Exodus 21:29But if the bull had a habit of goring in the past, and it has been testified to its owner, and he has not kept it in, but it has killed a man or a woman, the bull shall be stoned, and its owner shall also be put to death.
The setting
Mount Sinai, ~1446 BC. Moses receives detailed civil laws for the new nation. Modern-day Egypt/Saudi Arabia border.
The emotion here: reverent awe while recording divine justice principles
The original word
nagach (נגח) — to push with horns repeatedly, showing pattern of violence
Why it matters
Bulls were valuable property; stoning the animal was significant economic punishment
Read with care
What most readers miss in Exodus 21:29
The owner was warned beforehand - this isn't about accidents but willful negligence
Common misconceptionPeople think ancient law was primitive, but this shows sophisticated understanding of criminal negligence - distinguishing between accidents and willful disregard for known dangers.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Exodus 21:29
Bible Genome reading
Exodus 21:29 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Exodus 21:29 comes from the book of Exodus, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to God. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 10% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the law genre of biblical literature. Key themes include negligence, responsibility. Notable phrases: habit of goring; testified to its owner; has not kept it in. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Exodus 21:29 mean to you, today?
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