Exodus 21:18 Meaning and Explanation
“And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keepeth his bed:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →When one person strikes another with a stone or fist and the victim survives but is confined to bed, a legal dispute arises requiring resolution.
The Context of Exodus 21:18
Non-fatal assault that incapacitates a victim triggers legal liability
What Does Exodus 21:18 Mean?
Not every blow results in death or permanent injury. This law addresses non-fatal assaults: one person strikes another using a weapon or bare hand, and while the victim survives, they are severely injured enough to be bedridden. The incident is serious enough to require legal adjudication.
These verses establish the framework for determining restitution and consequences for violent injury. By distinguishing between fatal and non-fatal assault, the law creates graduated accountability that matches the harm done.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 21:18
What does Exodus 21:18 mean?
When one person strikes another with a stone or fist and the victim survives but is confined to bed, a legal dispute arises requiring resolution.
What is the context of Exodus 21:18?
Non-fatal assault that incapacitates a victim triggers legal liability