Exodus 22:14

14 If a man gets from his neighbour the use of one of his beasts, and it is damaged or put to death when the owner is not with it, he will certainly have to make payment for the loss.

Exodus 22:14 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 22:14

And if a man borrow [ought] of his neighbour
Any beast, as it should seem, as an ox to plough with, an ass, horse, or camel to ride on, though the Jewish writers carry it also to any kind of household stuff:

and if he be hurt or die;
if any damage comes to it, or it dies while it is in the borrower's hands, and when employed in that work for which he borrowed it; the Targum of Jonathan is,

``and the vessel should be broke, or the beast die:''

and the owner thereof being not with it; at the time of its being hurt, or of its death, and so could not be so well satisfied whether used well or not, nor how the damage and death came to it:

he shall surely make it good;
pay the full price for it it is worth; which, though it may seem hard, was necessary, in order to make men careful of things they borrowed, and that lenders may not be losers for their kindness.

Exodus 22:14 In-Context

12 But if it is taken from him by a thief, he is to make up for the loss of it to its owner.

13 But if it has been damaged by a beast, and he is able to make this clear, he will not have to make payment for what was damaged.

14 If a man gets from his neighbour the use of one of his beasts, and it is damaged or put to death when the owner is not with it, he will certainly have to make payment for the loss.

15 If the owner is with it, he will not have to make payment: if he gave money for the use of it, the loss is covered by the payment.

16 If a man takes a virgin, who has not given her word to another man, and has connection with her, he will have to give a bride-price for her to be his wife.