Exodus 21:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "When men quarrel and one strikes the other with a stone or with his fist and the man does not die but takes to his bed,

NIV: "If people quarrel and one person hits another with a stone or with their fist and the victim does not die but is confined to bed,

NASB: Now if people have a quarrel and one strikes the other with a stone or with a fist, and he does not die but is confined to bed,

CSB: "When men quarrel and one strikes the other with a stone or his fist, and the injured man does not die but is confined to bed,

NLT: Now suppose two men quarrel, and one hits the other with a stone or fist, and the injured person does not die but is confined to bed.

KJV: And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keepeth his bed:

NKJV: “If men contend with each other, and one strikes the other with a stone or with his fist, and he does not die but is confined to his bed,

Exodus 21:18–21 explains ancient Israel's legal consequences for injuring others. These emphasize restitution for time and work lost due to the injury. If someone fatally injures their slave or servant, the death penalty applies (Exodus 21:12). If the servant survives long enough to recover, the aggressor has already experienced the loss of that servant's work. They may be forced to free the injured person (Exodus 21:26–27). Very few could afford enough servants to absorb this lost work.

The Ten Commandments form the basis of Israel's other laws. In this chapter, God provides guidelines and penalties for various issues. These include homicide, assault, and injury. Laws also control harm done to or by animals. Included in these are protections for pregnant women and unborn children. Servants are guarded from abuse. Kidnapping people into slavery is punishable by death.

Chapter 20 began recording the laws of God's covenant with Israel. This started with the Ten Commandments. In this chapter, the Lord provides rules on subjects such as penalties for violent crime and negligence regarding animals. Chapters 22 and 23 continue to provide details about Israel's legal code. Chapter 24 records a confirmation of the covenant. Chapter 25 begins describing the construction of the tabernacle.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 6/30/2025 6:36:10 PM