Exodus 22:1-4

Property Rights

1 "If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he shall pay five oxen for the ox and 1four sheep for the sheep.
2 "If the 2thief is caught while breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there will be no bloodguiltiness on his account.
3 "But if the sun has risen on him, there will be bloodguiltiness on his account. He shall surely make restitution; if he owns nothing, then he shall be 3sold for his theft.
4 "If what he stole is actually found alive in his possession, whether an ox or a donkey or a sheep, 4he shall pay 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.

Cross References 4

  • 1. 2 Samuel 12:6; Luke 19:8
  • 2. Matthew 6:19; Matthew 24:43; 1 Peter 4:15
  • 3. Matthew 18:25
  • 4. Exodus 22:7

Footnotes 4

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