Exodus 21:28
If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit.
Exodus 21:28 (KJV)
Context
Exodus is the second book of the Bible. It tells how God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and led them toward the Promised Land. Exodus 21 belongs to the laws God gave Moses on Mount Sinai, often called the Book of the Covenant. These laws guided daily life in ancient Israel after the exodus. They were practical rules for a farming community, where oxen were vital for plowing, transportation, food, and clothing.
Meaning
This verse deals with an ox that kills a person by goring. The ox must be stoned, and its flesh must not be eaten. The owner is declared “quit,” meaning free from guilt in this first case. The law treats the death as a serious event, even when the owner did not know the ox was dangerous. The animal is destroyed, and its meat is forbidden. This act removes the threat and marks the loss of life as sacred. It also shows that human life is of supreme value, far above the worth of any animal.
Biblical connections
The next verse, Exodus 21:29, explains the difference between an accident and neglect. If an ox had gored before and the owner failed to confine it, the owner would also be put to death. Together these verses teach that God distinguishes between what a person could not foresee and what a person should have prevented. The owner’s exemption in this first instance is not a license to be careless. It sets the stage for the following verse, which holds the owner liable if the ox had a known history of goring. This principle of accountability runs through the whole law.
Application
This law calls readers to value human life and to take responsibility for what they own. A person is accountable for property, animals, and anything that could harm others. Even when the law does not punish, wise love for neighbors requires care and prevention. The prohibition against eating the ox also reminds readers that some things are set apart because of their connection to death. Respect for the victim is shown by refusing to benefit from the animal that caused the harm. For the Christian reader, this points to the seriousness with which God views human life and the principle of responsibility, both for one’s property and one’s actions.
Reflection
God’s justice is careful and fair. He does not blame the innocent, but He also does not ignore the value of a human life. This ancient law points to a deeper truth: every person is made in God’s image, and their safety is precious. Believers today can honor this by guarding the well-being of others and by living with honest accountability before God. The law also reminds us that God’s care extends to the details of daily life, showing that He is concerned with justice in every situation.
