Deuteronomy 22:4
Deuteronomy 22:4 in Multiple Translations
If you see your brother’s donkey or ox fallen on the road, you must not ignore it; you must help him lift it up.
¶ Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again.
Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ass or his ox fallen down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again.
If you see your brother's ox or his ass falling down on the road, do not go by without giving him help in lifting it up again.
If you see someone's donkey or cow that has fallen down on the road, don't just ignore it. Help lift it up.
Thou shalt not see thy brothers asse nor his oxe fal downe by the way, and withdrawe thy selfe from them, but shalt lift them vp with him.
'Thou dost not see the ass of thy brother, or his ox, falling in the way, and hast hid thyself from them; thou dost certainly raise [them] up with him.
You shall not see your brother’s donkey or his ox fallen down by the way, and hide yourself from them. You shall surely help him to lift them up again.
Thou shalt not see thy brother's ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again.
If thou see thy brother’s ass or his ox to be fallen down in the way, thou shalt not slight it, but shalt lift it up with him.
“And if you see a fellow Israeli’s donkey or cow that has fallen down on the road, do not act as though you did not see it. Help the owner to lift the animal up so that it can stand on its feet again.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 22:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 22:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹא
תִרְאֶה֩
אֶת
חֲמ֨וֹר
אָחִ֜י/ךָ
א֤וֹ
שׁוֹר/וֹ֙
נֹפְלִ֣ים
בַּ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ
וְ/הִתְעַלַּמְתָּ֖
מֵ/הֶ֑ם
הָקֵ֥ם
תָּקִ֖ים
עִמּֽ/וֹ
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִרְאֶה֩
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
חֲמ֨וֹר
chămôwr
H2543
donkey
N-cs
אָחִ֜י/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
א֤וֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
שׁוֹר/וֹ֙
shôwr
H7794
cattle
N-ms | Suff
נֹפְלִ֣ים
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Qal
בַּ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cs
וְ/הִתְעַלַּמְתָּ֖
ʻâlam
H5956
to conceal
Conj | V-Hithpael-2ms
מֵ/הֶ֑ם
Prep | Suff
הָקֵ֥ם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Hiphil-Ptc
תָּקִ֖ים
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
עִמּֽ/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 22:4
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִרְאֶה֩
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
חֲמ֨וֹר
chămôwr
H2543
"donkey"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for a male donkey, it is translated as he ass in the KJV Bible. The name comes from the animal's reddish-brown color.
Definition: (he) ass
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: (he) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:4; Proverbs 26:3.
אָחִ֜י/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
א֤וֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
שׁוֹר/וֹ֙
shôwr
H7794
"cattle"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to cattle, like oxen or bulls, used for work, food, or sacrifices, as seen in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) ox, bull, a head of cattle 1a) for plowing, for food, as sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: tor (תּוֹר "bullock" H8450)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: bull(-ock), cow, ox, wall (by mistake for H7791 (שׁוּר)). See also: Genesis 32:6; Deuteronomy 15:19; Psalms 69:32.
נֹפְלִ֣ים
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
בַּ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
וְ/הִתְעַלַּמְתָּ֖
ʻâlam
H5956
"to conceal"
Conj | V-Hithpael-2ms
This Hebrew word means to hide or conceal something from view. It appears in various forms, including being hidden or keeping a secret. In the Bible, it is used to describe hiding oneself or something from others.
Definition: 1) to conceal, hide, be hidden, be concealed, be secret 1a) (Qal) secret (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be concealed 1b2) concealed, dissembler (participle) 1c) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1d) (Hithpael) to hide oneself
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any ways, blind, dissembler, hide (self), secret (thing). See also: Leviticus 4:13; Job 6:16; Psalms 10:1.
מֵ/הֶ֑ם
""
Prep | Suff
הָקֵ֥ם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Hiphil-Ptc
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
תָּקִ֖ים
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
עִמּֽ/וֹ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 22:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 22:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 22:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 22:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:4
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 22:4
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 22:4
Context — Various Laws
2If your brother does not live near you, or if you do not know who he is, you are to take the animal home to remain with you until your brother comes seeking it; then you can return it to him.
3And 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.
4If you see your brother’s donkey or ox fallen on the road, you must not ignore it; you must help him lift it up.
5A woman must not wear men’s clothing, and a man must not wear women’s clothing, for whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD your God. 6If you come across a bird’s nest with chicks or eggs, either in a tree or on the ground along the road, and the mother is sitting on the chicks or eggs, you must not take the mother along with the young.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galatians 6:1–2 | Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. |
| 2 | Hebrews 12:12–13 | Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. |
| 3 | Matthew 5:44 | But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, |
| 4 | 1 Thessalonians 5:14 | And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. |
| 5 | Romans 15:1 | We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves. |
| 6 | Luke 10:29–37 | But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus took up this question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down the same road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So too, when a Levite came to that spot and saw him, he passed by on the other side. But when a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, he looked at him and had compassion. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Take care of him,’ he said, ‘and on my return I will repay you for any additional expense.’ Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” “The one who showed him mercy,” replied the expert in the law. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” |
| 7 | Exodus 23:4–5 | If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him. If you see the donkey of one who hates you fallen under its load, do not leave it there; you must help him with it. |
| 8 | 2 Corinthians 12:15 | And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less? |
Deuteronomy 22:4 Summary
This verse is telling us to help someone in need, even if it's just a small act of kindness, like helping someone lift up their fallen animal. It's about being a good neighbor and showing love to those around us, just like Jesus taught in Matthew 22:39. By helping others, we are showing them the love of God, as seen in 1 John 4:7-8, and that's something we can all do in our daily lives, no matter who we are or where we come from.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'ignore' my brother's fallen animal?
To ignore someone's need is to turn a blind eye to their situation, as seen in Deuteronomy 22:4, which is not what God desires for us, as He wants us to love our neighbors as ourselves, according to Leviticus 19:18.
Is this verse only talking about animals?
While Deuteronomy 22:4 specifically mentions a donkey or ox, the principle applies to helping those in need, as seen in Galatians 6:2, where we are called to bear one another's burdens.
How does this relate to my daily life?
This verse reminds us to be attentive to the needs of those around us, whether it's a friend, family member, or stranger, and to be willing to lend a helping hand, just as Jesus taught in Matthew 22:39 to love our neighbors as ourselves.
What if I don't know the person whose animal has fallen?
Even if you don't know the person, you are still called to help, as seen in Deuteronomy 22:4, and this act of kindness can be a witness to the love of God, as stated in 1 John 4:7-8, where love is a fundamental characteristic of God's children.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of helping those in need in my daily life?
- How can I be more attentive to the needs of those around me, whether it's a friend, family member, or stranger?
- What are some times when I have been helped by someone else, and how did that make me feel?
- How can I use my resources and abilities to bear someone else's burden, as mentioned in Galatians 6:2?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 22:4
Thou shall not see thy brother's ox or his ass fall down by the way,.... And lie under his burden, not being able to rise with it of himself, nor with all the assistance about it, without further
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 22:4
And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it unto thine own house, and it shall be with thee until thy brother seek after it, and thou shalt restore it to him again.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:4
Help him, i.e. thy brother, the owner. Compare .
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:4
XXII. Deuteronomy 22:1-4. LOST .(1) Go astray.—Literally, being driven away, as by wild beasts (Jeremiah 1:17), or by robbers. It is not simply straying. “I will seek that which was lost and bring again that which was driven away” (Ezekiel 34:16), and so in many other passages. Thou shalt not . . . hide thyself from them.—Comp. Proverbs 24:12. “If thou sayest, Behold we knew it not . . . doth not He know it?” And Isaiah 58:7, “that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh.” (3) In like manner . . . with all lost thing of thy brother’s.—This is only a particular case of the second great commandment. “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (4) Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ass or his ox fall down . . . and hide thyself.—In Exodus 23:4-5, this is put even more strongly. “If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden . . . thou shalt surely help with him.”
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 22:4
4. Of Assisting to Lift Fallen Beasts. D’s more comprehensive and more simply expressed edition of E’s law, Exodus 23:5, which enjoins the duty of helping him that hateth thee to release (an archaic word) his animals when foundered beneath their burdens. On fallen, see Deuteronomy 21:1. An animal fallen under its load needs two persons to put it right: ‘an operation which can be performed for a loaded animal only by lifting up the burden on both sides at once, unless it be unloaded and loaded again, implying much loss of time, and even this often cannot be done without assistance. Jew and Christian, Muslim and Koord mutually assist each other, though inimical to one another’s faith’ (Van Lennep, Bible Lands, etc., 231).
Sermons on Deuteronomy 22:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Friend of Sinners - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a searchable heart before God, allowing the Holy Spirit to continually search and reveal any hidden sins or areas needing correction |
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A Friend of Sinners by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker warns about the rise of false teachers who will appear as attractive and charismatic individuals. These false teachers will preach a partial gospel, lea |
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Falling Away- Rescue and Restoration by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not separating our beliefs and convictions from our actions, especially when it comes to helping others in need. It challenges the listener |
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Genesis by Jim Cymbala | Jim Cymbala preaches on Genesis 38, focusing on the flawed character of Judah and the messy circumstances surrounding his family. He emphasizes that despite Judah's moral failures, |
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Empowered to Love and Restore by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not separating our actions from our beliefs and convictions, urging believers to actively engage in helping others in need, both physically |
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Called to Be Accountable by Andy Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accountability in the Christian life. He argues that God does not expect us to struggle alone and that we all face the same |
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(In the Word) 03 - Who Are the Children of God by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of ministering in a foreign country. Despite language barriers, the speaker led a prayer for rain, which hadn't fallen in f |