Discovery BoxExodus 21:36 
Context21:36 Or if it is known that the ox had the habit of goring, and its owner did not take the necessary precautions, he must surely pay 1 ox for ox, and the dead animal will become his. 2
Exodus 22:14
Context22:14 “If a man borrows an animal 3 from his neighbor, and it is hurt or dies when its owner was not with it, the man who borrowed it 4 will surely pay.
1 tn The construction now uses the same Piel imperfect (v. 34) but adds the infinitive absolute to it for emphasis.
2 sn The point of this section (21:28-36) seems to be that one must ensure the safety of others by controlling one’s property and possessions. This section pertained to neglect with animals, but the message would have applied to similar situations. The people of God were to take heed to ensure the well-being of others, and if there was a problem, it had to be made right.
3 tn Heb “if a man asks [an animal] from his neighbor” (see also Exod 12:36). The ruling here implies an animal is borrowed, and if harm comes to it when the owner is not with it, the borrower is liable. The word “animal” is supplied in the translation for clarity.
4 tn Heb “he”; the referent (the man who borrowed the animal) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
