Exodus 22:7

KJV

¶ If a man shall deliver unto his neighbour money or stuff to keep, and it be stolen out of the man's house; if the thief be found, let him pay double.

KJV (with Strong's)

If a man {H376} shall deliver {H5414} unto his neighbour {H7453} money {H3701} or stuff {H3627} to keep {H8104}, and it be stolen {H1589} out of the man's {H376} house {H1004}; if the thief {H1590} be found {H4672}, let him pay {H7999} double {H8147}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"If a person entrusts a neighbor with money or goods, and they are stolen from the trustee's house, then, if the thief is found, he must pay double.

Berean Standard Bible

If a man gives his neighbor money or goods for safekeeping and they are stolen from the neighbor’s house, the thief, if caught, must pay back double.

American Standard Version

If a man shall deliver unto his neighbor money or stuff to keep, and it be stolen out of the man’s house; if the thief be found, he shall pay double.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 22:7 establishes a legal principle within the Mosaic Law concerning the safekeeping of entrusted property. It addresses the scenario where a person delivers money or other valuable goods to a neighbor for safekeeping, and these items are subsequently stolen from the keeper's house. The statute mandates that if the thief is apprehended, they are required to pay double the value of the stolen items, thereby ensuring restitution for the victim and imposing a punitive deterrent against theft of entrusted goods. This law underscores the importance of trust, accountability, and the divine commitment to justice and the protection of private property within the Israelite community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 22:7 is situated within the "Book of the Covenant," which spans from [Exodus 20:22](/exodus/20-22 "Exodus 20:22 - Introduction to the Book of the Covenant") to [Exodus 23:33](/exodus/23-33 "Exodus 23:33 - Conclusion of the Book of the Covenant"). This collection of laws immediately follows the Ten Commandments, serving as practical elaborations and applications of those foundational moral principles for the nascent nation of Israel. While the Ten Commandments provide broad ethical guidelines, the Book of the Covenant delves into specific civil, social, and religious scenarios, outlining the legal framework for daily life. Chapter 22, in particular, focuses heavily on laws concerning property rights, theft, damage, and various forms of restitution, demonstrating God's meticulous concern for justice and order in human interactions. This verse, therefore, fits squarely within a section addressing the responsibilities and liabilities associated with property ownership and stewardship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, a society without formal banking institutions or sophisticated security systems, entrusting valuables to a neighbor for safekeeping was a common and necessary practice. This act of "delivery" (often a deposit) was built on a foundation of mutual trust and community solidarity. Such arrangements were vital for economic activity and personal security, especially when individuals traveled or needed a secure place for their assets. The law in [Exodus 22:7](/exodus/22-7 "Exodus 22:7 - Law on Entrusted Property") reflects a society where personal integrity and neighborly responsibility were paramount. The legal provision for stolen entrusted goods highlights the fragility of such arrangements and the need for clear legal recourse when trust was violated, even indirectly through external theft. The penalty of double restitution was not merely compensatory but also served as a strong deterrent, reinforcing the sanctity of property and the importance of upholding agreements within the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _nathan'_):** This verb, meaning "to give," "to place," or "to put," signifies the intentional act of entrusting something valuable into another's care. It implies a voluntary transfer of possession, not ownership, and establishes a relationship of trust between the owner and the keeper. The legal framework then addresses the responsibilities arising from this act of trust.
* **Stuff (Hebrew, _keli'_):** This broad term encompasses a wide range of portable articles, vessels, instruments, or equipment. It is a comprehensive word for "goods" or "personal property," indicating that the law applies not just to money but to any valuable movable possession entrusted to another. This breadth ensures the law's applicability to various forms of wealth in an agrarian and mercantile society.
* **Double (Hebrew, _mishneh'_):** Meaning "a second," "double portion," or "duplicate," this term specifies the exact punitive and compensatory measure required from the apprehended thief. Paying "double" goes beyond mere replacement of the stolen item; it serves as a significant deterrent and provides additional compensation to the victim for the loss, inconvenience, and breach of security, underscoring the seriousness of theft, especially when it involves property held in trust.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If a man shall deliver unto his neighbour money or stuff to keep":** This clause sets the premise of the law, describing a voluntary act of entrusting valuables (money or any other goods) to a neighbor for safekeeping. It establishes the context of a bailment, where one person (the bailee/keeper) takes temporary possession of another's property (the bailor/owner) for a specific purpose.
* **"and it be stolen out of the man's house":** This specifies the unfortunate event that triggers the legal action: the entrusted items are stolen from the keeper's premises. This implies that the keeper, while responsible, is not necessarily at fault for the theft itself, but rather for the security of the entrusted goods within their care. The law then addresses the subsequent discovery of the thief.
* **"if the thief be found":** This is the crucial condition for the penalty to apply. The law is contingent upon the apprehension and identification of the actual perpetrator of the theft. Without the thief being found, other laws regarding the keeper's liability might apply (e.g., [Exodus 22:10-13](/exodus/22-10 "Exodus 22:10-13 - Laws concerning entrusted animals")).
* **"let him pay double":** This is the prescribed penalty for the apprehended thief. The requirement to pay double the value of the stolen money or goods serves multiple purposes: it fully compensates the victim for their loss, punishes the thief beyond mere restitution, and acts as a strong deterrent against such crimes, particularly those involving a breach of trust.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 22:7 is **Casuistic Law**. This is a common form of legal formulation in ancient Near Eastern law codes, characterized by "if... then..." statements. It presents a specific case or scenario ("If a man shall deliver... and it be stolen... if the thief be found") and then prescribes a specific legal consequence or ruling ("then let him pay double"). This structure makes the law clear, applicable to defined situations, and relatively easy to interpret and enforce. Additionally, the law employs **Emphasis on Restitution and Deterrence**, where the prescribed penalty of "double" serves not only to compensate the victim but also to significantly deter future offenses, highlighting the divine commitment to justice and the protection of property rights within the community. The severity of the penalty for theft of entrusted goods underscores the high value placed on trust and integrity in Israelite society.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 22:7 profoundly illustrates God's character as a God of order, justice, and righteousness, who establishes a legal framework to govern human interactions and protect the vulnerable. The law reveals His concern for the sanctity of private property, the importance of integrity in dealings between neighbors, and the necessity of accountability for one's actions. By mandating double restitution, God not only ensures the victim is made whole but also impresses upon the community the severe consequences of theft and the value of upholding trust. This divine concern for justice extends beyond mere compensation, aiming to restore societal balance and deter future wrongdoing, reflecting a foundational principle that sin (theft being a manifestation of it) demands a penalty and a turning towards righteousness.

* [Leviticus 6:4-5](/leviticus/6-4 "Leviticus 6:4-5 - Restitution for Sin and Trespass")
* [Proverbs 6:30-31](/proverbs/6-30 "Proverbs 6:30-31 - Consequences of Theft")
* [Exodus 22:1](/exodus/22-1 "Exodus 22:1 - Restitution for Stolen Livestock")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 22:7, though part of an ancient legal code, offers timeless principles for personal and communal living. It reminds us that God is deeply invested in how we manage our possessions and interact with one another, particularly concerning matters of trust and stewardship. In a world where financial fraud, identity theft, and breaches of trust are rampant, this verse calls us to a higher standard of integrity. It challenges us to be trustworthy stewards of what others entrust to us, whether it's material possessions, sensitive information, or even their reputation. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of seeking justice when wronged and ensuring that those who cause harm are held accountable, not just for the sake of punishment, but for the restoration of order and the deterrence of future transgressions. We are called to cultivate communities where honesty, accountability, and the protection of one another's well-being are paramount, reflecting God's own character of justice and righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I act as a "keeper" of others' "money or stuff" in my life, and how faithfully do I uphold that trust?**
* **How does the principle of "paying double" inform my understanding of restitution and accountability for wrongdoing, both personally and societally?**
* **What steps can I take to foster greater trust and integrity in my relationships and community, reflecting the values inherent in God's law?**

### FAQ
**Why is the penalty "double" in Exodus 22:7, and how does it compare to other restitution laws in the Old Testament?**

Answer: The "double" penalty in [Exodus 22:7](/exodus/22-7 "Exodus 22:7 - Law on Entrusted Property") is specifically for the theft of money or goods that were *entrusted* to a neighbor for safekeeping. This particular context of a "bailment" (a trust relationship where one person holds another's property) is crucial. The double payment serves both as full restitution for the victim's loss and as a punitive deterrent for the thief, emphasizing the severity of violating such a trust. It also compensates for the inconvenience and potential distress caused by the theft of items that were supposed to be secure.

This "double" penalty differs from other restitution laws found in the Mosaic Code, which vary based on the nature of the theft and the type of property involved:
* **Fourfold or Fivefold Restitution:** For instance, [Exodus 22:1](/exodus/22-1 "Exodus 22:1 - Restitution for Stolen Livestock") mandates a fourfold restitution for a stolen sheep and a fivefold restitution for a stolen ox. This higher penalty likely reflects the greater economic value of these animals in an agrarian society, and perhaps the additional effort or audacity involved in stealing livestock directly rather than from a house where items were merely kept.
* **Principal plus One-Fifth:** [Leviticus 6:4-5](/leviticus/6-4 "Leviticus 6:4-5 - Restitution for Sin and Trespass") outlines that if someone cheats, robs, or finds lost property and lies about it, they must restore the principal amount plus an additional one-fifth (20%). This applies to situations involving deceit or unconfessed sin, emphasizing full restoration and an added penalty for the spiritual offense.
* **"Sevenfold" in Wisdom Literature:** [Proverbs 6:31](/proverbs/6-31 "Proverbs 6:31 - Consequences of Theft") mentions a thief restoring "sevenfold." However, this is from wisdom literature, not a legal code, and is generally understood as a hyperbolic expression emphasizing the severe consequences and full extent of repayment or suffering a thief might face if caught, rather than a literal legal mandate.

The varying restitution amounts highlight God's nuanced approach to justice, tailoring penalties to the specific circumstances, the nature of the offense, and the impact on the victim and the community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 22:7, with its emphasis on trust, responsibility, and restitution for stolen goods, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Humanity, in its fallen state, has fundamentally breached the trust God placed in us as stewards of His creation, effectively "stealing" from Him through disobedience and sin. The law, including this statute, reveals the depth of our transgression and the debt we owe, a debt we could never "pay double" or even single-handedly restore. Yet, in Christ, we see the perfect fulfillment of this legal principle. Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became our substitute, taking upon Himself the penalty for our cosmic theft and breach of trust. He paid the ultimate "double" – not merely restoring what was lost, but offering abundant life and reconciliation, far exceeding what was due. His sacrifice on the cross was the perfect restitution, satisfying the demands of divine justice and restoring what was broken between God and humanity ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Substitute")). Furthermore, Christ is the ultimate "keeper" of our souls and salvation, into whose hands we can confidently "deliver" our very lives, knowing that He will never lose what is entrusted to Him ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28 "John 10:28-29 - Jesus' Sheep Are Secure")). Through Him, we are not only forgiven our debt but are empowered by His Spirit to live lives of integrity, trustworthiness, and just stewardship, reflecting the very character of God who established such righteous laws.

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.