Exodus 21:36 - Or if it is known that the bull was in the habit of goring in the past, and its owner has not kept it in, he shall surely pay bull for bull, and the dead animal shall be his own.
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What does "Exodus 21:36" mean?
Exodus 21:36 outlines the legal responsibility of an animal owner when their animal injures or kills someone else's. Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"Or if it is known that the bull was in the habit of goring in the past...": This sets up the key condition. This clause is dealing with a situation where the bull had a prior record of aggressive behavior, specifically goring (attacking with its horns). This wasn't the bull's first offense. There was a history.
"...and its owner has not kept it in...": This is crucial. The owner knew (or should have known) about the bull's dangerous tendencies but failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it from harming others. This means they did not keep the bull confined, perhaps failing to build adequate fences, secure it with a leash, or otherwise control its movements.
"...he shall surely pay bull for bull...": This outlines the compensation owed to the victim. The owner of the goring bull must pay the victim (the owner of the dead animal) the equivalent of a new, healthy bull as financial recompense for the loss of their animal.
"...and the dead animal shall be his own.": This final part clarifies that the owner of the goring bull keeps the carcass of the dead animal. This likely had practical implications, as the owner could then dispose of or make use of the meat and hide.
In essence, the verse establishes the following principle:
If an owner knows their bull is dangerous (has a history of goring) and doesn't take steps to restrain it, they are liable for the damages when it kills another person's animal. They must compensate the victim by providing a replacement animal and retain the dead one.
The Significance:
This passage highlights the importance of:
Responsibility: Owning animals carries a responsibility to control them and prevent them from causing harm.
Prior Knowledge: Legal liability is heightened when the owner is aware of the animal's dangerous tendencies.
Compensation: Victims of harm caused by negligently managed animals are entitled to fair compensation.
The verse is a reflection of the need for social order and protection of property in an agricultural society. It establishes a legal framework to deal with the consequences of irresponsible animal ownership and promote accountability.
Exodus 21:36 - Or if it is known that the bull was in the habit of goring in the past, and its owner has not kept it in, he shall surely pay bull for bull, and the dead animal shall be his own.
What does "Exodus 21:36" mean?
Exodus 21:36 outlines the legal responsibility of an animal owner when their animal injures or kills someone else's. Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"Or if it is known that the bull was in the habit of goring in the past...": This sets up the key condition. This clause is dealing with a situation where the bull had a prior record of aggressive behavior, specifically goring (attacking with its horns). This wasn't the bull's first offense. There was a history.
"...and its owner has not kept it in...": This is crucial. The owner knew (or should have known) about the bull's dangerous tendencies but failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it from harming others. This means they did not keep the bull confined, perhaps failing to build adequate fences, secure it with a leash, or otherwise control its movements.
"...he shall surely pay bull for bull...": This outlines the compensation owed to the victim. The owner of the goring bull must pay the victim (the owner of the dead animal) the equivalent of a new, healthy bull as financial recompense for the loss of their animal.
"...and the dead animal shall be his own.": This final part clarifies that the owner of the goring bull keeps the carcass of the dead animal. This likely had practical implications, as the owner could then dispose of or make use of the meat and hide.
In essence, the verse establishes the following principle:
If an owner knows their bull is dangerous (has a history of goring) and doesn't take steps to restrain it, they are liable for the damages when it kills another person's animal. They must compensate the victim by providing a replacement animal and retain the dead one.
The Significance:
This passage highlights the importance of:
Responsibility: Owning animals carries a responsibility to control them and prevent them from causing harm.
Prior Knowledge: Legal liability is heightened when the owner is aware of the animal's dangerous tendencies.
Compensation: Victims of harm caused by negligently managed animals are entitled to fair compensation.
The verse is a reflection of the need for social order and protection of property in an agricultural society. It establishes a legal framework to deal with the consequences of irresponsible animal ownership and promote accountability.