Exodus 22:8-18

8 But if the thief is not found, the owner of the house must appear before the judges, and they must^[a] determine whether the owner of the house has laid hands on the other person’s property.

9 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.^[b] The one whom the judges declare^[c] guilty must pay back double to the other.

10 “If anyone gives a donkey, an ox, a sheep or any other animal to their neighbor for safekeeping and it dies or is injured or is taken away while no one is looking,

11 the issue between them will be settled by the taking of an oath before the LORD that the neighbor did not lay hands on the other person’s property. The owner is to accept this, and no restitution is required.

12 But if the animal was stolen from the neighbor, restitution must be made to the owner.

13 If it was torn to pieces by a wild animal, the neighbor shall bring in the remains as evidence and shall not be required to pay for the torn animal.

14 “If anyone borrows an animal from their neighbor and it is injured or dies while the owner is not present, they must make restitution.

15 But if the owner is with the animal, the borrower will not have to pay. If the animal was hired, the money paid for the hire covers the loss.

Social Responsibility

16 “If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged to be married and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price, and she shall be his wife.

17 If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he must still pay the bride-price for virgins.

18 “Do not allow a sorceress to live.

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Exodus 22:8-18 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.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

Cross References 11

1. S Exodus 21:6; Deuteronomy 17:8-9; Deuteronomy 19:17
2. ver 8; ver 28; Deuteronomy 25:1
3. S ver 7
4. Leviticus 6:3; 1 Kings 8:31; 2 Chronicles 6:22; Hebrews 6:16
5. ver 1
6. Genesis 31:39
7. ver 1
8. Leviticus 19:13; Job 17:5
9. Deuteronomy 22:28
10. S Genesis 34:12
11. S Exodus 7:11; Leviticus 19:26,31; Leviticus 20:27; Deuteronomy 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:3; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Isaiah 57:3

Footnotes 3

[a]. Or "before God, and he will"
[b]. Or "before God"
[c]. Or "whom God declares"