Exodus 21:18
Exodus 21:18 in Multiple Translations
If men are quarreling and one strikes the other with a stone or a fist, and he does not die but is confined to bed,
¶ And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keepeth his bed:
And if men contend, and one smite the other with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keep his bed;
If, in a fight, one man gives another a blow with a stone, or with the shut hand, not causing his death, but making him keep in bed;
If men are fighting and one hits the other with a stone or with his fist, and the injured man doesn't die but has to stay in bed,
When men also striue together, and one smite another with a stone, or with the fist, and he die not, but lieth in bed,
'And when men contend, and a man hath smitten his neighbour with a stone, or with the fist, and he die not, but hath fallen on the bed;
“If men quarrel and one strikes the other with a stone, or with his fist, and he doesn’t die, but is confined to bed;
And if men contend together, and one shall smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he shall not die, but keep his bed:
If men quarrel, and the one strike his neighbour with a stone or with his fist, and he die not, but keepeth his bed:
Suppose two people fight, and one strikes the other with a stone or with his fist. And suppose the person he strikes does not die but is injured and has to stay in bed for a while,
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 21:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 21:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/כִֽי
יְרִיבֻ֣/ן
אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
וְ/הִכָּה
אִישׁ֙
אֶת
רֵעֵ֔/הוּ
בְּ/אֶ֖בֶן
א֣וֹ
בְ/אֶגְרֹ֑ף
וְ/לֹ֥א
יָמ֖וּת
וְ/נָפַ֥ל
לְ/מִשְׁכָּֽב
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
יְרִיבֻ֣/ן
rîyb
H7378
to contend
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
וְ/הִכָּה
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
אִישׁ֙
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
רֵעֵ֔/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
בְּ/אֶ֖בֶן
ʼeben
H68
stone
Prep | N-fs
א֣וֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
בְ/אֶגְרֹ֑ף
ʼegrôph
H106
fist
Prep | N-ms
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יָמ֖וּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/נָפַ֥ל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
לְ/מִשְׁכָּֽב
mishkâb
H4904
bed
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 21:18
וְ/כִֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj | Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יְרִיבֻ֣/ן
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וְ/הִכָּה
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
אִישׁ֙
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
רֵעֵ֔/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
בְּ/אֶ֖בֶן
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
א֣וֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
בְ/אֶגְרֹ֑ף
ʼegrôph
H106
"fist"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a clenched hand or fist, often used to describe a physical gesture of anger or frustration. It's a simple yet powerful image used in various biblical contexts. The KJV translates it as 'fist'.
Definition: fist
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: fist. See also: Exodus 21:18; Isaiah 58:4.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָמ֖וּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וְ/נָפַ֥ל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
לְ/מִשְׁכָּֽב
mishkâb
H4904
"bed"
Prep | N-ms
Mishkab refers to a bed, but can also mean sleep or even a bier. It's sometimes used to describe intimate relationships, as in Genesis. This word has various meanings depending on the context.
Definition: 1) a lying down, couch, bier, act of lying 1a) couch, bed 1b) act of lying, lying down or sleeping room, bedroom 1c) lying down (for sexual contact) Aramaic equivalent: mish.kav (מִשְׁכַּב "bed" H4903)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bed(-chamber), couch, lieth (lying) with. See also: Genesis 49:4; 2 Samuel 17:28; Psalms 4:5.
Study Notes — Exodus 21:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 21:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 21:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:18
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 21:18
- Sermons on Exodus 21:18
Context — Personal Injury Laws
16Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession.
17Anyone who curses his father or mother must surely be put to death.
18If men are quarreling and one strikes the other with a stone or a fist, and he does not die but is confined to bed,
19then the one who struck him shall go unpunished, as long as the other can get up and walk around outside with his staff. Nevertheless, he must compensate the man for his lost work and see that he is completely healed. 20If a man strikes his manservant or maidservant with a rod, and the servant dies by his hand, he shall surely be punished.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 21:20 | If a man strikes his manservant or maidservant with a rod, and the servant dies by his hand, he shall surely be punished. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 25:11 | If two men are fighting, and the wife of one steps in to rescue her husband from the one striking him, and she reaches out her hand and grabs his genitals, |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 14:6 | And your maidservant had two sons who were fighting in the field with no one to separate them, and one struck the other and killed him. |
| 4 | Exodus 2:13 | The next day Moses went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, “Why are you attacking your companion?” |
| 5 | Numbers 35:16–24 | If, however, anyone strikes a person with an iron object and kills him, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. Or if anyone has in his hand a stone of deadly size, and he strikes and kills another, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. If anyone has in his hand a deadly object of wood, and he strikes and kills another, he is a murderer; the murderer must surely be put to death. The avenger of blood is to put the murderer to death; when he finds him, he is to kill him. Likewise, if anyone maliciously pushes another or intentionally throws an object at him and kills him, or if in hostility he strikes him with his hand and he dies, the one who struck him must surely be put to death; he is a murderer. When the avenger of blood finds the murderer, he is to kill him. But if anyone pushes a person suddenly, without hostility, or throws an object at him unintentionally, or without looking drops a heavy stone that kills him, but he was not an enemy and did not intend to harm him, then the congregation must judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances. |
| 6 | 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. |
Exodus 21:18 Summary
Exodus 21:18 is talking about what happens when two people get into a fight and one of them gets hurt, but not badly enough to die. The person who did the hurting needs to make sure the other person gets the help they need and can't work, as seen in Exodus 21:19. This shows that God cares about people being treated fairly and kindly, even in difficult situations (as seen in Matthew 7:12). It's also a reminder that we should try to resolve our conflicts in a peaceful and loving way, just like Jesus taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who hurt us (Matthew 5:44).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Exodus 21:18 and how does it relate to the surrounding verses?
Exodus 21:18 is part of a series of laws given to the Israelites regarding various social interactions, including quarrels and physical altercations, as seen in the preceding verses, such as Exodus 21:16 and Exodus 21:17, which deal with kidnapping and cursing one's parents.
What is the significance of the phrase 'confined to bed' in Exodus 21:18?
The phrase 'confined to bed' indicates that the person who was struck is seriously injured, but not fatally, and is therefore unable to engage in normal activities, as opposed to being able to 'get up and walk around outside with his staff' as mentioned in Exodus 21:19.
How does Exodus 21:18 relate to the concept of forgiveness and restitution in the Bible?
Exodus 21:18 sets the stage for the concept of restitution, as seen in Exodus 21:19, where the person who struck the other is required to compensate him for his lost work and ensure his complete healing, reflecting the biblical principle of making amends for one's actions, as also seen in Matthew 5:23-24.
What can we learn about God's character from Exodus 21:18?
Exodus 21:18 reveals God's concern for human life and well-being, as well as His desire for justice and fairness, as He provides guidelines for how to handle conflicts and injuries, demonstrating His care for His people, as also seen in Psalm 11:5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can apply the principles of Exodus 21:18 to my own relationships and conflicts?
- How can I balance the need for justice and restitution with the call to forgive and show mercy, as seen in Matthew 6:14-15?
- What are some potential consequences of not following God's guidelines for handling conflicts, as outlined in Exodus 21:18 and surrounding verses?
- How can I cultivate a heart of compassion and concern for others, as reflected in God's character, as seen in Exodus 21:18 and other verses?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:18
And if men strive together,.... Quarrel and fight, and wrestle with and box one another: and one smite another with a stone; which lying near him he might take up, and in his passion throw it at his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:18
And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keepeth his bed: If men strive together ... Should a quarrel arise between two or more
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 21:18
With a stone, or any other instrument fit for such a mischievous purpose. A usual synecdoche.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:18
Exodus 21:18 And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with [his] fist, and he die not, but keepeth [his] bed:Ver. 18. If men strive together.] This is counted manhood, when indeed it is doghood rather: heathens condemned it; and yet Navarrus, a Popish casuist, Caedem recte admitti putat, ut alapa vitetur, et ad honorem recuperandum. Qui ulciscitur, excusatius peccat. - Ibid.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:18
(18, 19) Severe assault, endangering life, but not actually taking it, is placed under the same head with homicide, as approaching to it, but is not to be punished in the same way. If death ensues in such a case, the crime is, of course, murder or manslaughter, according to the attendant circumstances; but if death does not ensue, it is aggravated assault only. In such cases punishment could not be inflicted by retaliation—the usual penalty under the Mosaic Law (Exodus 21:24-25)—without a risk of killing the man, which would have been an excessive punishment. The law therefore imposed a fine, which was to be fixed at such an amount as would at once compensate the sufferer for the loss of his time (Exodus 21:19), and defray the cost of his cure.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:18
18–36. Bodily injuries, caused (a) by human beings, vv. 18–27; (b) by animals, or through the neglect of reasonable precautions, vv. 28–36.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 21:18
18, 19. He die not, but keepeth his bed — Observe in this statute the careful purpose to maintain equity and right.
Sermons on Exodus 21:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Exodus 21-22 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses Exodus chapters 21 and 22, emphasizing the importance of God's judgments and laws as guidelines for judges in Israel. He explains that these laws were not mea |
|
Suffering Love: The Doctrine of Nonresistance and Conscientious Objection to War by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, the speaker begins by addressing the issue of human trafficking and challenges the congregation, especially the young people, to take action through prayer. They em |