Exodus 22:12

12 And if it be stolen from him, he shall make compensation to the 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 And if any one give to his neighbour to keep a calf or sheep or any beast, and it be wounded or die or be taken, and no one know,

11 an oath of God shall be between both, that he has surely not at all been guilty in the matter of his neighbour's deposit; and so his master shall hold him guiltless, and he shall not make compensation.

12 And if it be stolen from him, he shall make compensation to the owner.

13 And if it be seized of beasts, he shall bring him to the prey, and he shall not make compensation.

14 And if any one borrow of his neighbour, and it be wounded or die or be carried away, and the owner of it be not with it, he shall make compensation.