Exodus 22:6

KJV

If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed [therewith]; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.

KJV (with Strong's)

If fire {H784} break out {H3318}, and catch {H4672} in thorns {H6975}, so that the stacks of corn {H1430}, or the standing corn {H7054}, or the field {H7704}, be consumed {H398} therewith; he that kindled {H1197} the fire {H1200} shall surely {H7999} make restitution {H7999}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"If a fire is started and spreads to thorns, so that stacked grain, standing grain or a field is destroyed, the person who lit it must make restitution.

Berean Standard Bible

If a fire breaks out and spreads to thornbushes so that it consumes stacked or standing grain, or the whole field, the one who started the fire must make full restitution.

American Standard Version

If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the shocks of grain, or the standing grain, or the field are consumed; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 22:6 establishes a crucial civil statute within the Mosaic covenant, addressing liability for property damage caused by accidental or negligent fire in an agrarian setting. This law mandates that if a fire, originating from one's actions, spreads and destroys agricultural assets—whether harvested grain, standing crops, or an entire field—the individual responsible for kindling the fire is strictly obligated to provide full restitution. The verse powerfully underscores the divine principles of personal accountability, the protection of private property, and the imperative of restoring what was lost, thereby fostering justice, economic stability, and social harmony within the Israelite community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 22:6 is an integral part of the "Book of the Covenant," a comprehensive legal code found in [Exodus 20:22-23:33](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Book of the Covenant"). This section immediately follows the foundational Ten Commandments, providing detailed casuistic laws that apply God's moral principles to the practicalities of daily life in ancient Israel. Specifically, this verse is situated within a series of statutes concerning property damage and liability, directly succeeding the law regarding damage caused by grazing animals ([Exodus 22:5](/exodus/22-5 "Exodus 22:5 - Law on Damage by Grazing Animals")). The progression from laws on personal injury and theft to those addressing accidental property damage highlights the meticulous nature of God's law, which seeks to govern all aspects of human interaction and economic activity. These laws collectively aim to establish a just society where individuals are held accountable for their actions, and victims are afforded a means of recovery, reflecting the covenant God's commitment to order and righteousness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was fundamentally an agrarian society, where the cultivation of grains like wheat and barley (referred to as "corn" in older translations, not maize) formed the bedrock of its economy, sustenance, and wealth. Fields, standing crops, and harvested stacks of grain represented a family's livelihood, food security, and future prosperity. The semi-arid climate of the Near East, characterized by dry seasons and abundant dry vegetation (like "thorns" and stubble), made accidental fires a pervasive and significant threat. Farmers often cleared fields by burning off debris, a practice that, if not carefully managed, could easily lead to runaway fires. A single uncontrolled fire could swiftly devastate a year's harvest or an entire field, leading to severe economic hardship, destitution, or even famine for a family. Laws like Exodus 22:6 were therefore not abstract legal theory but vital practical legislation, designed to mitigate such risks, enforce accountability for negligence, and provide a legal framework for victims to recover their losses, thereby preserving social cohesion and economic stability in a highly vulnerable agricultural setting.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Justice and Equity**, demonstrating God's meticulous concern for fair dealings among His people and the protection of the vulnerable. The emphasis on restitution over mere punishment reflects God's desire for **Restoration and Wholeness** within the community, aiming to make the injured party whole again. Furthermore, the law highlights the theme of **Personal Responsibility and Accountability**, asserting that individuals are answerable for the foreseeable consequences of their actions, even if unintended. This principle is foundational to the covenant relationship, where individuals are expected to live carefully and considerately, upholding the well-being and property of their neighbors. The detailed nature of these civil laws, including those found in [Exodus 21](/exodus/21 "Exodus 21 - Laws Concerning Slaves, Violence, and Property") and [Exodus 23](/exodus/23 "Exodus 23 - Social and Religious Laws"), underscores God's comprehensive plan for an ordered and righteous society, distinct from the surrounding pagan nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **'akal (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** Translated as "consumed" in the phrase "be consumed [therewith]." This primitive Hebrew root literally means "to eat" or "to devour." Its powerful use here vividly personifies the fire, depicting it as a ravenous entity that "eats up" or "gorges itself" on the crops and fields, leaving nothing behind. This imagery underscores the totality and devastating finality of the loss, highlighting the profound impact on the victim's livelihood and the urgency of the mandated restitution.
* **shâlam (Hebrew, _shâlam'_):** Rendered as "make restitution." This deeply significant verb is rooted in the concept of _shalom_ (peace, completeness, wholeness). To "make restitution" (or _shâlam_) implies far more than mere financial compensation; it signifies restoring something to its original state of completeness, soundness, or integrity. In this context, it means making the injured party whole again, restoring what was lost, and thereby bringing about a state of "peace" or reconciliation between the parties involved by rectifying the wrong and re-establishing equity and balance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If fire break out, and catch in thorns":** This opening clause establishes the scenario, indicating an accidental or negligent origin rather than intentional arson. The verb "break out" (יָצָא, _yâtsâʼ_) suggests the fire escaping control or spreading unexpectedly. The phrase "catch in thorns" (מָצָא קוֹצִים, _mâtsâʼ qôwtsim_) points to the common presence of dry, highly combustible material in fields, which made accidental ignition and rapid spread a high and constant risk in ancient agrarian societies. The emphasis is on the *causation* by the one who "kindled the fire," even if the subsequent spread was unintended.
* **"so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed [therewith]":** This specifies the precise scope and types of agricultural property damage covered by the law. "Stacks of corn" refers to harvested grain, already gathered and stored, representing accumulated wealth and a family's immediate food supply. "Standing corn" denotes crops still growing in the field, representing future sustenance and the promise of the next harvest. "The field" itself implies damage to the land's productivity, perhaps requiring significant effort and time to restore its fertility. The repeated use of "consumed" (אָכַל, _ʼâkal_) powerfully conveys the total destruction, leaving the victim with nothing of their valuable assets.
* **"he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.":** This clause delivers the legal verdict and the core command of the statute. The individual who initiated the fire, even if accidentally or through negligence, is held strictly liable for the resulting damage. The phrase "shall surely make restitution" (שַׁלֵּם יְשַׁלֵּם, _shallēm yəshallēm_) employs an infinitive absolute construction, which intensifies the verb, underscoring the absolute certainty, mandatory nature, and non-negotiable obligation of the restitution. The primary goal is not punitive punishment but the full restoration of the victim's loss, reflecting God's commitment to restorative justice and the well-being of all members of the covenant community.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 22:6 primarily employs **Casuistic Law**, a common legal form in the ancient Near East, characterized by its "If...then..." structure ("If fire break out... he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution"). This structure presents a specific case and its corresponding legal judgment, making the law clear, practical, and directly applicable to particular situations encountered in daily life. The verse also utilizes vivid **Imagery**, particularly with the verb "consumed" (אָכַל, _ʼâkal_), which literally means "to eat" or "to devour." This powerful anthropomorphic imagery personifies the fire, depicting it as a hungry, destructive entity that ravenously consumes valuable crops and fields, thereby emphasizing the devastating nature of the loss and the comprehensive destruction it inflicts. Furthermore, the intensified verb "shall surely make restitution" (שַׁלֵּם יְשַׁלֵּם) serves as a form of **Emphasis** or **Intensification**, underscoring the absolute and non-negotiable nature of the responsibility to restore what was lost. The listing of "stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field" employs a form of **Merism** or **Synecdoche**, where specific, key components are named to represent the totality of agricultural property, highlighting the comprehensive protection afforded to a farmer's entire livelihood and economic foundation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 22:6 profoundly reveals God's character as a righteous sovereign who establishes order, justice, and compassion within His covenant community. This law underscores the divine principle of personal responsibility, asserting that individuals are accountable for the foreseeable consequences of their actions, even when unintended. It champions the concept of restitution, prioritizing the restoration of the victim and the repair of harm over mere punitive measures, reflecting God's desire for wholeness (_shalom_) and reconciliation within the community. This commitment to equitable dealings, the safeguarding of private property, and the protection of livelihoods demonstrates God's meticulous care for the vulnerable and His establishment of a society built on fairness, diligence, and mutual respect. The law teaches that negligence has real consequences, and justice demands that those who cause loss are obligated to make the injured party whole, thereby maintaining social cohesion and reflecting the divine order.

* [Leviticus 6:4-5](/leviticus/6-4-5 "Leviticus 6:4-5 - Laws of Restitution for Sin")
* [Proverbs 27:12](/proverbs/27-12 "Proverbs 27:12 - Prudence and Foresight")
* [Matthew 7:12](/matthew/7-12 "Matthew 7:12 - The Golden Rule")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific scenario of accidental field fires may seem distant in many contemporary contexts, the timeless principles embedded in Exodus 22:6 remain profoundly relevant for modern life. This ancient statute calls us to cultivate a deep sense of personal accountability, reminding us that we are responsible not only for our intentional actions but also for the unintended, yet foreseeable, consequences of our negligence or carelessness. It challenges us to foster diligence, foresight, and a proactive posture in all areas of life—from managing our material possessions and resources to our interactions with others and our professional conduct—to prevent harm. Furthermore, the emphasis on "restitution" encourages us, when harm is caused, to actively seek to make amends, restore what was lost, and repair broken relationships. This principle extends beyond mere financial compensation to include genuine apologies, acts of service, or sincere efforts to mend the damage, whether physical, emotional, relational, or reputational. It calls us to live as responsible and considerate members of our communities, valuing the well-being and property of our neighbors as our own, reflecting the biblical call to love our neighbor as ourselves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this ancient law challenge our modern understanding of personal responsibility, especially for unintended consequences resulting from our actions or inactions?**
* **In what practical ways can we apply the principle of "making restitution" in our contemporary lives, even when direct financial compensation isn't applicable?**
* **How does the principle of caring for a neighbor's property and livelihood extend to our stewardship of shared resources, the environment, and our collective societal well-being?**

### FAQ
**Is this law about punishment or compensation?**

Answer: This law is primarily about compensation and restitution, not punishment. While there is a clear consequence for the negligent party, the core command is "he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution." The primary goal is to make the victim whole again by restoring what was lost, ensuring that the economic burden falls on the one whose action caused the damage, rather than on the innocent victim. This reflects a key principle of Old Testament law: restoring justice and equity, and repairing the harm done to the community's fabric.

**Does "corn" in this verse refer to maize (what we typically call corn today)?**

Answer: No, in the King James Version and other older translations of the Bible, "corn" is a general term referring to grain, such as wheat or barley. Maize, which originated in the Americas, was unknown in the ancient Near East during biblical times. Therefore, when Exodus 22:6 speaks of "stacks of corn, or the standing corn," it refers to the staple grains that were cultivated by the Israelites as their primary agricultural produce.

**What if the fire was started intentionally? Would the same law apply?**

Answer: No, Exodus 22:6 specifically addresses a fire that "break[s] out" due to negligence or accident. If a fire were started intentionally with malicious intent to destroy property (arson), it would fall under different, more severe laws, likely treated as a form of malicious destruction or theft, which would carry harsher penalties. The Mosaic Law distinguished clearly between accidental harm and deliberate wrongdoing, with intentional acts often incurring more severe consequences, potentially even capital punishment in cases of extreme malice or harm to life (e.g., [Exodus 21:12](/exodus/21-12 "Exodus 21:12 - Law on Murder") for murder, or principles found in [Deuteronomy 19:16-21](/deuteronomy/19-16-21 "Deuteronomy 19:16-21 - Law on False Witness") concerning malicious intent and its consequences).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 22:6, with its emphasis on responsibility and restitution for damage caused by negligence, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Mosaic Law addresses material loss and the restoration of earthly property, Christ's mission is to make restitution for the greatest loss of all: humanity's separation from God due to sin. Our sin, whether born of spiritual negligence or willful disobedience, has caused immense damage to creation, our relationships with one another, and most profoundly, our relationship with the Creator. Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, became the ultimate "restitution" for our transgressions, taking upon Himself the full consequence of our spiritual debt and making a perfect payment on our behalf ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He fully restores what was lost, reconciling us to God and making us spiritually whole ([Romans 5:10](/romans/5-10 "Romans 5:10 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Furthermore, Christ's teachings consistently elevate the principle of loving one's neighbor ([Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - The Second Great Commandment")) and actively seeking reconciliation and making amends ([Matthew 5:23-24](/matthew/5-23-24 "Matthew 5:23-24 - Reconciliation Before Worship")), demonstrating that true spiritual health involves not only receiving God's restoration but also participating in the restoration of others. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody these principles of responsibility, diligent care, and making things right, reflecting the restorative justice of our Savior in a world still marred by the "fires" of sin and human negligence ([Ephesians 4:32](/ephesians/4-32 "Ephesians 4:32 - Be Kind and Forgiving")).

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

Exodus 22:9

For all manner of trespass, [whether it be] for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, [or] for any manner of lost thing, which [another] challengeth 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.

Exodus 21:33

And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein;

Exodus 21:34

The owner of the pit shall make [it] good, [and] give money unto the owner of them; and the dead [beast] shall be his.

2 Samuel 14:30

Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.

2 Samuel 14:31

Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto [his] house, and said unto him, Wherefore have thy servants set my field on fire?

Judges 15:4

And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took firebrands, and turned tail to tail, and put a firebrand in the midst between two tails.

Judges 15:5

And when he had set the brands on fire, he let [them] go into the standing corn of the Philistines, and burnt up both the shocks, and also the standing corn, with the vineyards [and] olives.