The Goring Ox and Liability for Children and Converts Alike

Yalkut Shimoni on Torah 341:2

"Whether it gores a son or gores a daughter" and so forth (Exodus 21:31), why is this said? Because it says, "and it killed a man or a woman" (Exodus 21:29), I would know only of adults; from where do I derive minors? Scripture teaches, saying, "whether it gores a son or gores a daughter." I would know only a fully developed son or daughter; from where do I derive one of indeterminate sex and a hermaphrodite? Scripture teaches, saying, "whether it gores a son" and so forth. I would know only the son or daughter of another; from where do I derive his own son or daughter? Scripture teaches, saying, "according to this judgment it shall be done to him." I would know only an Israelite; from where do I derive converts? Scripture teaches, saying, "according to this judgment it shall be done to him."

Themes