Or if it be known that the ox hath used to push in time past, and his owner hath not kept him in; he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall be his own.
Or if it's known that the ox had a habit of attacking people before, and the owner didn't keep it secured, then he must definitely pay back ox for ox, and he gets to keep the dead animal.
This verse teaches that if someone knows their animal is dangerous but doesn't control it, they're fully responsible for any damage it causes.
📚 Historical Context
This is part of the civil laws God gave to Israel through Moses, specifically dealing with property damage and personal responsibility. In ancient agricultural societies, oxen were valuable work animals, so laws about their behavior and owner liability were essential for community harmony. These laws established the principle that negligence increases responsibility.
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