Deuteronomy 22:2

KJV

And if thy brother [be] not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if thy brother {H251} be not nigh {H7138} unto thee, or if thou know {H3045} him not, then thou shalt bring {H622} it unto {H8432} thine own house {H1004}, and it shall be with thee until thy brother {H251} seek {H1875} after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again {H7725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If your brother is not close by, or you don't know who the owner is, you are to bring it home to your house; and it will remain with you until your brother asks for it; then you are to give it back to him.

Berean Standard Bible

If your brother does not live near you, or if you do not know who he is, you are to take the animal home to remain with you until your brother comes seeking it; then you can return it to him.

American Standard Version

And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it home to thy house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 22:2 provides a specific instruction within the Mosaic Law regarding the handling of lost property when the owner is not immediately identifiable or nearby. Building upon the general command to return lost items, this verse outlines the practical steps a finder must take: to bring the item into their own home for safekeeping and retain it until the rightful owner seeks it out, at which point it must be diligently restored. This regulation underscores the principles of communal responsibility, integrity, and justice, ensuring that even in the absence of a known owner, the welfare and property rights of a fellow Israelite are upheld.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 22:2 is part of a broader section of civil and social laws (Deuteronomy 22:1-25:19) that govern daily life in ancient Israel, immediately following the general command in [Deuteronomy 22:1](/deuteronomy/22-1 "Deuteronomy 22:1 - Returning Lost Livestock") to return lost animals. This specific verse elaborates on the practical challenge of dealing with lost property when the owner is unknown or distant, providing a pragmatic solution to prevent theft or neglect. The subsequent verses in [Deuteronomy 22:3-4](/deuteronomy/22-3 "Deuteronomy 22:3-4 - Further Lost Property Laws") continue to reinforce the duty of care for lost items, including clothing and any other lost thing, emphasizing that this is a consistent and comprehensive legal expectation within the covenant community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** These laws reflect the communal and agrarian society of ancient Israel, where livestock and personal belongings were vital for survival and livelihood. In such a context, the loss of property could be devastating, and the discovery of a lost item presented a moral dilemma. The absence of formal law enforcement or widespread communication networks meant that individual integrity and communal responsibility were paramount. The instruction to "bring it unto thine own house" was a practical measure, offering a secure place for the item until the owner, who would likely be searching, could be identified. This system relied heavily on the ethical character of individuals within a close-knit society bound by covenant obligations.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy - Moses' Farewell Speeches") that resonate within this verse include covenant faithfulness, justice, and the practical outworking of love for one's neighbor. The law promotes a society where mutual care and ethical conduct are not merely ideals but are codified into daily practice. It underscores the importance of **neighborly responsibility**, compelling individuals to actively care for the possessions of others, even strangers, rather than exploiting a situation for personal gain. This proactive approach to protecting another's property reflects a deep commitment to **integrity and honesty**, fostering trust within the community. Ultimately, the law aims for **restoration**, ensuring that what is lost is returned to its rightful owner, aligning with God's character as a God of order and justice, as seen throughout the Mosaic Law, such as in [Exodus 23:4-5](/exodus/23-4 "Exodus 23:4-5 - Returning an Enemy's Animal").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Brother (Hebrew, _'ach_):** While literally referring to a fellow Israelite, the spirit of this term in Deuteronomic law often extends to anyone within the covenant community or even a stranger residing among them. It emphasizes a familial bond and shared responsibility that should characterize interactions among God's people, transcending immediate personal acquaintance. The implication is that all members of the community are bound by a common ethical standard.
* **Nigh (Hebrew, _qarov_):** This word signifies proximity or closeness. The phrase "not nigh unto thee" indicates a situation where the owner is not physically present or easily identifiable in the immediate vicinity. This highlights the practical challenge the law addresses: what to do when the owner cannot be immediately found or contacted, requiring the finder to take temporary custody.
* **Restore (Hebrew, _heshiv_):** Meaning "to return," "bring back," or "give back." This verb is crucial, as it defines the ultimate purpose of the law: the complete and rightful return of the lost item to its owner. It underscores the principle of restitution and justice, preventing the finder from claiming ownership of something that does not belong to them, even if the owner is unknown at first.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if thy brother [be] not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not":** This initial clause sets the two primary conditions under which the subsequent instruction applies. First, the owner is not physically close by, meaning they cannot be immediately identified or approached. Second, the finder does not know the owner, indicating anonymity. These conditions address the practical realities of finding lost property in a community where the owner might be from a different area or simply unfamiliar to the finder.
* **"then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house":** This is the immediate, proactive command given to the finder. Instead of leaving the item exposed or taking it for personal gain, the finder is obligated to secure it. Bringing it "unto thine own house" provides a safe and private place for the item, demonstrating the finder's commitment to its safekeeping and integrity.
* **"and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it":** This clause specifies the duration of the finder's responsibility. The item is not to be kept indefinitely, nor is it to be immediately disposed of. It must remain in the finder's possession, safely stored, awaiting the owner's initiative to search for and claim their lost property. This implies a reciprocal responsibility on the part of the owner to actively seek what they have lost.
* **"and thou shalt restore it to him again":** This final clause states the ultimate outcome and the core duty: the full and complete return of the item to its rightful owner once they are identified and claim it. This emphasizes the principle of restitution and the importance of property rights within the covenant community, ensuring justice and preventing unjust enrichment.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 22:2 primarily functions as a **Casuistic Law**, presenting a specific case ("If X happens...") and then prescribing the legal consequence or action ("...then Y must be done"). This "if... then..." structure is characteristic of much of the Mosaic Law, providing clear, actionable guidelines for various situations. The verse also employs **Parallelism** in its opening conditions ("not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not"), where two distinct but related scenarios are presented to cover a broader range of possibilities for an unknown owner. Furthermore, the repeated emphasis on "thy brother" and the duty to "restore it to him again" highlights the **Ethical Imperative** and communal responsibility that undergirds the legal framework, reinforcing the moral obligation through direct address.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 22:2 is not merely a civil regulation but a profound theological statement on the nature of community and the practical outworking of covenant love. It extends the principle of "love your neighbor as yourself" beyond mere non-aggression to active, proactive care for their well-being and property. This law reflects God's character, which is just, orderly, and compassionate, desiring that His people live in harmony and integrity. It teaches that true righteousness involves diligence, honesty, and a commitment to restitution, even in seemingly minor matters of daily life. This principle of active care for others' possessions foreshadows the broader New Testament call to generosity and selflessness, demonstrating that our faith impacts every aspect of our interactions.

* [Exodus 23:4-5](/exodus/23-4 "Exodus 23:4-5 - Returning an Enemy's Animal"): This passage provides a similar, even more challenging, command to return lost animals, extending the duty even to an enemy's property, underscoring the radical nature of God's call to love and justice.
* [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself"): The foundational command to "love thy neighbour as thyself" finds a concrete expression in Deuteronomy 22:2, demonstrating that love is not just an emotion but involves tangible actions that protect and restore.
* [Proverbs 3:27-28](/proverbs/3-27 "Proverbs 3:27-28 - Do Not Withhold Good"): These verses from wisdom literature echo the sentiment, advising against withholding good from those to whom it is due, especially when it is in one's power to act, which aligns with the duty to restore lost property.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 22:2 presents a timeless challenge to our modern sensibilities, urging us to consider how we handle what is not ours. In a world often characterized by individualism and a "finders keepers" mentality, this ancient law calls believers to a higher standard of integrity and neighborly love. It reminds us that our ethical responsibilities extend beyond avoiding harm to actively seeking the good of others, even when there's no immediate reward or recognition. This principle applies to finding a lost wallet, a misplaced item at work, or even digital property. It encourages us to cultivate a character that values honesty and justice, reflecting God's own character. Our diligence in returning lost items, however small, becomes a tangible expression of our faith and a testament to the transformative power of God's law in our lives, fostering trust and demonstrating the love of Christ in our communities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of "bringing it unto thine own house" challenge a "finders keepers" mentality in today's society?**
* **In what practical ways can I apply the spirit of Deuteronomy 22:2 to situations involving lost or misplaced items in my daily life?**
* **How does the duty to "restore it to him again" reflect God's character and His desire for justice and order in human relationships?**
* **Beyond physical objects, what "lost" things (e.g., reputation, trust, opportunities) might God be calling me to help restore to others?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrase "thy brother" in this verse?**

Answer: The term "thy brother" (Hebrew: _'ach_) primarily refers to a fellow Israelite, a member of the covenant community. Its significance lies in emphasizing the shared identity and mutual responsibility among God's people. This law is not just about abstract justice but about how members of God's family are to treat one another. While the immediate context is Israel, the underlying principle of caring for one's neighbor's property is universal and reflects the broader biblical ethic of love and justice for all people, as seen in the command to love one's neighbor in [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself").

**Does this law apply to non-Israelites or only to fellow Israelites?**

Answer: While the direct address is to "thy brother" (fellow Israelite), the spirit of the law, particularly in Deuteronomy, often extends to the "sojourner" or "foreigner" living within Israel's gates. The broader ethical principles of justice, honesty, and care for others' property are universal and reflect God's character, which is consistent for all humanity. Many Old Testament laws, while given to Israel, contain principles that transcend their immediate cultural context, encouraging compassion and integrity towards all, echoing the sentiment of the [Golden Rule](/matthew/7-12 "Matthew 7:12 - The Golden Rule") in the New Testament.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 22:2, with its emphasis on the proactive restoration of lost property and the diligent care for a neighbor's possessions, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus perfectly embodied the spirit of this law, not merely by upholding legal statutes but by demonstrating radical love and seeking the restoration of what was truly lost: humanity itself. He is the Good Shepherd who actively seeks out the [lost sheep](/luke/15-4 "Luke 15:4 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep") and the woman who diligently searches for her [lost coin](/luke/15-8 "Luke 15:8 - The Parable of the Lost Coin"), rejoicing when it is found. More profoundly, Christ came to "seek and to save the lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")), restoring us to a right relationship with God, a relationship that was lost through sin. His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate act of restitution, paying the debt we could not, and restoring us to an inheritance that was forfeited. The law's call to return what is lost foreshadows the divine initiative to restore humanity to its rightful place as children of God, purchased by the precious blood of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Thus, in Christ, the principle of restoration moves from material possessions to the spiritual and eternal reconciliation of humanity with its Creator.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Thessalonians 4:6

That no [man] go beyond and defraud his brother in [any] matter: because that the Lord [is] the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

Matthew 7:12

¶ Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.