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What Does Exodus 21:22 Mean?
Exodus 21:22-24
To whom does the "lasting harm" refer, the mother, the fetus, or both? If it refers to the fetus or both, then the Word of God recognizes the personhood of the fetus. Regardless of its age, if the fetus dies as a result of the fight, its death becomes a capital crime, just as punishable as if the mother had been killed.
John W. Ritenbaugh
Murder?
Exodus 21:22-23
Without doubt, death is "lasting harm." These verses illustrate the accidental miscarriage of the unborn. If the miscarried baby dies, although no harm was intended against it, the judgment is manslaughter, and the accused can become a victim of the avenger of blood (Genesis 9:6; Numbers 35:9-34; Deuteronomy 19:4-13; Joshua 20). How much more valid is the judgment of murder if the unborn is the intended victim? The Bible shows that the unborn "unviable tissue mass" is human. God's viewpoint is clear: Willful killing of the unborn—abortion—is murder.
John W. Ritenbaugh
Abortion: The Land Is Full of Bloody Crimes
Other Forerunner Commentary entries containing Exodus 21:22:
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Lasting harm includes death, and this passage illustrates an accidental miscarriage of the unborn. Whether the lasting harm refers to the mother, the fetus, or both, is significant: if it refers to the fetus or both, then God's Word recognizes the personhood of the fetus. Regardless of the fetus's age, if it dies as a result of the fight, its death becomes a capital crime, just as punishable as the death of the mother. If the miscarried baby dies, even though no harm was intended, the judgment is manslaughter, and the accused may become a victim of the avenger of blood. How much more valid is the judgment of murder when the unborn is the intended victim? Willful killing of the unborn is murder.