Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Exodus 22:4

Next

If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.

If the theft {H1591} be certainly {H4672} found {H4672} in his hand {H3027} alive {H2416}, whether it be ox {H7794}, or ass {H2543}, or sheep {H7716}; he shall restore {H7999} double {H8147}.

If what he stole is found alive in his possession, he is to pay double, no matter whether it is an ox, a donkey or a sheep.

If what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—he must pay back double.

If the theft be found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep, he shall pay double.

Commentary

Exodus 22:4 is part of the "Book of the Covenant," a collection of laws given by God to Moses for the Israelites shortly after their liberation from Egypt. This particular verse addresses specific regulations concerning theft, especially of valuable livestock, which was a cornerstone of wealth in ancient Israelite society.

Context and Cultural Significance

In an agrarian society, livestock like oxen, donkeys, and sheep represented significant capital and livelihood. Their theft was not merely a minor offense but a direct attack on a family's economic stability. The laws in Exodus 22 distinguish between different scenarios of theft. Unlike Exodus 22:1, which mandates a four-fold or five-fold restitution if the stolen animal is slaughtered or sold, verse 4 addresses the situation where the stolen animal is "certainly found in his hand alive." This implies the thief was caught before significant loss or disposal, perhaps even in the act or with the animal still in their immediate possession. This distinction reflects a nuanced approach to justice, where the penalty is adjusted based on the extent of the harm and the opportunity for immediate recovery.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Restitution and Justice: The primary theme is the restoration of what was stolen, emphasizing justice for the victim. The law aims to make the wronged party whole, rather than simply punishing the offender through imprisonment or corporal punishment.
  • Deterrence: The requirement to "restore double" served as a significant deterrent. It ensured that theft was not profitable and that the offender would suffer a loss greater than just returning the stolen item, thus discouraging such acts.
  • Value of Property: The specific mention of oxen, asses, and sheep underscores the high value placed on these animals in the Israelite economy. Protecting property rights was crucial for societal order and individual well-being.
  • Nuance in Law: The difference in penalties between this verse and Exodus 22:1 highlights the careful consideration given to the circumstances of the crime. When the animal is found alive, the loss to the owner is less severe, and thus the penalty is also less severe than if the animal had been consumed or sold.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "restore" is shalem (שָׁלַם), which carries the meaning of making whole, complete, or repaying. This root is famously connected to shalom (peace), suggesting that true peace or societal well-being involves the restoration of what is right and just. The term "double" (מִשְׁנֶה - mishneh) simply means twofold, indicating the exact amount of restitution required.

Practical Application and Reflection

While modern legal systems differ, the underlying principles of Exodus 22:4 remain relevant. This verse teaches us about the importance of:

  • Honesty and Integrity: The law upholds the value of honest living and respect for others' property.
  • Making Amends: It underscores the biblical principle of restitution, where those who cause harm or loss should actively seek to make things right. This principle is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as when Zacchaeus pledged to restore fourfold what he had defrauded.
  • God's Concern for Justice: The meticulous nature of these laws demonstrates God's concern for fairness and order in society, ensuring that the vulnerable are protected and that wrongs are righted. Even today, believers are called to pursue justice and righteousness (Micah 6:8).

This ancient law provides a timeless lesson on accountability, the value of property, and the pursuit of restorative justice within a community governed by divine principles.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 22:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.

  • Exodus 22:7 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Exodus 22:9 (4 votes)

    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.

  • Revelation 18:6 (3 votes)

    Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

  • Exodus 21:16 (3 votes)

    And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.

  • Proverbs 6:31 (2 votes)

    But [if] he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.

  • Jeremiah 16:18 (2 votes)

    And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.