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Exodus 21:33

Exodus 21:33 in Multiple Translations

If a man opens or digs a pit and fails to cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls into it,

¶ And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein;

And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein,

If a man makes a hole in the earth without covering it up, and an ox or an ass dropping into it comes to its death;

If someone removes the cover of a cistern or digs one and doesn't cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls into it,

And when a man shall open a well, or when he shall dig a pit and couer it not, and an oxe or an asse fall therein,

'And when a man doth open a pit, or when a man doth dig a pit, and doth not cover it, and an ox or ass hath fallen thither, —

“If a man opens a pit, or if a man digs a pit and doesn’t cover it, and a bull or a donkey falls into it,

And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass shall fall into it;

If a man open a pit, and dig one, and cover it not, and an ox or an ass fall into it,

Suppose someone has a pit/cistern and does not keep it covered, and someone’s bull or donkey falls into it and dies.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 21:33

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 21:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/כִֽי יִפְתַּ֨ח אִ֜ישׁ בּ֗וֹר א֠וֹ כִּֽי יִכְרֶ֥ה אִ֛ישׁ בֹּ֖ר וְ/לֹ֣א יְכַסֶּ֑/נּוּ וְ/נָֽפַל שָׁ֥מָּ/ה שּׁ֖וֹר א֥וֹ חֲמֽוֹר
וְ/כִֽי kîy H3588 for Conj | Conj
יִפְתַּ֨ח pâthach H6605 to open V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אִ֜ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
בּ֗וֹר bôwr H953 pit N-ms
א֠וֹ ʼôw H176 or Conj
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
יִכְרֶ֥ה kârâh H3738 to dig V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אִ֛ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
בֹּ֖ר bôwr H953 pit N-ms
וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
יְכַסֶּ֑/נּוּ kâçâh H3680 to cover V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
וְ/נָֽפַל nâphal H5307 to fall Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
שָׁ֥מָּ/ה shâm H8033 there Adv | Suff
שּׁ֖וֹר shôwr H7794 cattle N-ms
א֥וֹ ʼôw H176 or Conj
חֲמֽוֹר chămôwr H2543 donkey N-cs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 21:33

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.
יִפְתַּ֨ח pâthach H6605 "to open" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.
אִ֜ישׁ 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.
בּ֗וֹר bôwr H953 "pit" N-ms
This word refers to a cistern or pit, often used to hold water or as a prison. In the Bible, it is used to describe a place of confinement, like a dungeon or well. It is a physical hole in the ground.
Definition: pit, well, cistern, dungeon, pit of the grave
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cistern, dungeon, fountain, pit, well. See also: Genesis 37:20; Proverbs 5:15; Psalms 7:16.
א֠וֹ 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.
כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" 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.
יִכְרֶ֥ה kârâh H3738 "to dig" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to dig or pierce, and is used in various contexts, including excavating the earth or plotting against someone, as seen in the stories of Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to dig, excavate, dig through, cut 1a) (Qal) to dig
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: dig, [idiom] make (a banquet), open. See also: Genesis 26:25; Psalms 22:17; Psalms 7:16.
אִ֛ישׁ 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.
בֹּ֖ר bôwr H953 "pit" N-ms
This word refers to a cistern or pit, often used to hold water or as a prison. In the Bible, it is used to describe a place of confinement, like a dungeon or well. It is a physical hole in the ground.
Definition: pit, well, cistern, dungeon, pit of the grave
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cistern, dungeon, fountain, pit, well. See also: Genesis 37:20; Proverbs 5:15; Psalms 7:16.
וְ/לֹ֣א 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.
יְכַסֶּ֑/נּוּ kâçâh H3680 "to cover" V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
וְ/נָֽפַל nâphal H5307 "to fall" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-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.
שָׁ֥מָּ/ה shâm H8033 "there" Adv | Suff
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
שּׁ֖וֹר shôwr H7794 "cattle" N-ms
This word refers to cattle, like oxen or bulls, used for work, food, or sacrifices, as seen in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) ox, bull, a head of cattle 1a) for plowing, for food, as sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: tor (תּוֹר "bullock" H8450)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: bull(-ock), cow, ox, wall (by mistake for H7791 (שׁוּר)). See also: Genesis 32:6; Deuteronomy 15:19; Psalms 69:32.
א֥וֹ 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.
חֲמֽוֹר chămôwr H2543 "donkey" N-cs
The Hebrew word for a male donkey, it is translated as he ass in the KJV Bible. The name comes from the animal's reddish-brown color.
Definition: (he) ass
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: (he) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:4; Proverbs 26:3.

Study Notes — Exodus 21:33

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 28:10 He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.
2 Jeremiah 18:20 Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember how I stood before You to speak good on their behalf, to turn Your wrath from them.
3 Ecclesiastes 10:8 He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake.
4 Jeremiah 18:22 Let a cry be heard from their houses when You suddenly bring raiders against them, for they have dug a pit to capture me and have hidden snares for my feet.
5 Psalms 119:85 The arrogant have dug pits for me in violation of Your law.
6 Psalms 9:15 The nations have fallen into a pit of their making; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden.

Exodus 21:33 Summary

Exodus 21:33 teaches us that we need to take responsibility for our actions and make sure we're not causing harm to others. If someone digs a pit and doesn't cover it, and an animal falls in, the person who dug the pit is responsible for what happens. This reminds us to think about how our actions might affect those around us, and to be careful not to cause harm (as seen in Proverbs 22:3). By being mindful of our actions and taking steps to prevent harm, we can show respect for others and for God, and live in a way that honors Him (Colossians 3:23-24).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main point of Exodus 21:33?

The main point of Exodus 21:33 is to emphasize the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions, specifically in regards to property and potential hazards, as seen in the example of an uncovered pit (Exodus 21:33).

Why is it significant that the verse mentions an ox or a donkey falling into the pit?

The mention of an ox or a donkey falling into the pit highlights the potential consequences of negligence, and the need for accountability, as also seen in Exodus 22:5, where restitution is required for damaged or destroyed property.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Exodus 21?

Exodus 21:33 is part of a larger section that deals with laws regarding personal property and responsibility, emphasizing the importance of respecting the property and well-being of others, as also seen in verses such as Exodus 21:32 and Exodus 22:1.

What can we learn from this verse about our relationship with God?

This verse reminds us that our actions have consequences, and that we are accountable to God for our stewardship of the resources and opportunities He provides, as seen in Luke 12:48 and Matthew 25:14-30.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some potential 'pits' in my life that I need to cover or address, in order to avoid causing harm to myself or others?
  2. How can I apply the principle of taking responsibility for my actions to my daily life, and what are some areas where I need to be more mindful of my impact on others?
  3. What are some ways that I can demonstrate respect for the property and well-being of those around me, and how can I cultivate a sense of accountability in my relationships?
  4. How does this verse challenge me to think about my role as a steward of the resources and opportunities that God has given me, and what changes can I make to be a more faithful and responsible steward?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 21:33

If a man shall open a pit,.... That has been dug in time past, and filled up again, or take the covering from it, and leave it uncovered: "or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it": a new one,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 21:33

If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit. If an ox gore a man.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 21:33

If a man shall either open an old pit which hath been covered with earth; or dig a new pit, to wit, in a public way, as the reason of the law shows; for if it were done in a man’ s own house or ground, there was no danger of such an accident, except the beast transgressed his bounds, and then the man was not culpable.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 21:33

Exodus 21:33 And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein;Ver. 33. And an ox or an ass.] We can hardly open the deep pit of God’ s bottomless, boundless mercy, but some silly beast will be falling thereinto; "stumbling at the word, being disobedient, whereunto also they were appointed."

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 21:33

LAWS THE RIGHTS OF .(33-36) The legislation slides from rights of persons to rights of property easily and without effort, by passing from the injuries which cattle cause to those which they suffer. They are injured (1) by the culpable laches of persons leaving their pits uncovered; (2) by hurts which one man’s cattle inflict upon another’s. Both kinds of loss have to be made good.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 21:33

Verse 33. And if a man shall open a pit, or - dig a pit] That is, if a man shall open a well or cistern that had been before closed up, or dig a new one; for these two cases are plainly intimated: and if he did this in some public place where there was danger that men or cattle might fall into it; for a man might do as he pleased in his own grounds, as those were his private right. In the above case, if he had neglected to cover the pit, and his neighbour's ox or ass was killed by falling into it, he was to pay its value in money. Exodus 21:33 and Exodus 21:34 seem to be out of their places. They probably should conclude the chapters, as, where they are, they interrupt the statutes concerning the goring ox, which begin at Exodus 21:28. THESE different regulations are as remarkable for their justice and prudence as for their humanity. Their great tendency is to show the valuableness of human life, and the necessity of having peace and good understanding in every neighbourhood; and they possess that quality which should be the object of all good and wholesome laws - the prevention of crimes. Most criminal codes of jurisprudence seem more intent on the punishment of crimes than on preventing the commission of them. The law of God always teaches and warns, that his creatures may not fall into condemnation; for judgment is his strange work, i.e., one reluctantly and seldom executed, as this text is frequently understood.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 21:33

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.

Barnes' Notes on Exodus 21:33

The usual mode of protecting a well in the East was probably then, as now, by building round it a low circular wall.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 21:33

33-36. The provisions of this section must commend themselves as both wise and prudent. Caution, forethought, and most equitable dealing were hereby inculcated.

Sermons on Exodus 21:33

SermonDescription
John Banks An Epistle on Good Order. by John Banks In this sermon on deception, the preacher delves into the Greek word 'planao' meaning 'to wander astray', emphasizing how various influences like false teachers, signs, and even on
C.H. Spurgeon No Need to Stint by C.H. Spurgeon C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that the upright will possess good things as promised in Proverbs 28:10, highlighting that our blessings are not just future hopes but present realities. H
Zac Poonen A Christlike Home (1) Christlike Husbands and Wives by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of building a Christ-like home, focusing on the roles of a Christ-like husband, wife, father, and mother to raise Christ-like children. It hig
David Wilkerson Snake Handlers by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of taking risks for Christ, likening the challenges faced by believers to handling serpents. He points out that while the wicked are like p
Zac Poonen (The Full Gospel) 21. Helping God!! by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen preaches on the dangers of using human reasoning and trying to help God according to our own understanding, as seen in the stories of Abraham, Moses, and Uzzah. He empha
Zac Poonen (Sex, Love & Marriage) 9. the Highway of Happiness by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen preaches about the importance of choosing to walk on God's Highway of Happiness in the realms of sex, love, and marriage, emphasizing the need for obedience to God and r
James Bourne Letter 79 by James Bourne James Bourne encourages his friend to be vigilant in their spiritual walk, warning against the deceitfulness of the heart and the dangers of breaking through the hedge of God's pro

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