Fine
Summary
A monetary penalty or mulct imposed for damages under the Mosaic law, with amounts varying according to the offense and sometimes requiring multiple restitution.
☩Principles of Mosaic Fines
Under the Mosaic law, fines served as indemnification for damages. The amount could be determined in three ways: by the injured party, by the judge, or fixed by the law itself (Exodus 21:19-36, Deuteronomy 22:19, 29). The principle was restitution to make the victim whole, with additional penalties as deterrents. This contrasted with imprisonment, focusing on compensation rather than incarceration.
☩Rates of Restitution
The required restitution varied by offense. For stolen property, twofold restitution was standard, but if an ox or sheep was stolen and slaughtered or sold, fivefold restitution was required for an ox and fourfold for a sheep (Exodus 22:1, 4). Property unjustly retained required restitution plus twenty percent (Leviticus 6:5). If a man killed another's beast, he made it good, 'beast for beast' (Leviticus 24:18).
☩Liability Cases
The law addressed various liability situations. If an ox gored a servant to death, the owner paid thirty shekels (Exodus 21:32). If one man's ox killed another's, both owners shared the loss unless the ox was known to be dangerous, in which case full restitution was required (Exodus 21:35-36). If a man dug a pit and another's beast fell into it, or if a fire spread and damaged crops, the responsible party made full restitution (Exodus 21:33-34, 22:6).
Related Verses1 mention
Exodus· 1 verse
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Fine," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).