Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Exodus 21:28. It’s a pretty serious instruction about animals and responsibility! Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about protecting livestock – specifically oxen – and establishing clear consequences for harm they cause to humans. It’s essentially saying, “If an animal kills a human or a person, that animal will be destroyed , and its flesh cannot be eaten.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “If an ox gore a man or a woman…” : This tells us what happened – an ox (a large cattle) accidentally killed someone. “…that they die:” This means the person who was harmed will definitely die. It’s a direct consequence of the act. “then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten…” : This is where it gets really important. The ox itself will be destroyed . It won't survive. And, crucially, its flesh is forbidden to be consumed. “…but the owner of the ox [shall be] quit.” This is the key part – the owner of the animal has a responsibility and is allowed to leave if they are responsible for the harm. What does this mean in a broader sense? This verse highlights several important concepts: Responsibility: The owner of the animal bears responsibility for its actions. Accountability: There’s a clear consequence for harming another being, even an animal. Protection: It's a way to protect people from harm caused by animals. Historical Context (a little background): This passage is found in the Book of Exodus, which tells us about the process God used to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. It was a crucial part of their liberation and establishing a relationship with God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the why behind this verse (like its importance in ancient Israel)? Compare it to a similar concept in other religious texts?