Old Testament
Exodus 21:22
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If men are fighting and they injure a pregnant woman so that she gives birth prematurely, but no serious harm results, the one responsible must pay whatever fine the woman's husband demands, subject to the judges' approval.
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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.
What Exodus 21:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a situation where two men are fighting, and in the chaos, a pregnant woman gets hurt. As a result, she gives birth earlier than expected. Thankfully, there is no serious harm to her or the baby. The man responsible for the injury must pay a fine, which the woman's husband can demand. However, this fine is subject to the approval of judges, ensuring fairness in the situation. This law highlights the importance of protecting both the mother and her unborn child. It also emphasizes accountability for one's actions, especially when they lead to unintended consequences. The focus is on resolving the issue justly, considering the circumstances and the impact on the family involved. This reflects a broader principle of valuing life and ensuring that those who cause harm take responsibility for their actions, fostering a sense of community and care for one another's well-being. Ultimately, it teaches us about the importance of compassion and justice in our interactions.
How to apply Exodus 21:22 to your life
In our daily lives, we should be mindful of how our actions affect others, especially those who are vulnerable. Taking responsibility for our mistakes is crucial. We can foster a caring community by supporting those in need and ensuring fairness in our interactions. Let's strive to be compassionate and just in all we do, valuing every life.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 21:22 mean?
Exodus 21:22 describes a situation where a pregnant woman is injured during a fight between men, resulting in her giving birth prematurely. It establishes that if no serious harm occurs, the responsible party must pay a fine determined by the woman's husband and approved by judges.
What is the significance of the fine in Exodus 21:22?
The fine in Exodus 21:22 serves to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions that caused harm to a pregnant woman. It emphasizes the importance of justice and compensation for the affected family while ensuring that the amount is fair and approved by judges.
What does 'no serious harm' mean in Exodus 21:22?
In Exodus 21:22, 'no serious harm' refers to the absence of life-threatening injuries to the woman or her baby. This distinction is crucial as it determines the nature of the punishment and the compensation required from the person responsible for the injury.
How does Exodus 21:22 relate to accountability?
Exodus 21:22 highlights accountability by requiring the person who caused the injury to pay a fine. This law underscores the principle that individuals must take responsibility for their actions, especially when those actions negatively impact others.
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