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.
If men are fighting and accidentally injure a pregnant woman, causing her to give birth prematurely, but no serious harm comes to the woman or baby, the man who caused this must still be punished. The woman's husband will decide what penalty to demand, and the judges will determine the final payment.
This verse establishes that even accidental harm to a pregnant woman during a fight requires compensation, showing God's protection for both mothers and unborn children.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of the Mosaic Law given to Moses on Mount Sinai after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, providing guidelines for justice and social order in a nomadic society. It addresses a scenario where a fight between men accidentally causes a pregnant woman to miscarry without further injury, requiring the offender to pay compensation as determined by the woman's husband and community judges. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, such laws emphasized protecting vulnerable individuals and restoring balance through restitution rather than severe punishment.
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