What does Exodus 21:36 mean?
"Or if it be known that the ox hath used to push in time past, and his owner hath not kept him in; he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall be his own." - Exodus 21:36
Exodus 21:36 in the King James Version of the Bible reads as follows: "Or if it be known that the ox hath used to push with his horn in time past, and his owner hath not kept him in; he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall be his own."
In this verse, we see a specific example of the laws and regulations outlined in the Book of Exodus. This passage pertains to the laws of restitution for personal injury or property damage caused by an animal. It specifically addresses the case of an ox that has a history of goring and the responsibility of the owner in such circumstances.
The context of this verse is within the larger narrative of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. Following their escape from slavery in Egypt, God gives them laws to establish a just and orderly society. This includes regulations for various aspects of life including personal injury, property damage, and social justice.
The verse addresses the issue of accountability and responsibility. It is not only about the liability of the owner of the ox, but also about negligence. If the owner knows that his ox has a history of aggression and yet fails to take precautions to prevent harm, he is held accountable. This principle extends beyond the specific case of the ox and speaks to the broader concept of accountability in personal and communal life.
Symbolically, the ox in this verse can represent power, strength, and potential danger. It serves as a reminder that power and strength, if not properly managed, can lead to harm and destruction. This can be applied to individuals, organizations, and even nations. The importance of responsible stewardship and the implications of neglecting it are the key themes of this verse.
Another aspect of this passage is the idea of restitution and justice. The owner of the ox is required to provide compensation for the damage caused. This reflects the biblical principle of making amends and seeking to right the wrongs that have been committed. It also emphasizes the value of justice and fairness in resolving disputes and conflicts.
From a historical and cultural perspective, this verse sheds light on the legal and moral framework of ancient Israelite society. It demonstrates the importance of maintaining order and preventing harm, as well as the need for accountability and restitution. These principles were central to the formation of a just and harmonious community.
In summary, Exodus 21:36 provides a specific example of the laws and regulations outlined in the Book of Exodus. It addresses issues of accountability, responsibility, negligence, and restitution. It carries symbolic significance in its representation of power and strength, as well as the moral and legal principles it embodies. Moreover, it offers insights into the social, cultural, and ethical values of ancient Israelite society. As such, it invites reflection on these timeless themes and their relevance to contemporary life.
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Exodus 21:36 - "Or if it be known that the ox hath used to push in time past, and his owner hath not kept him in; he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall be his own."
"Or if it be known that the ox hath used to push in time past, and his owner hath not kept him in; he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall be his own." - Exodus 21:36
Exodus 36:21 - "The length of a board was ten cubits, and the breadth of a board one cubit and a half."
"The length of a board was ten cubits, and the breadth of a board one cubit and a half." - Exodus 36:21
Exodus 39:36 - "The table, and all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread,"
Exodus 16:36 - "Now an omer is the tenth part of an ephah."
Exodus 36:36 - "And he made thereunto four pillars of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold: their hooks were of gold; and he cast for them four sockets of silver."
Exodus 36:27 - "And for the sides of the tabernacle westward he made six boards."
Exodus 36:7 - "For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much."
Exodus 36:28 - "And two boards made he for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides."
Exodus 36:20 - "¶ And he made boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood, standing up."
Exodus 36:16 - "And he coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves."
Exodus 36:23 - "And he made boards for the tabernacle; twenty boards for the south side southward:"
Acts 21:36 - "For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him."
Exodus 36:18 - "And he made fifty taches of brass to couple the tent together, that it might be one."
Exodus 36:31 - "¶ And he made bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,"
Exodus 36:33 - "And he made the middle bar to shoot through the boards from the one end to the other."
Genesis 36:21 - "And Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan: these are the dukes of the Horites, the children of Seir in the land of Edom."
Exodus 36:25 - "And for the other side of the tabernacle, which is toward the north corner, he made twenty boards,"
Exodus 25:36 - "Their knops and their branches shall be of the same: all it shall be one beaten work of pure gold."
Joshua 21:36 - "And out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer with her suburbs, and Jahazah with her suburbs,"
"The table, and all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread," - Exodus 39:36
Exodus 36:34 - "And he overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings of gold to be places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold."
Exodus 36:37 - "¶ And he made an hanging for the tabernacle door of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, of needlework;"
Exodus 36:19 - "And he made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers' skins above that."
Exodus 36:32 - "And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the tabernacle for the sides westward."
Exodus 36:38 - "And the five pillars of it with their hooks: and he overlaid their chapiters and their fillets with gold: but their five sockets were of brass."
"Now an omer is the tenth part of an ephah." - Exodus 16:36
Isaiah 36:21 - "But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not."
Job 36:21 - "Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction."