Exodus 22:1-4

Laws about Theft

1 ^[a] "When a man steals an ox or a sheep^[b] and butchers it or sells it, he must repay five cattle for the ox or four sheep for the sheep.^[c]

2 ^[d] If a thief is caught in the act of breaking in, and he is beaten to death, no one is guilty of bloodshed.

3 But if this happens after sunrise,^[e] there is guilt of bloodshed. A thief must make full restitution. If he is unable, he is to be sold because of his theft.

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

Exodus 22:1-4 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 22

This chapter contains various laws concerning theft, Ex 22:1-4, concerning damage done to fields and vineyards by beasts, and to corn in stacks or standing, by fire, Ex 22:5,6, concerning anything or creature deposited in the hands of a neighbour, and they be stolen or lost by one means or another, Ex 22:7-13, concerning anything borrowed, and it comes to any damage, Ex 22:14,15, concerning fornication, Ex 22:16,17 concerning witchcraft, bestiality, and idolatry, Ex 22:18-20 concerning oppression, and affliction of the stranger, fatherless, and widow, Ex 22:21-24 concerning taking usury and pledges, Ex 22:25-27, concerning irreverence to magistrates, Ex 22:28, concerning the offering of firstfruits to God, Ex 22:29,30 and the chapter is concluded with a prohibition of eating anything torn by beasts, Ex 22:31.

Footnotes

• [a] Ex 21:37 in Hb
• [b] The Hb word can refer to sheep or goats.
• [c] 2 Sm 12:4,6; Lk 19:8
• [d] Ex 22:1 in Hb
• [e] Lit if the sun has risen over him