Exodus 21:28 Meaning and Explanation
“If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If an ox kills a person, the ox must be executed and its flesh cannot be eaten; the owner is not held liable if the ox had no prior history of violence.
The Context of Exodus 21:28
A lethal ox is executed; non-negligent owners face no penalty
What Does Exodus 21:28 Mean?
When an animal causes death through no apparent negligence by the owner, justice requires the animal's death but not the owner's punishment. The ox is stoned (executed) and its flesh is inedible—perhaps reflecting that meat obtained through death should not be consumed, or marking the ox as cursed by its lethal act.
The law distinguishes between negligent and non-negligent animal owners. If this is the ox's first incident and the owner has no reason to know of danger, the owner is absolved. Justice falls on the animal, not the person unaware of risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 21:28
What does Exodus 21:28 mean?
If an ox kills a person, the ox must be executed and its flesh cannot be eaten; the owner is not held liable if the ox had no prior history of violence.
What is the context of Exodus 21:28?
A lethal ox is executed; non-negligent owners face no penalty