Exodus 22:14

14 "If someone borrows something from his neighbor, and it gets injured or dies with the owner not present, he must make restitution.

Exodus 22:14 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 22:14

And if a man borrow [ought] of his neighbour
Any beast, as it should seem, as an ox to plough with, an ass, horse, or camel to ride on, though the Jewish writers carry it also to any kind of household stuff:

and if he be hurt or die;
if any damage comes to it, or it dies while it is in the borrower's hands, and when employed in that work for which he borrowed it; the Targum of Jonathan is,

``and the vessel should be broke, or the beast die:''

and the owner thereof being not with it; at the time of its being hurt, or of its death, and so could not be so well satisfied whether used well or not, nor how the damage and death came to it:

he shall surely make it good;
pay the full price for it it is worth; which, though it may seem hard, was necessary, in order to make men careful of things they borrowed, and that lenders may not be losers for their kindness.

Exodus 22:14 In-Context

12 But if it was stolen from the neighbor, he must make restitution to the owner.

13 If it was torn to pieces by an animal, the neighbor must bring it as evidence, and then he doesn't need to make good the loss.

14 "If someone borrows something from his neighbor, and it gets injured or dies with the owner not present, he must make restitution.

15 If the owner was present, he need not make good the loss. If the owner hired it out, the loss is covered by the hiring fee.

16 "If a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged to be married and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price for her to be his wife.