Exodus 21:18 Study Bible: "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;

◄ Exodus 21:18 ►

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,

If men quarrel
The phrase "If men quarrel" introduces a scenario of conflict between individuals. The Hebrew root for "quarrel" is "רִיב" (riv), which means to strive or contend. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe disputes or legal cases. The context here is a physical altercation, reflecting the reality of human conflict and the need for laws to govern such situations. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern context where personal disputes could escalate quickly, necessitating clear legal guidelines.

and one strikes the other
The action "and one strikes the other" indicates a physical assault. The Hebrew word for "strikes" is "נָכָה" (nakah), which can mean to smite, hit, or wound. This term is used throughout the Old Testament to describe various forms of physical violence, from minor injuries to fatal blows. The inclusion of this detail underscores the seriousness of the offense and the need for judicial intervention.

with a stone or with his fist
The use of "with a stone or with his fist" specifies the means of the assault. Stones were common weapons in ancient times, easily accessible and effective for causing harm. The mention of a "fist" indicates a more personal, direct form of violence. This distinction highlights the intent and potential severity of the attack, which would influence the legal consequences.

and he does not die
The phrase "and he does not die" is crucial in determining the outcome of the legal case. The Hebrew word for "die" is "מוּת" (muth), which is a common term for death in the Old Testament. The survival of the victim implies a different legal response than if the victim had died, reflecting the principle of proportional justice that is a key theme in biblical law.

but is confined to bed
The condition "but is confined to bed" describes the victim's incapacitation. This phrase indicates a temporary but significant injury, affecting the victim's ability to function normally. The Hebrew context suggests a period of recovery, during which the victim is unable to work or perform daily activities. This detail is important for determining compensation and justice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Men Quarreling
This refers to individuals engaged in a dispute or conflict. The context is a physical altercation between two men.

2. Striking with a Stone or Fist
The act of one person physically attacking another, which is central to the legal case being described.

3. Confinement to Bed
The result of the altercation, where the injured party is incapacitated but not fatally wounded.

Teaching Points

Understanding Justice in the Old Testament
The laws in Exodus 21:18 reflect a system of justice that seeks to address wrongdoing and ensure fair compensation for injuries.

The Principle of Restitution
The passage emphasizes the importance of making amends for harm caused, which is a principle that can be applied in personal relationships today.

Conflict Resolution
While the Old Testament law provides a legal framework, Christians are called to seek peace and reconciliation, following the teachings of Jesus.

The Role of Intent and Consequence
The law distinguishes between intentional harm and accidental injury, reminding us to consider both intent and outcome in our actions.

Trusting in God's Justice
Believers are encouraged to trust in God's ultimate justice, rather than taking matters into their own hands.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the law in Exodus 21:18 reflect the broader principles of justice found in the Old Testament?

2. In what ways can the principle of restitution be applied in modern-day conflicts or disputes?

3. How does Jesus' teaching in the New Testament challenge or complement the law described in Exodus 21:18?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to resolve conflicts peacefully, in light of both Old and New Testament teachings?

5. How can we balance the desire for justice with the call to forgive and trust in God's ultimate judgment?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 24:19-20
This passage discusses the principle of "an eye for an eye," which relates to the idea of proportional justice found in Exodus 21:18.

Matthew 5:38-39
Jesus' teaching on turning the other cheek offers a New Testament perspective on handling personal disputes, contrasting with the Old Testament law.

Romans 12:19
This verse advises believers to leave vengeance to God, which can be seen as a call to trust divine justice over personal retribution.

Sermons

Murder and Related Capital Offences	J. Orr	Exodus 21:12-18
Human Strife	J. Parker, D. D.	Exodus 21:18-19
Lessons	G. Hughes, B. D.	Exodus 21:18-19
Bodily Injuries	J. Orr	Exodus 21:18-36

People

Moses

Places

Mount Sinai

Topics

Bed, Blow, Causing, Confined, Contend, Death, Die, Dispute, Doesn't, Fallen, Fight, Fist, Gives, Hits, Keepeth, Keeps, Making, Neighbour, Quarrel, Remains, Shut, Smite, Smitten, Stone, Strike, Strikes, Strive

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Exodus 21:18

5229 bed

Exodus 21:12-20

5214 attack

Exodus 21:15-25

6206 offence

Exodus 21:18-19

5924 quarrelsomeness

Library

The Development of the Earlier Old Testament Laws
[Sidenote: First the principle, and then the detailed laws] If the canon of the New Testament had remained open as long as did that of the Old, there is little doubt that it also would have contained many laws, legal precedents, and ecclesiastical histories. From the writings of the Church Fathers and the records of the Catholic Church it is possible to conjecture what these in general would have been. The early history of Christianity illustrates the universal fact that the broad principles are …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Kinsman Redeemer
'After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him.'--LEV. xxv. 48. There are several of the institutions and precepts of the Mosaic legislation which, though not prophetic, nor typical, have yet remarkable correspondences with lofty Christian truth. They may be used as symbols, if only we remember that we are diverting them from their original purpose. How singularly these words lend themselves to the statement of the very central truths of Christianity--a slavery …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Non-Resistance
'Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39. But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. 41. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.'--MATT. v. 38-42. The old law …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of the House of God; with Counsels and Directions to the Inhabitants Thereof.
BY JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. 'Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.'--Psalm 26:8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Beautiful in its simplicity is this treatise on the Church of Christ, by John Bunyan. He opens, with profound knowledge and eminent skill, all those portions of sacred writ which illustrate the nature, excellency, and government of the house of God, with the personal and relative duties of its inhabitants. It was originally published in …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
BY A.E. GRIMKE. "Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not within thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place: but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this. And Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer:--and so will I go in unto the king, …
Angelina Emily Grimke—An Appeal to the Christian Women of the South

The Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force Has Been Professed by a Minority of Men from the Very Foundation of Christianity. Of the Book "What
CHAPTER I. THE DOCTRINE OF NON-RESISTANCE TO EVIL BY FORCE HAS BEEN PROFESSED BY A MINORITY OF MEN FROM THE VERY FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIANITY. Of the Book "What I Believe"--The Correspondence Evoked by it-- Letters from Quakers--Garrison's Declaration--Adin Ballou, his Works, his Catechism--Helchitsky's "Net of Faith"--The Attitude of the World to Works Elucidating Christ's Teaching--Dymond's Book "On War"--Musser's "Non-resistance Asserted"--Attitude of the Government in 1818 to Men who Refused to …
Leo Tolstoy—The Kingdom of God is within you

The Sermon on the Mount - the Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic Teaching.
It was probably on one of those mountain-ranges, which stretch to the north of Capernaum, that Jesus had spent the night of lonely prayer, which preceded the designation of the twelve to the Apostolate. As the soft spring morning broke, He called up those who had learned to follow Him, and from among them chose the twelve, who were to be His Ambassadors and Representatives. [2500] [2501] But already the early light had guided the eager multitude which, from all parts, had come to the broad level …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes - Examination of their Distinctive Doctrines.
APART from the repulsively carnal form which it had taken, there is something absolutely sublime in the continuance and intensity of the Jewish expectation of the Messiah. It outlived not only the delay of long centuries, but the persecutions and scattering of the people; it continued under the disappointment of the Maccabees, the rule of a Herod, the administration of a corrupt and contemptible Priesthood, and, finally, the government of Rome as represented by a Pilate; nay, it grew in intensity …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not kill.' Exod 20: 13. In this commandment is a sin forbidden, which is murder, Thou shalt not kill,' and a duty implied, which is, to preserve our own life, and the life of others. The sin forbidden is murder: Thou shalt not kill.' Here two things are to be understood, the not injuring another, nor ourselves. I. The not injuring another. [1] We must not injure another in his name. A good name is a precious balsam.' It is a great cruelty to murder a man in his name. We injure others in …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

That Deep Things Ought not to be Preached at all to Weak Souls.
But the preacher should know how to avoid drawing the mind of his hearer beyond its strength, lest, so to speak, the string of the soul, when stretched more than it can bear, should be broken. For all deep things should be covered up before a multitude of hearers, and scarcely opened to a few. For hence the Truth in person says, Who, thinkest thou, is the faithful and wise steward, whom his Lord has appointed over his household, to give them their measure of wheat in due season? (Luke xii. 42). …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Councils of Ariminum and Seleucia.
Part I. History of the Councils. Reason why two Councils were called. Inconsistency and folly of calling any; and of the style of the Arian formularies; occasion of the Nicene Council; proceedings at Ariminum; Letter of the Council to Constantius; its decree. Proceedings at Seleucia; reflections on the conduct of the Arians. 1. Perhaps news has reached even yourselves concerning the Council, which is at this time the subject of general conversation; for letters both from the Emperor and the Prefects …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
Ver. 8. "Judah, thou, thy brethren shall praise thee; thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; before thee shall bow down the sons of thy father. Ver. 9. A lion's whelp is Judah; from the prey, my son, thou goest up; he stoopeth down, he coucheth as a lion, and as a full-grown lion, who shall rouse him up? Ver. 10. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto Him the people shall adhere." Thus does dying Jacob, in announcing …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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