Exodus 22:1-4

1 ^[a]"If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and ¹four sheep for a sheep.

2 ^[b] If a thief is found ²breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him,

3 but if the sun has risen on him, there shall be bloodguilt for him. He shall surely pay. If he has nothing, then ³he shall be sold for his theft.

4 If the stolen beast ⁴is found alive in his possession, whether it is an ox or a donkey or a sheep, ⁵he 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

• 1. 2 Samuel 12:6; [Proverbs 6:31; Luke 19:8]
• 2. Matthew 24:43
• 3. [Exodus 21:2]
• 4. Exodus 21:16
• 5. [ver. 1]

Footnotes

• [a]. Ch 21:37 in Hebrew
• [b]. Ch 22:1 in Hebrew