Exodus 22:7-17

7 And if any one give to his neighbour money or goods to keep, and they be stolen out of the man's house, if the thief be found he shall repay double.

8 But if the thief be not found, the master of the house shall come forward before God, and shall swear that surely he has not wrought wickedly in regard of any part of his neighbour's deposit,

9 according to every injury alleged, both concerning a calf, and an ass, and a sheep, and a garment, and every alleged loss, whatsoever in fact it may be, —the judgment of both shall proceed before God, and he that is convicted by God shall repay to his neighbour double.

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.

15 But if the owner be with it, he shall not make compensation: but if it be a hired thing, there shall be to him instead of his hire.

16 And if any one deceive a virgin that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her for a wife to himself.

17 And if her father positively refuse, and will not consent to give her to him for a wife, he shall pay compensation to her father according to the amount of the dowry of 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. over.
• [b]. accept him.
• [c]. money.
• [d]. If the borrower be a hireling, he shall have the ruined beast instead of his hire?