Exodus 22:12

12 But if it is stolen from him, he shall make restitution to the owner of it.

Exodus 22:12 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 22:12

And if it be stolen from him
Or "but if" ^F24 it was taken away by theft; and that "from with him" ^F25, as it may be literally rendered, from among his own cattle, and they not taken; and he being present, pretending to have an eye upon them and keep them, but was careless and negligent, at least, if he did not connive at the theft:

he shall make restitution to the owner thereof;
for in such a case there was ground for suspicion of fraud; however, there was apparent carelessness, and it was but just he should make restitution, since he had hire or wages for keeping it; which is the reason Aben Ezra gives for it, and is suggested by the Targum of Jonathan; which adds to the former clause, by way of explanation,

``that which was with him to be kept for a reward.''

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FOOTNOTES:

F24 (Ma yk) "si autem", Drusius.
F25 (wmem) "e cum eo", Montanus.

Exodus 22:12 In-Context

10 "If a man delivers to his neighbor a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any animal to keep, and it dies or is injured, or driven away, no man seeing it;

11 the oath of Yahweh shall be between them both, whether he hasn't put his hand to his neighbor's goods; and the owner of it shall accept it, and he shall not make restitution.

12 But if it is stolen from him, he shall make restitution to the owner of it.

13 If it is torn in pieces, let him bring it for evidence. He shall not make good that which was torn.

14 "If a man borrows anything of his neighbor's, and it is injured, or dies, the owner of it not being with it, he shall surely make restitution.