ScriptureDepth's study of Exodus 22
“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.”
Exodus 22:5
Yahweh instructs Moses about restitution for damages caused by animals, establishing accountability for landowners who allow their livestock to graze in another's field.
What Exodus 22 is about
A man who steals an ox or sheep must pay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep (vv. 1-4). If a thief is caught breaking in and is killed, there is no guilt for the owner. If the sun has risen, the thief must make restitution or be sold for his theft. If a man lets his animal graze in another's field, he must pay from his best field (vv. 5-6). If fire damages crops, the one who started the fire must pay for the loss. A man who borrows items and they die while not in the owner's sight must make restitution (vv. 10-15). If a man seduces an unpledged virgin, he must pay her father a dowry (vv. 16-20). The people must not oppress the alien, widow, or fatherless (vv. 21-24). They shall also lend without interest and give the firstborn to Yahweh (vv. 25-31).
The reader is left with commands to act justly and to honor God through their actions.
Exodus 22 at a glance
- Exodus 22:1–4Laws Regarding Theft and Restitution
- Exodus 22:5–6Damage Caused by Livestock
- Exodus 22:7–9Security and Accountability
- Exodus 22:10–15Loans and Borrowing Regulations
- Exodus 22:16–20Laws on Seduction and Idolatry
- Exodus 22:21–24Protection of the Vulnerable
- Exodus 22:25–31Social Responsibility and Worship Laws
Key verse: Exodus 22:5
One thing to notice
Regulations regarding borrowing and loans articulate expectations for both parties involved. The chapter specifies that if a man borrows something and it is injured or dies, he must 'surely make restitution,' as outlined in verses 10 through 15.
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Exodus 22 (WEB)
Laws Regarding Theft and Restitution Exodus 22:1–4
1Verse 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. 2Verse 2. If the thief is found breaking in, and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt of bloodshed for him. 3Verse 3. If 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. 4Verse 4. If the stolen property is found in his hand alive, whether it is ox, donkey, or sheep, he shall pay double.
Damage Caused by Livestock Exodus 22:5–6
5Verse 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. 6Verse 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.
Security and Accountability Exodus 22:7–9
7Verse 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. 8Verse 8. If 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. 9Verse 9. For 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.
Loans and Borrowing Regulations Exodus 22:10–15
10Verse 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; 11Verse 11. the 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. 12Verse 12. But if it is stolen from him, he shall make restitution to its owner. 13Verse 13. If it is torn in pieces, let him bring it for evidence. He shall not make good that which was torn. 14Verse 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.
15Verse 15. If its owner is with it, he shall not make it good. If it is a leased thing, it came for its lease.
Laws on Seduction and Idolatry Exodus 22:16–20
16Verse 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. 17Verse 17. If her father utterly refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins. 18Verse 18. “You shall not allow a sorceress to live. 19Verse 19. “Whoever has sex with an animal shall surely be put to death. 20Verse 20. “He who sacrifices to any god, except to Yahweh only, shall be utterly destroyed.
Protection of the Vulnerable Exodus 22:21–24
21Verse 21. “You shall not wrong an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt. 22Verse 22. “You shall not take advantage of any widow or fatherless child. 23Verse 23. If you take advantage of them at all, and they cry at all to me, I will surely hear their cry; 24Verse 24. and my wrath will grow hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.
Social Responsibility and Worship Laws Exodus 22:25–31
25Verse 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. 26Verse 26. If you take your neighbor’s garment as collateral, you shall restore it to him before the sun goes down, 27Verse 27. for 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. 28Verse 28. “You shall not blaspheme God, nor curse a ruler of your people. 29Verse 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.
30Verse 30. You 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. 31Verse 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)
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Main themes in Exodus 22
Justice and Restitution
The text outlines specific penalties for theft, including restitution amounts based on the stolen item, as seen in 'five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep' (v. 1). It mandates accountability, stating that if a thief is found with stolen property, he shall pay double (v. 4). The laws present a structured approach to justice, ensuring that victims receive compensation while also imposing consequences on wrongdoers.
Social Responsibility
Exodus 22 calls for social responsibility in various forms, as seen in the prohibition against exploiting the poor (v. 25) and the command to restore a neighbor's garment before sundown (v. 26). The chapter also emphasizes the need for community accountability, as it directs the people not to oppress 'an alien or' a 'widow or fatherless child' (vv. 21-22). This framework fosters a sense of mutual care and support among the community.
Protection of the Vulnerable
The chapter makes clear provisions for the vulnerable, notably in the warnings against oppressing widows and orphans (vv. 22-24). It states that if these individuals cry out, 'I will surely hear their cry' (v. 23), underscoring God's concern for their plight. This theme extends to the prohibition of sorcery and harmful practices, ensuring that society protects those who may be easily exploited.
God's Moral Law
God's moral law is presented through various commands, such as the prohibition against idolatry (v. 20) and the requirement for holiness (v. 31). The text outlines ethical standards that govern relationships among individuals and their obligations to God, including the treatment of the poor and the proper handling of sacrifices (vv. 29-30). These laws establish a foundational moral framework for the community.
Chapter outline
How Exodus 22 unfolds
Exodus 22:1–4 Laws Regarding Theft and Restitution
A man who steals an ox or a sheep and sells or kills it must pay restitution of five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep (v. 1).
Exodus 22:5–6 Damage Caused by Livestock
If livestock causes damage by grazing or if fire spreads, the responsible party must compensate the owner from the best of their field or for the loss caused (vv. 5-6).
Exodus 22:7–9 Security and Accountability
When a man entrusts valuables to a neighbor, if stolen, the thief must pay double, but if the thief is not found, the owner must clear themselves before God (vv. 7-9).
Exodus 22:10–15 Loans and Borrowing Regulations
For borrowed items that are lost or damaged while the owner is absent, restitution is required; however, if the owner is present, the borrower is not liable (vv. 10-15).
Exodus 22:16–20 Laws on Seduction and Idolatry
A man who seduces an unpledged virgin must pay a dowry for her to be his wife, and those who commit idolatry face severe consequences (vv. 16-20).
Exodus 22:21–24 Protection of the Vulnerable
God commands protection for the vulnerable, including aliens, widows, and orphans, warning that mistreatment will provoke His wrath and lead to dire consequences (vv. 21-24).
Exodus 22:25–31 Social Responsibility and Worship Laws
The community is instructed not to exploit the poor through loans, to return collateral promptly, and to offer the firstborn of their livestock to God (vv. 25-31).
Key verses
Exodus 22:5Yahweh instructs Moses about restitution for damages caused by animals, establishing accountability for landowners who allow their livestock to graze in another's field.
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Study questions
Questions for studying Exodus 22
- observeIn v1, what must a man pay for stealing an ox or a sheep?
- observeIn v20, who is said to be 'utterly destroyed' for sacrificing to other gods?
- interpretThe phrase 'for every matter of trespass' in v9: how does this define the scope of the laws?
- interpretIn v18, why does the command against 'sorceress' carry such severity?
- applyWhen have you felt like someone was trying to 'take advantage' of you as in v22?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo Exodus 22
- Leviticus 19Exodus 22:18 and Leviticus 19:31Both forbid seeking out sorcerers. Exodus 22:18 says, “You shall not allow a sorceress to live,” while Leviticus 19:31 warns against mediums.
- Leviticus 20Exodus 22:18 and Leviticus 20:27Both call for the death penalty for sorcery. Exodus 22:18 states, “You shall not allow a sorceress to live,” while Leviticus 20:27 echoes this penalty.
- Exodus 21Exodus 22:28 and Exodus 21:17Both prescribe penalties for cursing parents. Exodus 22:28 states, “You shall not blaspheme God,” while Exodus 21:17 says, “Anyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death.
- Acts 23Exodus 22:28 and Acts 23:5Both address speaking against leaders. Exodus 22:28 says, “You shall not blaspheme God,” while Acts 23:5 recalls this command to not speak evil of rulers.
- Deuteronomy 24Exodus 22:22 and Deuteronomy 24:17Both protect the vulnerable. Exodus 22:22 warns, “You shall not take advantage of any widow,” while Deuteronomy 24:17 states justice should not be denied to the fatherless.
- Ezekiel 18Exodus 22:25 and Ezekiel 18:8Both address lending practices. Exodus 22:25 says, “You shall not charge him interest,” while Ezekiel 18:8 upholds true justice in dealings.
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