Exodus 21:36 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →If an ox with a known history of goring kills another ox because the owner failed to restrain it, the negligent owner must pay with an ox and keep the dead one.
The Context of Exodus 21:36
Known dangerous oxen create full liability for the owner
What Does Exodus 21:36 Mean?
When the deadly ox's pattern is known and the owner was negligent, the justice is harsher. The responsible owner must give a live ox to replace the dead one and also take possession of the dead animal itself. He bears the full cost with no sharing of losses.
This graduated system of liability reflects the principle of accountability matching knowledge and choice. A single incident receives shared liability; a foreseeable, preventable incident born of negligence receives full liability, penalizing the owner for his failure to control a known danger.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 21:36
What does Exodus 21:36 mean?
If an ox with a known history of goring kills another ox because the owner failed to restrain it, the negligent owner must pay with an ox and keep the dead one.
What is the context of Exodus 21:36?
Known dangerous oxen create full liability for the owner