Deuteronomy 22:3

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Deuteronomy 22:3 extends a crucial command regarding the return of lost property, emphasizing a comprehensive application of neighborly responsibility and a strong moral imperative against indifference.

Context

This verse builds directly upon the preceding commands in Deuteronomy 22:1-2, which specifically instruct an Israelite to return a lost ox or sheep to its owner. Verse 3 expands this principle to include an "ass" (donkey), "raiment" (clothing), and broadly, "all lost thing" belonging to a "brother" (a fellow Israelite). This legal provision is part of the extensive Mosaic Law, designed not only to govern societal order but also to cultivate a community characterized by justice, integrity, and active care for one another's well-being.

Key Themes

  • Neighborly Responsibility: The law commands active participation in the welfare of one's community. It's not enough to simply refrain from harming; one must actively seek to restore what is lost to a neighbor. This reflects the broader biblical principle of loving your neighbor as yourself.
  • Honesty and Integrity: Finding lost items could present a temptation to keep them. This statute directly addresses that temptation, instilling a strong moral expectation of honesty and warning against misappropriation of another's property.
  • Compassion and Care: The concern extends to various forms of property, recognizing the potential hardship a loss could cause. The law demonstrates a compassionate understanding of the value of even seemingly small possessions to an individual.
  • Proactive Engagement ("Thou mayest not hide thyself"): This concluding phrase is perhaps the most forceful aspect of the verse. It prohibits indifference, evasion, or looking away from a neighbor's loss. It is a direct command to engage actively and responsibly when encountering such a situation, underscoring a communal accountability.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "all lost thing" (Hebrew: kol 'avedat achika) highlights the comprehensive nature of the command, applying to any item of value that a brother might lose. The concluding command, "thou mayest not hide thyself" (Hebrew: lo' titchabbeh), literally means "you shall not hide yourself." This strong prohibition against apathy or avoidance emphasizes the moral obligation to act. It's not merely a suggestion but a direct imperative to actively intervene and assist when a fellow community member experiences a loss.

Related Scriptures

  • The immediate context for this verse is found in Deuteronomy 22:1, which introduces the concept of returning lost livestock.
  • A similar legal principle regarding the return of lost property is also articulated in Exodus 23:4.
  • The underlying ethical principle of active care and concern for others in the community resonates deeply with later biblical teachings, including Jesus' emphasis on loving one's neighbor as a foundational commandment.

Practical Application

Though ancient, the principles in Deuteronomy 22:3 remain highly relevant for contemporary life. This verse calls believers to a high standard of integrity and community responsibility:

  • It encourages honesty and diligence when finding lost items, regardless of their perceived value.
  • It challenges us to be proactive in helping others, not turning a blind eye to their needs or losses. This extends beyond material possessions to active compassion in various aspects of life.
  • The imperative "thou mayest not hide thyself" serves as a powerful reminder to be engaged and compassionate members of our communities, recognizing our interconnectedness and our shared responsibility to look out for one another.
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Cross-References

No cross-references found.