Exodus 22:7-17

7 "If a person entrusts a neighbor with money or goods, and they are stolen from the trustee's house, then, if the thief is found, he must pay double.

8 But if the thief is not found, then the trustee must state before God that he did not take the person's goods himself.

9 In every case of dispute over ownership, whether of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, clothing, or any missing property, where one person says, 'This is mine,' both parties are to come before God; and the one whom God condemns must pay the other one double.

10 "If a person trusts a neighbor to look after a donkey, ox, sheep or any animal, and it dies, is injured or is driven away unseen,

11 then the neighbor's oath before ADONAI that he has not taken the goods will settle the matter between them -the owner is to accept it without the neighbor's making restitution.

12 But if it was stolen from the neighbor, he must make restitution to the owner.

13 If it was torn to pieces by an animal, the neighbor must bring it as evidence, and then he doesn't need to make good the loss.

14 "If someone borrows something from his neighbor, and it gets injured or dies with the owner not present, he must make restitution.

15 If the owner was present, he need not make good the loss. If the owner hired it out, the loss is covered by the hiring fee.

16 "If a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged to be married and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price for her to be his wife.

17 But if her father refuses to give her to him, he must pay a sum equivalent to the bride-price for virgins.

Exodus 22:7-17 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.