What does Exodus 22:12 mean?
ESV: But if it is stolen from him, he shall make restitution to its owner.
NIV: But if the animal was stolen from the neighbor, restitution must be made to the owner.
NASB: But if it is actually stolen from him, he shall make restitution to its owner.
CSB: But if, in fact, the animal was stolen from his custody, he must make restitution to its owner.
NLT: But if the animal was indeed stolen, the guilty person must pay compensation to the owner.
KJV: And if it be stolen from him, he shall make restitution unto the owner thereof.
NKJV: But if, in fact, it is stolen from him, he shall make restitution to the owner of it.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Exodus 22:1–15 establishes laws about livestock and property. Thieves are required to pay back multiple times the value of animals they steal. Disputes over property may require arbitration. Those who negligently damage property must compensate for those losses.
Chapter Summary:
God's laws for Israel enforced protections for property, including livestock. Thieves were required to compensate their victims. For parallel reasons, men who seduced young women were obliged to marry or at least compensate them. Negligent destruction of property is forbidden. Israel is not to take advantage of foreign travelers or the poor. Other laws in this chapter cover sins related to the pagan worship of ancient nations. This includes idolatry, bestiality, defiance of authority, and resistance to proper worship. Israel is not to eat animals killed by other wild animals.
Chapter Context:
Exodus 20 introduced the Mosaic covenant by declaring the Ten Commandments. What follows are a series of rules which establish the ancient nation of Israel. Among these are further details about marriage, theft, negligence, care for the poor, and respect for God. The following chapter continues this discussion by addressing other subjects. In chapter 24, the people will confirm this covenant with the Lord.
Book Summary:
The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.
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Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
