Deuteronomy 22:3

KJV

In like manner shalt thou do with his ass; and so shalt thou do with his raiment; and with all lost thing of thy brother's, which he hath lost, and thou hast found, shalt thou do likewise: thou mayest not hide thyself.

KJV (with Strong's)

In like manner {H3651} shalt thou do {H6213} with his ass {H2543}; and so shalt thou do {H6213} with his raiment {H8071}; and with all lost thing {H9} of thy brother's {H251}, which he hath lost {H6}, and thou hast found {H4672}, shalt thou do {H6213} likewise: thou mayest {H3201} not hide {H5956} thyself.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are to do the same with his donkey, his coat or anything else of your brother's that he loses. If you find something he lost, you must not ignore it.

Berean Standard Bible

And you shall do the same for his donkey, his cloak, or anything your brother has lost and you have found. You must not ignore it.

American Standard Version

And so shalt thou do with his ass; and so shalt thou do with his garment; and so shalt thou do with every lost thing of thy brother’s, which he hath lost, and thou hast found: thou mayest not hide thyself.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 22:3 extends the divine command concerning lost property, moving beyond specific livestock to encompass "all lost thing" belonging to a fellow Israelite, including an ass or raiment. This verse not only mandates the return of found items but also powerfully prohibits indifference or evasion, compelling the finder to actively engage in restoring what is lost to its rightful owner. It underscores a fundamental principle of neighborly responsibility, integrity, and proactive care within the covenant community, reflecting God's desire for a just and compassionate society.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 22:3 builds directly upon the preceding verses, which introduce the concept of returning lost livestock. [Deuteronomy 22:1](/deuteronomy/22-1 "Deuteronomy 22:1 - Returning a Lost Ox or Sheep") specifically commands the return of a lost ox or sheep, while [Deuteronomy 22:2](/deuteronomy/22-2 "Deuteronomy 22:2 - Custody of Lost Animals") provides instructions for the care of the animal if the owner is unknown or far away, emphasizing that it should be kept until claimed. Verse 3 significantly broadens this principle, extending it from specific animals (ox, sheep, now "ass") to "raiment" (clothing) and then comprehensively to "all lost thing" belonging to "thy brother." This expansion highlights the universal applicability of the law within the Israelite community, demonstrating that the principle of active restoration applies to any valuable possession, not just large livestock. The concluding phrase, "thou mayest not hide thyself," serves as a forceful imperative against apathy, reinforcing the moral obligation to act.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many agrarian societies, livestock like an ass (donkey) and personal items such as raiment (clothing) were vital assets. An ass was crucial for transport, agriculture, and trade, representing significant economic value. Clothing was not merely an accessory but often a substantial investment and a necessity for protection and warmth, sometimes even serving as collateral for loans (cf. [Exodus 22:26-27](/exodus/22-26 "Exodus 22:26-27 - Pledging a Garment")). The Mosaic Law, of which Deuteronomy is a part, was designed to establish a just and orderly society reflecting God's character. These laws were not just legal statutes but ethical and theological directives, shaping the moral fabric of the covenant people. The emphasis on returning lost property cultivated trust, fostered community cohesion, and prevented theft or opportunistic gain, reinforcing the idea that all Israelites were "brothers" bound by a shared covenant with God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It exemplifies **Neighborly Responsibility**, moving beyond passive non-harm to active engagement in a brother's welfare, echoing the command to "love your neighbor as yourself" found in [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor"). It underscores **Integrity and Honesty**, directly confronting the temptation to keep found property by establishing a clear moral and legal obligation to restore it. The inclusion of "all lost thing" demonstrates **Comprehensive Care and Compassion**, recognizing the value of all possessions to an individual and the potential hardship caused by their loss. Most profoundly, the concluding prohibition, "thou mayest not hide thyself," emphasizes **Proactive Engagement and Accountability**, demanding that Israelites actively participate in upholding justice and demonstrating care, rather than remaining indifferent or evading their communal duties. This theme of active participation in the community's well-being is central to the covenant relationship described in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/1 "The Book of Deuteronomy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ass (Hebrew, _ḥămôr'_):** This term refers to a donkey, a common beast of burden in ancient Israel. Its inclusion here, alongside the ox and sheep from the preceding verses, emphasizes the practical and economic significance of such animals. Donkeys were essential for travel, carrying goods, and agricultural work, making their loss a significant hardship for an Israelite family. The specific mention of the ass reinforces the comprehensive nature of the law, applying it to valuable and necessary possessions beyond just the most common livestock.
* **Lost thing (Hebrew, _’ăḇēḏāh'_):** This noun, derived from the verb "to perish" or "to be lost," signifies anything that has gone astray or is missing. The use of the comprehensive "all" (Hebrew, _kol_) before "lost thing" is crucial. It broadens the scope of the command from specific animals and clothing to any item whatsoever that a "brother" (fellow Israelite) might have lost. This demonstrates the law's intent to cover every conceivable scenario, leaving no room for loopholes or selective application based on an item's perceived value.
* **Hide thyself (Hebrew, _tiṯḥabbêh'_):** This is a strong, reflexive imperative from the verb _ḥābāh_ (to hide). Literally, it means "you shall not hide yourself." This phrase is not merely a suggestion but a forceful prohibition against apathy, indifference, or evasion. It forbids the finder from pretending not to see the lost item, from ignoring the plight of their neighbor, or from actively avoiding the responsibility to return it. It demands active, visible engagement and intervention, underscoring the moral and communal obligation to act on behalf of a fellow Israelite.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In like manner shalt thou do with his ass;":** This clause directly links back to the instructions in [Deuteronomy 22:1-2](/deuteronomy/22-1 "Deuteronomy 22:1-2 - Returning Lost Livestock") regarding an ox or sheep. It extends the same principle of active restoration to another economically significant animal, the donkey, indicating that the care and return of lost livestock is a consistent and expected behavior within the community.
* **"and so shalt thou do with his raiment;":** The command further broadens its scope to include personal property, specifically "raiment" or clothing. This highlights that the law's concern is not limited to large, valuable animals but extends to items of personal use and value, emphasizing that all property, regardless of its specific nature, is to be treated with respect and returned if found.
* **"and with all lost thing of thy brother's, which he hath lost, and thou hast found, shalt thou do likewise:":** This is the most expansive part of the verse. The phrase "all lost thing" serves as a comprehensive catch-all, ensuring that no lost item is excluded from the command. The repeated "shalt thou do likewise" reinforces the consistent application of the principle of restoration. The explicit mention of "thy brother's" emphasizes the communal bond and the reciprocal responsibility within the covenant family.
* **"thou mayest not hide thyself.":** This concluding, emphatic prohibition is a powerful moral injunction. It directly forbids apathy, evasion, or any form of passive non-engagement. It is a command to be actively involved, to take initiative, and to fulfill one's duty to a neighbor when encountering their loss. This phrase transforms the legal requirement into a profound ethical imperative, demanding a proactive and compassionate response.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 22:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Expansion and Generalization**, as the law progresses from specific examples (ox, sheep, ass, raiment) to the all-encompassing "all lost thing," demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the divine expectation. This is reinforced by **Repetition** and **Parallelism** in the phrases "In like manner shalt thou do," "so shalt thou do," and "shalt thou do likewise," which create a rhythmic emphasis on the consistent application of the law across various types of lost property. The verse is dominated by the **Imperative Mood**, using direct commands ("shalt thou do," "thou mayest not hide thyself") to convey the non-negotiable nature of the responsibility. Finally, the concluding phrase, "thou mayest not hide thyself," functions as a potent **Prohibition** and **Ethical Exhortation**, moving beyond mere legal compliance to demand a specific moral posture of active engagement and compassion, rather than indifference.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 22:3 is a profound expression of God's desire for a just, compassionate, and interconnected community. It transcends a simple property law, revealing a theological truth about the nature of neighborly love and the responsibilities inherent in the covenant relationship. God, who cares for His people, institutes laws that reflect His character of order, justice, and concern for the vulnerable. This command teaches that our well-being is intertwined with that of our neighbor, and that active care for their possessions is an extension of loving them as ourselves. It challenges the human tendency towards apathy or self-interest, demanding a proactive and ethical response that builds trust and strengthens communal bonds, ultimately reflecting the divine order for human society.

* [Exodus 23:4](/exodus/23-4 "Exodus 23:4 - Returning an Enemy's Lost Animal")
* [Proverbs 27:10](/proverbs/27-10 "Proverbs 27:10 - Do Not Forsake Your Friend or Your Father’s Friend")
* [Luke 10:36-37](/luke/10-36 "Luke 10:36-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient command in Deuteronomy 22:3 carries profound and enduring relevance for believers today, challenging us to embody a radical form of neighborly love and integrity in a world often characterized by indifference. This verse calls us to move beyond passive non-interference and to actively seek the welfare of others, whether it involves returning a lost item, offering practical help, or simply being attentive to the needs around us. The powerful injunction, "thou mayest not hide thyself," serves as a divine rebuke to apathy, urging us to overcome the temptation to look away from another's struggle or loss. It cultivates a heart that is not only honest in matters of property but also compassionate and proactive in building up the community, recognizing that our interconnectedness as brothers and sisters in Christ demands active care and mutual responsibility. This principle extends beyond material possessions to encompass our willingness to share burdens, offer support, and engage with the needs of those around us, reflecting the very heart of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we "hide ourselves" from the needs or losses of our neighbors in contemporary society, beyond just physical items?**
* **How does the principle of actively seeking to restore what is lost to a neighbor challenge our modern tendencies towards individualism or self-interest?**
* **What small, practical steps can I take this week to embody the proactive care and integrity commanded in Deuteronomy 22:3 in my own community or sphere of influence?**

### FAQ

**Does this command apply to all lost items, regardless of value, or only significant ones?**

Answer: The phrase "all lost thing" (Hebrew: _kol 'avedat achika_) in Deuteronomy 22:3 indicates a comprehensive scope, meaning it applies to any item of value that a "brother" (fellow Israelite, and by extension, any neighbor) might lose. While the preceding verses mention an ox, sheep, and this verse adds an ass and raiment—all items of significant value in ancient times—the concluding "all lost thing" ensures that the principle is universal. It's not about the monetary value of the item, but the principle of integrity, neighborly responsibility, and active care. The law aims to prevent opportunistic gain and cultivate a community where individuals are attentive to each other's well-being, even in seemingly small matters. This teaches us that honesty and care are to be applied consistently, regardless of the perceived worth of what is found.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 22:3, with its emphasis on active neighborly responsibility and the prohibition against indifference, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law provided a framework for a just society, Jesus elevated and internalized these principles, demonstrating the full measure of love that undergirds such commands. His summary of the law, to "love your neighbor as yourself" ([Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - The Second Great Commandment")), perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this Deuteronomic statute. Christ did not merely teach about active care; He embodied it, consistently seeking out the lost—not just lost possessions, but lost souls ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). The parable of the Good Samaritan ([Luke 10:25-37](/luke/10-25 "Luke 10:25 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan")), in which the Samaritan actively intervenes for a stranger in need, perfectly illustrates the "thou mayest not hide thyself" principle, challenging us to extend compassion beyond our immediate community. As believers, we are called to reflect Christ's proactive love, not only in returning lost items but in actively seeking the welfare of others, bearing one another's burdens ([Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bear One Another's Burdens")), and demonstrating the selfless love that characterizes the Kingdom of God, for in Christ, all the law is fulfilled ([Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law")).

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.