Exodus 22:12

12 But if it is stolen from him, he shall 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 delivers to his neighbor an ass or an ox or a sheep or any beast to keep, and it dies or is hurt or is driven away, without any one seeing it,

11 an oath by the LORD shall be between them both to see whether he has not put his hand to his neighbor's property; and the owner shall accept the oath, and he shall not make restitution.

12 But if it is stolen from him, he shall make restitution to its owner.

13 If it is torn by beasts, let him bring it as evidence; he shall not make restitution for what has been torn.

14 "If a man borrows anything of his neighbor, and it is hurt or dies, the owner not being with it, he shall make full restitution.