Damages for the Unborn Are Fixed Only by the Judges

Yalkut Shimoni on Torah 335:10

Another interpretation: "As he shall lay upon him" (Exodus 21:22). I might understand this to apply even though the pregnancy is not his; therefore Scripture says "with child," [restricting it to his own]. Another interpretation: "As he shall lay upon him" -- I might understand he may impose whatever he wishes; therefore Scripture says "and he shall pay as the judges determine" (Exodus 21:22), telling us that he pays only according to the judges. As it is said, "and he shall pay as the judges (pelilim) determine" -- these are the judges, as it is said, "and our enemies being judges (pelilim)" (Deuteronomy 32:31); and it says, "If a man sin against a man, the judges (Elohim) shall judge him" (1 Samuel 2:25).

Themes