Exodus 22:10-20

10 "If a man gives his neighbor a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any animal to keep for him, and it dies or is hurt or is driven away while no one is looking,

11 an ¹oath before the LORD shall be made by the two of them that he has not laid hands on his neighbor's property; and its owner shall accept it, and he shall not make restitution.

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

13 "If it is all torn to pieces, let him bring it as evidence; he shall not make restitution for what has been torn to pieces.

14 "If a man borrows anything from his neighbor, and it is injured or dies while its owner is not with it, he shall make full restitution.

15 "If its owner is with it, he shall not make restitution; if it is hired, it came for its hire.

Sundry Laws

16 "²If a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged, and lies with her, he must pay a dowry for her to be his wife.

17 "If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money equal to the ³dowry for virgins.

18 "You shall not allow a ⁴sorceress to live.

19 "⁵Whoever lies with an animal shall surely be put to death.

20 "⁶He who sacrifices to any god, other than to the LORD alone, shall be utterly destroyed.

Exodus 22:10-20 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. Hebrews 6:16
• 2. Deuteronomy 22:28, 29
• 3. Genesis 34:12; 1 Samuel 18:25
• 4. Leviticus 19:31; Leviticus 20:6, 27; Deuteronomy 18:10, 11; 1 Samuel 28:3; Jeremiah 27:9, 10
• 5. Leviticus 18:23; Leviticus 20:15, 16; Deuteronomy 27:21
• 6. Exodus 32:8; Exodus 34:15; Leviticus 17:7; Numbers 25:2; Deut 17:2, 3, 5; 1 Kings 18:40; 2 Kings 10:25

Footnotes

• [a] Lit "whether"
• [b] Lit "stretched his hand"
• [c] Lit "asks"
• [d] Lit "weigh out silver"
• [e] Lit "the gods"
• [f] Lit "put under the ban"