Exodus 22:12-22

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.

17 If her father will not give her to him on any account, he will have to give the regular payment for virgins.

18 Any woman using unnatural powers or secret arts is to be put to death.

19 Any man who has sex connection with a beast is to be put to death.

20 Complete destruction will come on any man who makes offerings to any other god but the Lord.

21 Do no wrong to a man from a strange country, and do not be hard on him; for you yourselves were living in a strange country, in the land of Egypt.

22 Do no wrong to a widow, or to a child whose father is dead.

Exodus 22:12-22 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.