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Book of Exodus - Chapter 21 - Verse 34

21:34
The owner of the pit shall make it good, and give money unto the owner of them; and the dead beast shall be his.

Meaning

This verse from the Book of Exodus chapter 21 verse 34 deals with the concept of responsibility and restitution. In ancient times, if a person's pit caused harm to another person's livestock, the owner of the pit was required to compensate the owner for the loss. This law ensured that individuals took precautions to prevent harm and damage to others' property. It also highlights the importance of accountability in relationships and interactions within the community. By making reparations to the affected party, the owner of the pit demonstrated their duty to make amends for their actions. This verse serves as a reminder to individuals to be mindful of the potential consequences of their actions and to take responsibility for any harm caused to others.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Exodus 21:34, the phrase "The owner of the pit shall make it good" refers to the responsibility of the person who dug the pit to repair any damage caused by their pit. This can be interpreted as a lesson in accountability and taking ownership for one's actions. The phrase "and give money unto the owner of them" indicates that the owner of the pit must compensate the owner of the animal that fell into the pit for their loss. This demonstrates the importance of restitution and making amends for harm caused to others. Lastly, the phrase "and the dead beast shall be his" suggests that once the restitution has been made, the dead animal now belongs to the owner of the pit. This serves as a form of compensation for their loss, albeit a somewhat grim form. Overall, this verse highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions, making amends for harm caused, and providing restitution to those who have been affected.

American Standard Version

the owner of the pit shall make it good; he shall give money unto the owner thereof, and the dead [beast] shall be his.
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