If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him. If there be laid on him a sum of money - the ransom of his life - So it appears that, though by the law he forfeited his life, yet this might be commuted for a pecuniary mulct, at which the life of the deceased might be valued by the magistrates.
Related Commentaries of Exodus 21:30
Exodus 21:30
30 If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him.