What does Exodus 22:9 mean?
ESV: For every breach of trust, whether it is for an ox, for a donkey, for a sheep, for a cloak, or for any kind of lost thing, of which one says, ‘This is it,’ the case of both parties shall come before God. The one whom God condemns shall pay double to his neighbor.
NIV: In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any other lost property about which somebody says, ‘This is mine,’ both parties are to bring their cases before the judges. The one whom the judges declare guilty must pay back double to the other.
NASB: For every breach of trust, whether it is for ox, for donkey, for sheep, for clothing, or for any lost thing about which one says, ‘This is it,’ the case of both parties shall come before the judges; he whom the judges condemn shall pay double to his neighbor.
CSB: In any case of wrongdoing involving an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or anything else lost, and someone claims, ‘That’s mine,’ the case between the two parties is to come before the judges. The one the judges condemn must repay double to his neighbor.
NLT: Suppose there is a dispute between two people who both claim to own a particular ox, donkey, sheep, article of clothing, or any lost property. Both parties must come before God, and the person whom God declares guilty must pay double compensation to the other.
KJV: For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, which another challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.
NKJV: “For any kind of trespass, whether it concerns an ox, a donkey, a sheep, or clothing, or for any kind of lost thing which another claims to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whomever the judges condemn shall pay double to his neighbor.
Verse Commentary:
Please see our chapter commentary on Exodus 22; verse-level content coming soon!
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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