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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 21:22 If men who are fighting strike a pregnant woman and her child is born prematurely, but there is no further injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman's husband demands and as the court allows.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/21-22.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/02_Exo_21_22.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 21:22 - Personal Injury Laws" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If men who are fighting strike a pregnant woman and her child is born prematurely, but there is no further injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman's husband demands and as the court allows." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/21-22.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/21-22.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/21.htm">Chapter 21</a> > Verse 22</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/21-21.htm" title="Exodus 21:21">◄</a> Exodus 21:22 <a href="/exodus/21-23.htm" title="Exodus 21:23">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/exodus/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/exodus/21.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220If people are fighting and hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman&#8217s husband demands and the court allows. <a href="/nlt/exodus/21.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Now suppose two men are fighting, and in the process they accidentally strike a pregnant woman so she gives birth prematurely. If no further injury results, the man who struck the woman must pay the amount of compensation the woman’s husband demands and the judges approve. <a href="/esv/exodus/21.htm">English Standard Version</a> “When men strive together and hit a pregnant woman, so that her children come out, but there is no harm, the one who hit her shall surely be fined, as the woman’s husband shall impose on him, and he shall pay as the judges determine. <a href="/bsb/exodus/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> If men who are fighting strike a pregnant woman and her child is born prematurely, but there is no further injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman’s husband demands and as the court allows. <a href="/kjv/exodus/21.htm">King James Bible</a> If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. <a href="/nkjv/exodus/21.htm">New King James Version</a> “If men fight, and hurt a woman with child, so that she gives birth prematurely, yet no harm follows, he shall surely be punished accordingly as the woman’s husband imposes on him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. <a href="/nasb_/exodus/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Now if people struggle with each other and strike a pregnant woman so that she gives birth prematurely, but there is no injury, the guilty person shall certainly be fined as the woman’s husband may demand of him, and he shall pay as the judges decide. <a href="/nasb/exodus/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220If men struggle with each other and strike a woman with child so that she gives birth prematurely, yet there is no injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman&#8217s husband may demand of him, and he shall pay as the judges decide. <a href="/nasb77/exodus/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And if men struggle with each other and strike a woman with child so that she has a miscarriage, yet there is no further injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman’s husband may demand of him; and he shall pay as the judges decide. <a href="/lsb/exodus/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “And if men struggle with each other and strike a woman with child so that she gives birth prematurely, yet there is no injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman’s husband will set for him, and he shall pay as the judges decide. <a href="/amp/exodus/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “If men fight with each other and injure a pregnant woman so that she gives birth prematurely [and the baby lives], yet there is no further injury, the one who hurt her must be punished with a fine [paid] to the woman’s husband, as much as the judges decide. <a href="/csb/exodus/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “When men get in a fight and hit a pregnant woman so that her children are born prematurely but there is no injury, the one who hit her must be fined as the woman’s husband demands from him, and he must pay according to judicial assessment. <a href="/hcsb/exodus/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When men get in a fight and hit a pregnant woman so that her children are born prematurely but there is no injury, the one who hit her must be fined as the woman&#8217s husband demands from him, and he must pay according to judicial assessment. <a href="/asv/exodus/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> And if men strive together, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart, and yet no harm follow; he shall be surely fined, according as the woman's husband shall lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. <a href="/cev/exodus/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Suppose a pregnant woman suffers a miscarriage as the result of an injury caused by someone who is fighting. If she isn't badly hurt, the one who injured her must pay whatever fine her husband demands and the judges approve. <a href="/erv/exodus/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> And if men strive together, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely fined, according as the woman's husband shall lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. <a href="/gwt/exodus/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "This is what you must do whenever men fight and injure a pregnant woman so that she gives birth prematurely. If there are no other injuries, the offender must pay whatever fine the court allows the woman's husband to demand. <a href="/gnt/exodus/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> "If some men are fighting and hurt a pregnant woman so that she loses her child, but she is not injured in any other way, the one who hurt her is to be fined whatever amount the woman's husband demands, subject to the approval of the judges. <a href="/isv/exodus/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> "If two men are fighting and they strike a pregnant woman and her children are born prematurely, but there is no harm, he is certainly to be fined as the husband of the woman demands of him, and he will pay as the court decides. <a href="/msb/exodus/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> If men who are fighting strike a pregnant woman and her child is born prematurely, but there is no further injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman?s husband demands and as the court allows. <a href="/net/exodus/21.htm">NET Bible</a> "If men fight and hit a pregnant woman and her child is born prematurely, but there is no serious injury, he will surely be punished in accordance with what the woman's husband demands of him, and he will pay what the court decides. <a href="/nheb/exodus/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "If men fight and strike a pregnant woman so that her child is born prematurely, but there is no injury, he shall be surely fined as much as the woman?s husband demands and the judges allow. <a href="/wbt/exodus/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> If men shall contend, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit shall depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. <a href="/web/exodus/21.htm">World English Bible</a> “If men fight and hurt a pregnant woman so that she gives birth prematurely, and yet no harm follows, he shall be surely fined as much as the woman’s husband demands and the judges allow. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/exodus/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And when men strive, and have struck a pregnant woman, and her children have come out, and there is no harm [to them], he is certainly fined as the husband of the woman lays on him, and he has given through the judges; <a href="/ylt/exodus/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'And when men strive, and have smitten a pregnant woman, and her children have come out, and there is no mischief, he is certainly fined, as the husband of the woman doth lay upon him, and he hath given through the judges; <a href="/slt/exodus/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And if men shall quarrel and strike a woman pregnant, and her child shall go forth, and there shall not be harm, punishing, he shall be punished, as the husband of the woman shall put upon him; and he giving in justice.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/exodus/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> If men quarrel, and one strike a woman with child, and she miscarry indeed, but live herself: he shall be answerable for so much damage as the woman's husband shall require, and as arbiters shall award. <a href="/cpdv/exodus/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> If men will have quarreled, and one of them has struck a pregnant woman, and as a result she miscarries, but she herself survives, he shall be subject to as much damage as the husband of the woman shall petition from him, or as arbitrators shall judge. <a href="/nabre/exodus/21.htm">New American Bible</a> When men have a fight and hurt a pregnant woman, so that she suffers a miscarriage, but no further injury, the guilty one shall be fined as much as the woman’s husband demands of him, and he shall pay in the presence of the judges. <a href="/nrsvce/exodus/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When people who are fighting injure a pregnant woman so that there is a miscarriage, and yet no further harm follows, the one responsible shall be fined what the woman’s husband demands, paying as much as the judges determine.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/exodus/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> If two men quarrel, and strike a woman with child so that she miscarries, and yet no mischief follow; he shall surely pay a fine such as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. <a href="/hpbt/exodus/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And when two men will fight and they strike a woman who is pregnant and her infant shall come out and there will be no misfortune, certainly he shall be fined according to what the husband of the woman lays upon him, and he will give as the Judges decide.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/exodus/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And if men strive together, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart, and yet no harm follow, he shall be surely fined, according as the woman's husband shall lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. <a href="/sep/exodus/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And if two men strive and smite a woman with child, and her child be born imperfectly formed, he shall be forced to pay a penalty: as the woman's husband may lay upon him, he shall pay with a valuation. <a href="/parallel/exodus/21-22.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=5321" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/exodus/21.htm">Personal Injury Laws</a> …21However, if the servant gets up after a day or two, the owner shall not be punished, since the servant is his property. 22<a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: wə·ḵî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’ă·nā·šîm (N-mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">men</a> <a href="/hebrew/5327.htm" title="5327: yin·nā·ṣū (V-Nifal-Imperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to go forth, i.e. to be expelled, and desolate; causatively, to lay waste; also, to quarrel.">who are fighting</a> <a href="/hebrew/5062.htm" title="5062: wə·nā·ḡə·p̄ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To strike, smite. A primitive root; to push, gore, defeat, stub, inflict.">strike</a> <a href="/hebrew/2030.htm" title="2030: hā·rāh (Adj-fs) -- Pregnant. Or hariy; from harah; pregnant.">a pregnant</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’iš·šāh (N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">woman</a> <a href="/hebrew/3206.htm" title="3206: yə·lā·ḏe·hā (N-mpc:: 3fs) -- Child, son, boy, youth. From yalad; something born, i.e. A lad or offspring.">and her child</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: wə·yā·ṣə·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">is born prematurely,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">but there is</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">no further</a> <a href="/hebrew/611.htm" title="611: ’ā·sō·wn (N-ms) -- Mischief, evil, harm. Of uncertain derivation; hurt.">injury,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6064.htm" title="6064: ‘ā·nō·wōš (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To fine, mulct. A primitive root; properly, to urge; by implication, to inflict a penalty, specifically, to fine.">he shall surely be fined</a> <a href="/hebrew/6064.htm" title="6064: yê·‘ā·nêš (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fine, mulct. A primitive root; properly, to urge; by implication, to inflict a penalty, specifically, to fine."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">as</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: hā·’iš·šāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">the woman’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1167.htm" title="1167: ba·‘al (N-msc) -- Owner, lord. From ba'al; a master; hence, a husband, or owner.">husband</a> <a href="/hebrew/7896.htm" title="7896: yā·šîṯ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To put, set. A primitive root; to place.">demands</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: wə·nā·ṯan (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">and as the court allows.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6414.htm" title="6414: bip̄·li·lîm (Prep-b:: N-mp) -- A judge. From palal; a magistrate."></a> 23But if a serious injury results, then you must require a life for a life—…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/9-6.htm">Genesis 9:6</a> Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind. <a href="/numbers/35-31.htm">Numbers 35:31-33</a> You are not to accept a ransom for the life of a murderer who deserves to die; he must surely be put to death. / Nor should you accept a ransom for the person who flees to a city of refuge and allow him to return and live on his own land before the death of the high priest. / Do not pollute the land where you live, for bloodshed pollutes the land, and no atonement can be made for the land on which the blood is shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. <a href="/deuteronomy/19-21.htm">Deuteronomy 19:21</a> You must show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, and foot for foot. <a href="/leviticus/24-19.htm">Leviticus 24:19-20</a> If anyone injures his neighbor, whatever he has done must be done to him: / fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Just as he injured the other person, the same must be inflicted on him. <a href="/psalms/139-13.htm">Psalm 139:13-16</a> For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. / I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well. / My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. ... <a href="/jeremiah/1-5.htm">Jeremiah 1:5</a> “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” <a href="/job/31-15.htm">Job 31:15</a> Did not He who made me in the womb also make them? Did not the same One form us in the womb? <a href="/isaiah/44-2.htm">Isaiah 44:2</a> This is the word of the LORD, your Maker, who formed you from the womb and who will help you: “Do not be afraid, O Jacob My servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. <a href="/amos/1-13.htm">Amos 1:13</a> This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of the Ammonites, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead in order to enlarge their territory. <a href="/2_kings/24-4.htm">2 Kings 24:4</a> and also for the innocent blood he had shed. For he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, and the LORD was unwilling to forgive. <a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21-22</a> You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ / But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell. <a href="/matthew/18-6.htm">Matthew 18:6</a> But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. <a href="/luke/1-41.htm">Luke 1:41-44</a> When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. / In a loud voice she exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! / And why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ... <a href="/romans/13-9.htm">Romans 13:9</a> The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” <a href="/1_corinthians/3-16.htm">1 Corinthians 3:16-17</a> Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? / If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay on him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.strive<a href="/exodus/21-18.htm">Exodus 21:18</a> And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keepeth his bed:as the judges<a href="/exodus/21-30.htm">Exodus 21:30</a> If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him.<a href="/deuteronomy/16-18.htm">Deuteronomy 16:18</a> Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.<a href="/deuteronomy/22-18.htm">Deuteronomy 22:18,19</a> And the elders of that city shall take that man and chastise him; … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/12-23.htm">Allow</a> <a href="/exodus/12-49.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/exodus/13-12.htm">Child</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-6.htm">Demands</a> <a href="/exodus/21-11.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/exodus/21-18.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/amos/2-8.htm">Fined</a> <a href="/exodus/16-4.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/genesis/45-23.htm">Follows</a> <a href="/exodus/10-15.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/exodus/6-2.htm">Further</a> <a href="/exodus/21-20.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/exodus/5-23.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/genesis/31-29.htm">Hurt</a> <a href="/exodus/21-3.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/revelation/9-19.htm">Injury</a> <a href="/exodus/21-6.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/exodus/16-33.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-3.htm">Miscarriage</a> <a href="/exodus/5-19.htm">Mischief</a> <a href="/exodus/2-2.htm">Pregnant</a> <a href="/exodus/21-21.htm">Punished</a> <a href="/exodus/17-6.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/exodus/21-18.htm">Strive</a> <a href="/genesis/30-8.htm">Struggle</a> <a href="/exodus/21-20.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/genesis/38-20.htm">Woman's</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/22-18.htm">Allow</a> <a href="/exodus/23-26.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/exodus/22-22.htm">Child</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-8.htm">Demands</a> <a href="/exodus/33-1.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/exodus/32-18.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-3.htm">Fined</a> <a href="/exodus/21-23.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/exodus/21-23.htm">Follows</a> <a href="/exodus/23-16.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/exodus/21-23.htm">Further</a> <a href="/exodus/21-26.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/exodus/21-23.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/exodus/21-35.htm">Hurt</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-20.htm">Husband</a> <a href="/exodus/21-23.htm">Injury</a> <a href="/exodus/22-8.htm">Judges</a> <a href="/exodus/24-11.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-21.htm">Miscarriage</a> <a href="/exodus/21-23.htm">Mischief</a> <a href="/leviticus/12-2.htm">Pregnant</a> <a href="/leviticus/18-25.htm">Punished</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-24.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-10.htm">Strive</a> <a href="/judges/12-2.htm">Struggle</a> <a href="/exodus/21-28.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-10.htm">Woman's</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 21</div>1. <a href="/exodus/21-1.htm">Laws for men servants</a> 5. <a href="/exodus/21-5.htm">For the servant whose ear is bored</a> 7. <a href="/exodus/21-7.htm">For women servants</a> 12. <a href="/exodus/21-12.htm">For manslaughter</a> 16. <a href="/exodus/21-16.htm">For kidnappers</a> 17. <a href="/exodus/21-17.htm">For cursers of parents</a> 18. <a href="/exodus/21-18.htm">For smiters</a> 22. <a href="/exodus/21-22.htm">For a hurt by chance</a> 28. <a href="/exodus/21-28.htm">For an ox that gores</a> 33. <a href="/exodus/21-33.htm">For him who is an occasion of harm</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>If men who are fighting This phrase sets the scene of a physical altercation between men, a common occurrence in ancient times. The context is a legal case within the Mosaic Law, which was given to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. The law aimed to maintain order and justice within the community. Fighting among men could disrupt societal harmony, and the law sought to address the consequences of such actions.strike a pregnant woman The involvement of a pregnant woman highlights the vulnerability of both the woman and her unborn child. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, women were often seen as needing protection, and pregnancy added an additional layer of concern. The law here reflects a protective stance towards women and the unborn, emphasizing the value of life and the need for careful consideration of actions that could harm them.and her child is born prematurely This phrase indicates a premature birth resulting from the altercation. The Hebrew term used can imply a miscarriage or premature birth, and the interpretation has been debated among scholars. The focus is on the outcome of the altercation affecting the unborn child, which underscores the importance of the unborn life in biblical law.but there is no further injury The absence of further injury suggests that the premature birth did not result in lasting harm to the mother or child. This distinction is crucial in determining the legal consequences. The law differentiates between outcomes, showing a nuanced approach to justice that considers the extent of harm caused.he shall surely be fined The imposition of a fine indicates a form of restitution, a common legal remedy in ancient Israel. The fine serves as a deterrent and a means of compensating for the wrongdoing. It reflects the principle of justice that requires offenders to make amends for their actions.as the woman’s husband demands The husband's role in demanding the fine reflects the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society, where the husband acted as the representative and protector of his family. His involvement ensures that the compensation aligns with the perceived harm and family needs.and as the court allows The involvement of the court introduces a legal authority to ensure fairness and prevent excessive demands. This reflects the structured legal system within Israel, where judges or elders would oversee disputes and ensure justice was served according to God's law. The court's role ensures that the fine is just and appropriate, balancing the husband's demands with legal standards.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/men_striving_together.htm">Men Striving Together</a> This refers to a conflict or fight between two or more men, which inadvertently affects a pregnant woman. 2. <a href="/topical/p/pregnant_woman.htm">Pregnant Woman</a> A woman carrying a child, who becomes involved in the conflict unintentionally. 3. <a href="/topical/c/children_come_out.htm">Children Come Out</a> This phrase indicates a premature birth caused by the altercation. 4. <a href="/topical/h/husband.htm">Husband</a> The woman's spouse, who has a role in determining the fine imposed on the offender. 5. <a href="/topical/j/judges.htm">Judges</a> Authorities who assess the situation and determine the appropriate penalty.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/sanctity_of_life.htm">Sanctity of Life</a> This passage emphasizes the value of both the mother and the unborn child, highlighting the importance of protecting life at all stages. <a href="/topical/r/responsibility_and_consequences.htm">Responsibility and Consequences</a> Actions have consequences, and this law underscores the responsibility individuals have for unintended harm caused by their actions. <a href="/topical/r/role_of_authority.htm">Role of Authority</a> The involvement of judges illustrates the importance of impartial authorities in maintaining justice and order. <a href="/topical/c/conflict_resolution.htm">Conflict Resolution</a> The passage encourages us to consider the impact of our conflicts on others and to seek peaceful resolutions. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a> The community, represented by the husband and judges, plays a role in ensuring justice, reminding us of our collective responsibility to uphold righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 21</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_miscarriage.htm">What does the Bible say about miscarriage?</a> <a href="/q/does_'eye_for_eye'_conflict_with_forgiveness.htm">Exodus 21:22–25 describes “eye for eye” justice; does this literal approach to retribution conflict with later biblical injunctions on forgiveness? </a> <a href="/q/exodus_21_22-23_on_abortion.htm">What do Exodus 21:22-23 say about abortion?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_abortion.htm">What is the Bible's stance on abortion?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(22-25) A personal injury peculiar to women--a hurt producing miscarriage--is here considered. The miscarriage might cost the woman her life, in which case the man who caused it was to suffer death (<a href="/exodus/21-23.htm" title="And if any mischief follow, then you shall give life for life,">Exodus 21:23</a>); or it might have no further ill result than the loss of the child. In this latter case the penalty was to be a fine, assessed by the husband with the consent of the judge (<a href="/exodus/21-22.htm" title="If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay on him; and he shall pay as the judges determine.">Exodus 21:22</a>). The death penalty, where the woman died, is clearly excessive, and probably belongs to the pre-Mosaic legislation, which required "life for life" in every case.(22) If men strive, and hurt a woman with child.--It is assumed that this hurt would probably take place through the interference of a pregnant wife in some strife wherein her husband was engaged. It would almost certainly be accidental.And yet no mischief follow--i.e., no further mischief--nothing beyond the loss of the child.(22, 23) Life for life, eye for eye.--It is a reasonable conjecture that the law of retaliation was much older than Moses, and accepted by him as tolerable rather than devised as rightful. The law itself was very widely spread. Traces of it are found in India, in Egypt, among the Greeks, and in the laws of the Twelve Tables. Aristotle says that the Pythagoreans approved it, and that it was believed to be the rule by which Rhadamanthus administered justice in the other world. There is, prima facie, a semblance of exact rectitude and equality about it which captivates rude minds, and causes the adoption of the rule generally in an early condition of society. Theoretically, retaliation is the exactest and strictest justice; but in practice difficulties arise. How is the force of a blow to be measured? How are exactly similar burns and wounds to be inflicted? Is eye to be given for eye when the injurer is a one-eyed man? And, again, is it expedient for law to multiply the number of mutilated citizens in a community? Considerations of these kinds cause the rule to be discarded as soon as civilisation reaches a certain point, and tend generally to the substitution of a money compensation, to be paid to the injured party by the injurer. The present passage sanctioned the law of retaliation in principle, but authorised its enforcement in a single case only. In a later part of the Mosaic code the application was made universal (<a href="/context/leviticus/24-17.htm" title="And he that kills any man shall surely be put to death.">Leviticus 24:17-21</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/19-21.htm" title="And your eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.">Deuteronomy 19:21</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 22-25. - Assault producing miscarriage. Retaliation. Women in all countries are apt to interfere in the quarrels of men, and run the risk of suffering injuries which proceed from accident rather than design, one such injury being of a peculiar character, to which there is nothing correspondent among the injuries which may be done to man. This is abortion, or miscarriage. The Mosaic legislation sought to protect pregnant women from suffering this injury by providing, first, that if death resulted the offender should suffer death (ver. 23); and, secondly, that if there were no further ill-result than the miscarriage itself, still a fine should be paid, to be assessed by the husband of the injured woman with the consent of the judges (ver. 22). The mention of "life for life," in ver. 23, is followed by an enunciation of the general "law of retaliation," applied here (it would seem) to the special case in hand, but elsewhere (<a href="/leviticus/24-19.htm">Leviticus 24:19, 20</a>) extended so as to be a fundamental law, applicable to all cases of personal injury. Verse 22. - If men strive and hurt a woman. A chance hurt is clearly intended, not one done on purpose. So that her fruit depart from her. So that she be prematurely delivered of a dead child. And no mischief follow. "Mischief" here means "death," as in <a href="/genesis/42-4.htm">Genesis 42:4, 38</a>; <a href="/genesis/44-29.htm">Genesis 44:29</a>. He shall pay as the judges determine. He was not to be wholly at the mercy of the injured father. If he thought the sum demanded was excessive, there was to be an appeal to a tribunal. <a href="/commentaries/exodus/21-22.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>If וְכִֽי־ (wə·ḵî-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction men אֲנָשִׁ֗ים (’ă·nā·šîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_582.htm">Strong's 582: </a> Man, mankind who are fighting יִנָּצ֣וּ (yin·nā·ṣū) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5327.htm">Strong's 5327: </a> To go forth, to be expelled, desolate, to lay waste, to quarrel strike וְנָ֨גְפ֜וּ (wə·nā·ḡə·p̄ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5062.htm">Strong's 5062: </a> To push, gore, defeat, stub, inflict a pregnant הָרָה֙ (hā·rāh) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2030.htm">Strong's 2030: </a> Pregnant woman אִשָּׁ֤ה (’iš·šāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female and her child יְלָדֶ֔יהָ (yə·lā·ḏe·hā) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3206.htm">Strong's 3206: </a> Something born, a lad, offspring is born prematurely, וְיָצְא֣וּ (wə·yā·ṣə·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim but there is יִהְיֶ֖ה (yih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be no [further] וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no injury, אָס֑וֹן (’ā·sō·wn) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_611.htm">Strong's 611: </a> Mischief, evil, harm he shall surely be fined עָנ֣וֹשׁ (‘ā·nō·wōš) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6064.htm">Strong's 6064: </a> To urge, to inflict a, penalty, to fine as כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֨ר (ka·’ă·šer) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that the woman’s הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה (hā·’iš·šāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female husband בַּ֣עַל (ba·‘al) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1167.htm">Strong's 1167: </a> A master, a husband, owner demands יָשִׁ֤ית (yā·šîṯ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7896.htm">Strong's 7896: </a> To put, set and as the court allows. וְנָתַ֖ן (wə·nā·ṯan) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/21-22.htm">Exodus 21:22 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/exodus/21-22.htm">Exodus 21:22 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/exodus/21-22.htm">Exodus 21:22 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/exodus/21-22.htm">Exodus 21:22 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/exodus/21-22.htm">Exodus 21:22 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/21-22.htm">Exodus 21:22 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/21-22.htm">Exodus 21:22 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/21-22.htm">Exodus 21:22 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/21-22.htm">Exodus 21:22 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/exodus/21-22.htm">Exodus 21:22 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/exodus/21-22.htm">OT Law: Exodus 21:22 If men fight and hurt a pregnant (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/21-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 21:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 21:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/21-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 21:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 21:23" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>