the bull was known to be dangerous and the owner had been warned but didn't restrain it, and the bull then kills someone, both the bull must be stoned, and the owner is also liable and can be put to death.
Exodus 21:30: However, the verse permits a "ransom" to be paid by the owner instead of the death penalty if the judges consider this to be appropriate. The owner can "redeem his life" by paying a sum of money.
Therefore, the verse Exodus 21:31 extends this principle without any gender discrimination: if a dangerous bull (whose owner was warned) kills either a son or a daughter, the owner faces the same potential consequences: death (if the court doesn't allow a ransom) or the obligation to pay a ransom to avoid death.
In summary, the verse ensures equal justice, stating the value of a son's life is the same as that of a daughter in this specific legal case concerning a goring bull. It prevents any argument that a daughter's life is worth less than a son's when determining the owner's liability.