Exodus 22:8-18

8 If the thief is not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges to see whether he has put his hand unto his neighbour’s goods.

9 For all manner of fraud, whether it be for an ox, for an ass, for a sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, which another challenges to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.

10 If a man delivers unto his neighbour an ass or an ox or a sheep or any beast to keep, and it dies or is hurt or driven away, no man seeing it,

11 then shall an oath of the LORD be between them both, that he has not put his hand unto his neighbour’s goods, and the owner of it shall accept thereof, and he shall not make it good.

12 And if it is stolen from him, he shall make restitution unto its owner.

13 If it is torn in pieces, then let him bring witness, and he shall not make good that which was torn.

14 And if anyone borrows anything of his neighbour, and it is hurt or dies, its owner not being with it, he shall surely make it good.

15 But if its owner is with it, he shall not make it good; if it was hired, it came for its hire.

16 If a man should entice a virgin that is not betrothed and lie with her, he shall surely endow her and take her to be his wife.

17 If her father utterly refuses to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.

18 Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.

Exodus 22:8-18 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.