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.

EXODUS 21:36KJV
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Exodus 21:36 (KJV)

What does Exodus 21:36 mean?

Exodus 21:36 says that if it is known an ox has a habit of goring and its owner does not keep it confined, the owner must pay with another ox for the one killed, and the dead animal becomes his. This law holds the owner responsible if he knew his animal was dangerous and failed to act.

This verse is part of a set of laws God gives to Moses for the Israelites, dealing with responsibility and fairness in cases where animals cause harm. The situation described is about two people: one whose ox is known to be aggressive, and another whose ox is killed because the first owner did not take proper precautions. The rule ensures that negligence is not excused and that losses are fairly compensated.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 21:36

  • "known" (יָדֹעַ, yada‘): This word means to have knowledge or awareness. The law only applies if the owner was aware of the ox’s dangerous behavior, making intent and prior knowledge crucial to the judgment.
  • "push" (נַגָּח, nagach): This verb specifically refers to the act of goring or butting with horns, highlighting that the ox’s aggressive action is not accidental but a repeated, known behavior.
  • "owner" (בַּעַל, ba‘al): This word means master or possessor, emphasizing the person’s responsibility for what belongs to him.
  • "kept" (שָׁמַר, shamar): This verb means to guard or watch over. The law expects the owner to take active steps to prevent harm if he knows the risk.
  • "surely pay" (שַׁלֵּם יְשַׁלֵּם, shalem yeshalem): This phrase doubles the verb for emphasis, stressing that full restitution is required—no shortcuts or partial payments.

Why Exodus 21:36 matters

  • Exodus 21:36 clarifies that responsibility increases with knowledge; if an owner knows his animal is dangerous, he cannot claim ignorance if harm comes.
  • This verse shows the law’s concern for fairness and protecting the community from preventable harm, not just punishing wrongdoing after the fact.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing a progression: accidental harm is treated differently from harm caused by negligence or repeated failure to act, setting a pattern for justice in other areas of life.

Where else these words appear

“push” Hebrew H5056 · used in 2 verses

  • Exodus 21:29 But if the ox were wont to push with his horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death.

“past” Hebrew H8543 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 31:2 And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.
  • Deuteronomy 4:42 That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in times past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:
  • 1 Samuel 20:27 And it came to pass on the morrow, which was the second day of the month, that David's place was empty: and Saul said unto Jonathan his son, Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat, neither yesterday, nor to day?

“past” Hebrew H8032 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 31:2 And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.
  • Deuteronomy 19:4 And this is the case of the slayer, which shall flee thither, that he may live: Whoso killeth his neighbour ignorantly, whom he hated not in time past;
  • 1 Samuel 14:21 Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.

“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: