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.

EXODUS 21:28KJV
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Exodus 21:28 (KJV)

What does Exodus 21:28 mean?

Exodus 21:28 sets out a law for when an ox kills a person: the ox must be killed by stoning, its meat cannot be eaten, but the owner is not held responsible for the death. This law draws a clear line between the animal’s action and the owner’s responsibility, unless more is known about the situation.

This verse is part of a set of laws God gives to Moses for the Israelites, focusing here on cases where an animal causes a fatal accident. The law aims to protect the community and prevent further harm by removing the dangerous animal, but it does not punish the owner unless there is evidence of prior negligence (which is addressed in the next verses).

The Hebrew behind Exodus 21:28

  • The word for "gore" (נָגַח, nagach) refers specifically to an animal attacking with its horns, highlighting the violent and intentional nature of the ox’s action.
  • "Quit" (נָקָה, naqah) means to be free from guilt or punishment, showing that the owner is not automatically blamed for the ox’s behavior unless there is more to the story.
  • The phrase "shall be surely stoned" uses the Hebrew word סָקוֹל (saqol), which is a strong command, emphasizing that the animal must be put to death in a public, decisive way.

Why Exodus 21:28 matters

  • This verse clarifies that ancient Israelite law distinguished between accidental harm caused by animals and human negligence, only holding the owner responsible if there was prior warning or knowledge.
  • The law emphasizes community safety, showing that even valuable property like an ox could be destroyed to protect human life.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of the broader biblical approach to justice, responsibility, and the value of human life in the laws given to Israel.

Where else these words appear

“gore” Hebrew H5055 · used in 10 verses

  • Exodus 21:31 Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him.
  • 1 Kings 22:11 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the LORD, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them.
  • Ezekiel 34:21 Because ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad;

“surely” Hebrew H5619 · used in 20 verses

  • Exodus 8:26 And Moses said, It is not meet so to do; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to the LORD our God: lo, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and will they not stone us?
  • Deuteronomy 17:5 Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die.
  • 2 Samuel 16:13 And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill's side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.

“quit” Hebrew H5355 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 24:41 Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee one, thou shalt be clear from my oath.
  • 1 Samuel 19:5 For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?
  • Psalms 24:4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

“ox” Hebrew H7794 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 32:5 And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.
  • Leviticus 22:23 Either a bullock or a lamb that hath any thing superfluous or lacking in his parts, that mayest thou offer for a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.
  • Judges 6:25 And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it: