And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein;

EXODUS 21:33KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“dig” Hebrew H3738 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 26:25 And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of the LORD, and pitched his tent there: and there Isaac's servants digged a well.
  • Psalms 7:15 He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.
  • Psalms 119:85 The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.

“pit” Hebrew H953 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 37:20 Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:22 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many acts; he slew two lionlike men of Moab: also he went down and slew a lion in a pit in a snowy day.
  • Jeremiah 37:16 When Jeremiah was entered into the dungeon, and into the cabins, and Jeremiah had remained there many days;

“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:

“ass” Hebrew H2543 · used in 93 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Numbers 31:30 And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one portion of fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, of all manner of beasts, and give them unto the Levites, which keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.
  • 1 Samuel 25:42 And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.