Exodus 22:12

12 But if indeed it was stolen from him, he will make restitution to its owner.

Exodus 22:12 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 22:12

And if it be stolen from him
Or "but if" ^F24 it was taken away by theft; and that "from with him" ^F25, as it may be literally rendered, from among his own cattle, and they not taken; and he being present, pretending to have an eye upon them and keep them, but was careless and negligent, at least, if he did not connive at the theft:

he shall make restitution to the owner thereof;
for in such a case there was ground for suspicion of fraud; however, there was apparent carelessness, and it was but just he should make restitution, since he had hire or wages for keeping it; which is the reason Aben Ezra gives for it, and is suggested by the Targum of Jonathan; which adds to the former clause, by way of explanation,

``that which was with him to be kept for a reward.''

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FOOTNOTES:

F24 (Ma yk) "si autem", Drusius.
F25 (wmem) "e cum eo", Montanus.

Exodus 22:12 In-Context

10 " 'If a man gives to his neighbor a donkey or an ox or small livestock or any beast to watch over and it dies or is injured or is captured [when] there is no one who sees,

11 the oath of Yahweh will be between the two of them [concerning] whether or not he has reached out his hand to his neighbor's possession, and its owner will accept [this], and he will not make restitution.

12 But if indeed it was stolen from him, he will make restitution to its owner.

13 If indeed it was torn to pieces, he will bring it as evidence--the mangled carcass; he will not make restitution.

14 " 'If a man borrows from his neighbor and it is injured or dies [while] its owner is not with it, he will make restitution.