Exodus 22
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1“If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it, or sells it; he shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. 2If the thief is found breaking in, and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt of bloodshed for him. 3If the sun has risen on him, guilt of bloodshed shall be for him; he shall make restitution. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. 4If the stolen property is found in his hand alive, whether it is ox, donkey, or sheep, he shall pay double. 5“If a man causes a field or vineyard to be eaten, and lets his animal loose, and it grazes in another man’s field, he shall make restitution from the best of his own field, and from the best of his own vineyard. 6“If fire breaks out, and catches in thorns so that the shocks of grain, or the standing grain, or the field are consumed; he who kindled the fire shall surely make restitution. 7“If a man delivers to his neighbor money or stuff to keep, and it is stolen out of the man’s house; if the thief is found, he shall pay double. 8If the thief isn’t found, then the master of the house shall come near to God, to find out if he hasn’t put his hand to his neighbor’s goods. 9For every matter of trespass, whether it is for ox, for donkey, for sheep, for clothing, or for any kind of lost thing, about which one says, ‘This is mine,’ the cause of both parties shall come before God. He whom God condemns shall pay double to his neighbor. 10“If a man delivers to his neighbor a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any animal to keep, and it dies or is injured, or driven away, no man seeing it; 11the oath of Yahweh shall be between them both, whether he hasn’t put his hand to his neighbor’s goods; and its owner shall accept it, and he shall not make restitution. 12But if it is stolen from him, he shall make restitution to its owner. 13If it is torn in pieces, let him bring it for evidence. He shall not make good that which was torn. 14“If a man borrows anything of his neighbor’s, and it is injured, or dies, its owner not being with it, he shall surely make restitution. 15If its owner is with it, he shall not make it good. If it is a leased thing, it came for its lease. 16“If a man entices a virgin who isn’t pledged to be married, and lies with her, he shall surely pay a dowry for her to be his wife. 17If her father utterly refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins. 18“You shall not allow a sorceress to live. 19“Whoever has sex with an animal shall surely be put to death. 20“He who sacrifices to any god, except to Yahweh only, shall be utterly destroyed. 21“You shall not wrong an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt. 22“You shall not take advantage of any widow or fatherless child. 23If you take advantage of them at all, and they cry at all to me, I will surely hear their cry; 24and my wrath will grow hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless. 25“If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be to him as a creditor. You shall not charge him interest. 26If you take your neighbor’s garment as collateral, you shall restore it to him before the sun goes down, 27for that is his only covering, it is his garment for his skin. What would he sleep in? It will happen, when he cries to me, that I will hear, for I am gracious. 28“You shall not blaspheme God, nor curse a ruler of your people. 29“You shall not delay to offer from your harvest and from the outflow of your presses. “You shall give the firstborn of your sons to me. 30You shall do likewise with your cattle and with your sheep. Seven days it shall be with its mother, then on the eighth day you shall give it to me. 31“You shall be holy men to me, therefore you shall not eat any meat that is torn by animals in the field. You shall cast it to the dogs.
World English Bible (public domain)
“If a man causes a field or vineyard to be grazed over, or lets his beast loose and it feeds in another man's field, he shall make restitution from the best in his own field and in his own vineyard.”
Exodus 22:5
Summary
Exodus chapter 22 outlines a series of laws that address social justice and personal responsibility within the Israelite community. The chapter begins with regulations concerning theft, restitution for stolen property, and the treatment of livestock, emphasizing the importance of accountability and fairness. It then transitions to various other offenses, including laws about personal injury, property damage, and the obligations of a master towards his servants. These laws reflect God's concern for the marginalized and vulnerable in society, establishing a framework to ensure that justice prevails and relationships are restored.
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Chapter outline
How Exodus 22 unfolds
Exodus 22:1–4 Laws Regarding Theft and Restitution
This section details penalties for theft, specifying restitution amounts for stolen livestock. It emphasizes the need for accountability in the community.
Exodus 22:5–6 Damage Caused by Livestock
This part addresses liability when an animal damages another’s property, requiring restitution from the best of one's own resources.
Exodus 22:7–9 Security and Accountability
Here, the text outlines responsibilities when borrowing or entrusting property, reinforcing the importance of integrity and honesty.
Exodus 22:10–15 Loans and Borrowing Regulations
This section describes obligations for borrowed property, focusing on restitution and the conditions under which a borrower is liable.
Exodus 22:16–20 Laws on Seduction and Idolatry
These verses address seduction of virgins and the seriousness of idolatry, establishing strict penalties for these actions.
Exodus 22:21–24 Protection of the Vulnerable
This section emphasizes the need to care for aliens, widows, and orphans, warning against oppression and exploitation.
Exodus 22:25–31 Social Responsibility and Worship Laws
The final verses detail fair lending practices and requirements for offerings, highlighting the call for holiness and proper worship.
Key verses
Exodus 22:5Exodus 22:5 encapsulates the chapter's focus on accountability and the principle of restitution within community relationships.
Main themes in Exodus 22
Justice and Restitution
This theme surfaces in verses 1-9, where laws concerning restitution for theft and damage are established. The chapter develops this theme by detailing the specific consequences tied to various offenses, which reinforces the necessity of fairness in community dealings. This emphasis shows that restoring what is taken or damaged is vital for maintaining justice and ensuring that relationships within the community can function harmoniously.
Social Responsibility
This theme is evident in verses 21-24, emphasizing the care and protection required for vulnerable individuals. The text develops this idea by outlining severe consequences for those who exploit the weak or fail to support them, thus calling for a community that actively cares for its members. This underscores that social responsibility is not merely optional but essential for cultivating a just and equitable society.
Protection of the Vulnerable
Verses 21-24 illustrate God's command to protect aliens, widows, and orphans, emphasizing their need for care in a just society. The chapter complicates this theme by warning against various forms of oppression, highlighting the serious repercussions that come from failing to uphold justice for these groups. This focus reveals God's deep concern for those who are often marginalized and neglected, calling for active protection and advocacy on their behalf.
God's Moral Law
This theme is woven throughout the chapter, particularly in verses 18-20 and 29-31, where moral imperatives are established. The chapter develops this by portraying laws not merely as rules but as reflections of God's character and expectations. It underscores that adherence to these laws is essential for holiness and community integrity.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Exodus 22
- Leviticus 19This passage connects by emphasizing justice and ethical treatment of others in societal interactions.
- Leviticus 20This chapter develops the idea of moral laws, particularly concerning idolatry and sexual ethics.
- Exodus 21This passage echoes themes of justice and restitution, establishing a legal framework for the community.
- Acts 23This chapter connects by highlighting the importance of justice and accountability within the community.
- Deuteronomy 24This passage develops social justice themes, especially concerning loans and treatment of the poor.
- Ezekiel 18This chapter echoes the emphasis on personal responsibility and the need for justice in behavior.
Study questions
Questions for studying Exodus 22
- What restitution is required for stealing an ox or sheep?
- How does the text define the responsibility of a borrower?
- What penalties are outlined for seduction of a virgin?
- In what ways does the chapter instruct on protecting the vulnerable?
- How might the laws in this chapter apply to modern social justice?
- What does the command to not oppress the alien reveal about God's character?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on restitution reflect communal values?
Exodus 22: frequently asked questions
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