When, literally “And if [ki],” introduces the situation, or case, and verses 29-32 describe four different ways to deal with the problem, depending on the circumstances. (See the discussion at verse 2.) The Hebrew word translated as ox (shor) refers to a fully-grown bovine, or head of cattle. It is a generic term that can also mean “bull” (Good News Translation) or even “cow” (female), depending on the context. Translators are advised to use a similar generic term. When an ox gores refers to such an animal that injures a person, a man or a woman, with its horns. Both Good News Translation and Contemporary English Version translate a man or a woman as “someone.” It is also possible to say “a person” rather than indicating both genders. To death is added to show that this law applies only when that person is killed by the injury. In certain languages it will be more natural style to translate this first sentence as “If a bull kills someone with its horns” or “If a bull uses its horns to kill someone,” or even “If a cow hits a person with its horns and kills him.”

The ox shall be stoned, literally “stoned he shall be stoned,” means that the animal must be killed by throwing stones at it. So one may translate “people must throw stones at it until it dies.” (See the comment at 19.13.) And its flesh shall not be eaten implies that the animal has now become taboo, or ritually unfit for eating. This is why it has to be stoned to death, with no one touching it. It also makes certain that the loss of the animal to its owner will be a complete loss. But the owner of the ox shall be clear means that the owner “shall not be liable” (New Revised Standard Version), “is not to be punished” (Good News Translation), or “isn’t responsible for the death” (Contemporary English Version). The complete loss of the animal is considered sufficient punishment.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .