Exodus 21:34 - Printer Friendly

ESV: the owner of the pit shall make restoration. He shall give money to its owner, and the dead beast shall be his.

NIV: the one who opened the pit must pay the owner for the loss and take the dead animal in exchange.

NASB: the owner of the pit shall make restitution; he shall give money to its owner, and the dead animal shall become his.

CSB: the owner of the pit must give compensation; he must pay to its owner, but the dead animal will become his.

NLT: The owner of the pit must pay full compensation to the owner of the animal, but then he gets to keep the dead animal.

KJV: The owner of the pit shall make it good, and give money unto the owner of them; and the dead beast shall be his.

NKJV: the owner of the pit shall make it good; he shall give money to their owner, but the dead animal shall be his.

Exodus 21:28–36 provides legal protections regarding livestock. Manslaying animals are to be killed (Genesis 9:5–6). Israelites are also responsible for any harm done by their animals. In cases of extreme negligence, this can result in execution. Restitution is required if someone negligently harms another person's animal.

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 6:22:35 PM