And if one man’s ox hurt another’s, that he die; then they shall sell the live ox, and divide the money of it; and the dead ox also they shall divide.
If one person's ox injures another person's ox so badly that it dies, then they should sell the living ox and split the money between both owners. They should also divide the dead ox between them.
This verse establishes a fair way to handle property damage when someone's animal accidentally kills another person's animal - both owners share the loss equally.
📚 Historical Context
This law was part of the civil code God gave to Israel after they left Egypt, when they were transitioning from nomadic life to settled agricultural communities. Livestock like oxen were extremely valuable assets, often representing a family's livelihood and wealth. These regulations helped establish justice and prevent disputes that could tear apart the community.
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