Exodus 21:32 - 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.
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What does "Exodus 21:32" mean?
This verse from Exodus 21:32 deals with the legal and financial consequences when a bull, known to be dangerous, kills a slave (either male or female). Let's break it down:
"If the bull gores a male servant or a female servant...": This sets the scenario where a bull injures and kills a slave.
"...thirty shekels of silver shall be given to their master...": This specifies the financial compensation the bull's owner must pay to the slave's owner. Thirty shekels of silver was a standard price/compensation for a slave's life in that time.
"...and the ox shall be stoned.": This prescribes the punishment for the bull. It must be killed by stoning. This likely served as a deterrent and prevented the bull from causing further harm.
In essence, this verse lays out the legal and financial ramifications for the owner of a dangerous bull that kills a slave. It establishes a form of justice and compensation in a society where slaves were considered property.
Important Considerations:
Context: It's important to read this verse within the larger context of Exodus 21, which details various laws concerning damages, injuries, and responsibilities.
Value of Human Life: It's important to acknowledge that the value placed on a slave's life, as reflected in the compensation amount, is far different from modern values. Slavery is universally condemned today.
Deterrence: The punishment of the bull and the financial penalty served to discourage negligence and encourage responsible animal ownership.
Justice System: This verse illustrates an early form of a justice system that sought to provide compensation for loss and punishment for wrongdoing.
Exodus 21:32 - 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.
What does "Exodus 21:32" mean?
This verse from Exodus 21:32 deals with the legal and financial consequences when a bull, known to be dangerous, kills a slave (either male or female). Let's break it down:
"If the bull gores a male servant or a female servant...": This sets the scenario where a bull injures and kills a slave.
"...thirty shekels of silver shall be given to their master...": This specifies the financial compensation the bull's owner must pay to the slave's owner. Thirty shekels of silver was a standard price/compensation for a slave's life in that time.
"...and the ox shall be stoned.": This prescribes the punishment for the bull. It must be killed by stoning. This likely served as a deterrent and prevented the bull from causing further harm.
In essence, this verse lays out the legal and financial ramifications for the owner of a dangerous bull that kills a slave. It establishes a form of justice and compensation in a society where slaves were considered property.
Important Considerations:
Context: It's important to read this verse within the larger context of Exodus 21, which details various laws concerning damages, injuries, and responsibilities.
Value of Human Life: It's important to acknowledge that the value placed on a slave's life, as reflected in the compensation amount, is far different from modern values. Slavery is universally condemned today.
Deterrence: The punishment of the bull and the financial penalty served to discourage negligence and encourage responsible animal ownership.
Justice System: This verse illustrates an early form of a justice system that sought to provide compensation for loss and punishment for wrongdoing.