Exodus 22:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: If the stolen beast is found alive in his possession, whether it is an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double.

NIV: If the stolen animal is found alive in their possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—they must pay back double.

NASB: If what he stole is actually found alive in his possession, whether an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double.

CSB: If what was stolen—whether ox, donkey, or sheep—is actually found alive in his possession, he must repay double.

NLT: If someone steals an ox or a donkey or a sheep and it is found in the thief’s possession, then the thief must pay double the value of the stolen animal.

KJV: If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.

NKJV: If the theft is certainly found alive in his hand, whether it is an ox or donkey or sheep, he shall restore double.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Accessed 6/15/2025 3:24:51 AM