Exodus 21:33 (KJV)

What does Exodus 21:33 mean?

Exodus 21:33 explains that if someone digs or opens a pit and does not cover it, and then someone else’s ox or donkey falls into it, the person who left the pit uncovered is responsible. This verse sets up a rule about liability for harm caused by negligence.

This instruction is part of a larger section where God, through Moses, gives the Israelites detailed laws about living together in community. The verse addresses a practical situation common in ancient life, where open pits could be dangerous for animals, which were valuable property. The law expects people to act responsibly to prevent harm to others’ livestock.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 21:33

• פַּח (pach, H953): This word means "pit" and refers to a hole dug in the ground, often used for storing water or trapping animals. The law assumes people would dig such pits for practical reasons, but leaving them uncovered creates a hazard.
• כָּסָה (kasah, H3680): This word means "to cover." The verse singles out the failure to cover the pit as the negligent act, highlighting that the problem is not the pit itself but the lack of care in making it safe.
• שׁוֹר (shor, H7794) and חֲמוֹר (chamor, H2543): These words mean "ox" and "donkey," two of the most common working animals in ancient Israel. Their mention shows the law’s concern for both property and the livelihoods of ordinary people.

Why Exodus 21:33 matters

• Exodus 21:33 clarifies that people are responsible for preventing foreseeable harm, not just for intentional actions. This sets a standard for community responsibility and care.
• The verse shows that biblical law addresses everyday situations, not just religious or ceremonial matters, reflecting a concern for justice and practical living.
• By specifying animals like oxen and donkeys, the law emphasizes the value of property and the importance of protecting the means by which people made their living in ancient Israel.