Exodus 22:2
Exodus 22:2 in Multiple Translations
If a thief is caught breaking in and is beaten to death, no one shall be guilty of bloodshed.
¶ If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.
If the thief be found breaking in, and be smitten so that he dieth, there shall be no bloodguiltiness for him.
If a thief is taken in the act of forcing his way into a house, and his death is caused by a blow, the owner of the house is not responsible for his blood.
If a thief is discovered breaking into someone's house and is beaten to death, no one shall be guilty of murder.
If a thiefe bee founde breaking vp, and be smitten that he dye, no blood shall be shed for him.
'If in the breaking through, the thief is found, and he hath been smitten, and hath died, there is no blood for him;
If the thief is found breaking in, and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt of bloodshed for him.
If a thief shall be found breaking through, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.
If a thief be found breaking open a house or undermining it, and be wounded so as to die: he that slew him shall not be guilty of blood.
If a thief is caught while he is breaking into someone else’s house at night, if the one who catches him kills the thief, he is not guilty of murdering him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 22:2
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.
Exodus 22:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
זָרְחָ֥ה
הַ/שֶּׁ֛מֶשׁ
עָלָ֖י/ו
דָּמִ֣ים
ל֑/וֹ
שַׁלֵּ֣ם
יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם
אִם
אֵ֣ין
ל֔/וֹ
וְ/נִמְכַּ֖ר
בִּ/גְנֵבָתֽ/וֹ
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
זָרְחָ֥ה
zârach
H2224
to rise
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
הַ/שֶּׁ֛מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
sun
Art | N-cs
עָלָ֖י/ו
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
דָּמִ֣ים
dâm
H1818
blood
N-mp
ל֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
שַׁלֵּ֣ם
shâlam
H7999
to complete
V-Piel-Ptc
יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם
shâlam
H7999
to complete
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
ל֔/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וְ/נִמְכַּ֖ר
mâkar
H4376
to sell
Conj | V-Niphal-3ms
בִּ/גְנֵבָתֽ/וֹ
gᵉnêbâh
H1591
theft
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 22:2
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
זָרְחָ֥ה
zârach
H2224
"to rise"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to rise or shine, like the sun coming up. It's used in the Bible to describe the sun rising or a symptom appearing. In the KJV, it's translated as 'arise' or 'rise up'.
Definition: 1) to rise, come forth, break out, arise, rise up, shine 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rise 1a2) to come out, appear
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: arise, rise (up), as soon as it is up. See also: Genesis 32:32; Psalms 104:22; Psalms 112:4.
הַ/שֶּׁ֛מֶשׁ
shemesh
H8121
"sun"
Art | N-cs
The sun, or shemesh, represents not just the celestial body, but also east or west direction, and even objects that shine like battlements. It is often used to describe the rising or setting of the sun.
Definition: 1) sun 1a) sun 1b) sunrise, sun-rising, east, sun-setting, west (of direction) 1c) sun (as object of illicit worship) 1d) openly, publicly (in other phrases) 1e) pinnacles, battlements, shields (as glittering or shining)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] east side(-ward), sun (rising), [phrase] west(-ward), window. See also H1053 (בֵּית שֶׁמֶשׁ). See also: Genesis 15:12; Psalms 104:19; Psalms 19:5.
עָלָ֖י/ו
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
דָּמִ֣ים
dâm
H1818
"blood"
N-mp
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
ל֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
שַׁלֵּ֣ם
shâlam
H7999
"to complete"
V-Piel-Ptc
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
יְשַׁלֵּ֔ם
shâlam
H7999
"to complete"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
ל֔/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/נִמְכַּ֖ר
mâkar
H4376
"to sell"
Conj | V-Niphal-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to sell something or someone, like a merchant selling goods or a father selling his daughter into marriage. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. The word can also mean to surrender or give something up.
Definition: 1) to sell 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sell 1a2) seller (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sold 1b2) to sell oneself 1b3) to be given over to death 1c) (Hithpael) to sell oneself
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, sell (away, -er, self). See also: Genesis 25:31; Deuteronomy 32:30; Psalms 44:13.
בִּ/גְנֵבָתֽ/וֹ
gᵉnêbâh
H1591
"theft"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Theft refers to the act of taking something that doesnt belong to you, like in the story of the prodigal son. This word is used to describe the act of stealing. It appears in the Bible as a sin.
Definition: thing stolen, theft
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: theft. See also: Exodus 22:2; Exodus 22:3.
Study Notes — Exodus 22:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 22:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 22:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 22:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 22:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 22:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 22:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 22:2
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 22:2
- Barnes' Notes on Exodus 22:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 22:2
- Sermons on Exodus 22:2
Context — Property Laws
1“If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters or sells it, he must repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep.
2If a thief is caught breaking in and is beaten to death, no one shall be guilty of bloodshed.
3But if it happens after sunrise, there is guilt for his bloodshed. A thief must make full restitution; if he has nothing, he himself shall be sold for his theft. 4If what was stolen is actually found alive in his possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—he must pay back double.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 24:43 | But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. |
| 2 | Matthew 6:19–20 | Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. |
| 3 | Numbers 35:27 | and the avenger of blood finds him outside of his city of refuge and kills him, then the avenger will not be guilty of bloodshed |
| 4 | Job 24:14 | When daylight is gone, the murderer rises to kill the poor and needy; in the night he is like a thief. |
| 5 | Job 30:5 | They were banished from among men, shouted down like thieves, |
| 6 | Joel 2:9 | They storm the city; they run along the wall; they climb into houses, entering through windows like thieves. |
| 7 | 1 Thessalonians 5:2 | For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. |
| 8 | Hosea 7:1 | When I heal Israel, the iniquity of Ephraim will be exposed, as well as the crimes of Samaria. For they practice deceit and thieves break in; bandits raid in the streets. |
Exodus 22:2 Summary
Exodus 22:2 is talking about what happens if someone breaks into a house at night and gets hurt or killed. The verse says that if this happens, the person who defended their home won't be guilty of murder. This is because the homeowner was trying to protect themselves and their family, as we see in other parts of the Bible like Exodus 20:13 and Numbers 35:24-25. It's essential to remember that this verse is not promoting violence, but rather providing a guideline for a specific situation, and we should always strive to respect human life and avoid harming others, as taught in Matthew 5:38-42.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'beaten to death' in Exodus 22:2?
This phrase refers to the accidental killing of a thief during a nighttime break-in, as seen in Exodus 22:2, and is not a command to kill, but rather a provision to protect the homeowner from being guilty of bloodshed, as supported by Numbers 35:24-25.
Is this verse promoting vigilantism or taking the law into one's own hands?
No, this verse is actually providing a guideline for the community to follow in the event of a nighttime break-in, emphasizing the importance of protecting human life, as also taught in Genesis 9:6 and Exodus 20:13.
How does this verse relate to the concept of self-defense?
Exodus 22:2 can be seen as an ancient example of self-defense, where the homeowner is protecting their property and family, but it is essential to note that this is a specific provision for a specific situation and should not be taken out of context or applied broadly, as seen in the distinction made in Exodus 22:3.
What is the significance of the distinction between daytime and nighttime break-ins in Exodus 22:2-3?
The distinction highlights the importance of intention and circumstance in determining guilt, with nighttime break-ins being considered more severe due to the increased potential for harm, as also reflected in the varying punishments for theft in Exodus 22:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of protecting human life, as seen in Exodus 22:2, to my everyday interactions and relationships?
- How can I balance the need for self-defense and protection of my loved ones with the importance of respecting human life and avoiding violence, as taught in Exodus 20:13 and Matthew 5:38-42?
- In what ways can I seek to understand and apply the biblical principles of justice, mercy, and compassion in my own life, as reflected in Exodus 22:2 and other scriptures such as Micah 6:8?
- What are some potential consequences of taking the law into one's own hands, and how can I avoid this pitfall in my own life, as warned against in Romans 12:19 and Hebrews 10:30?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 22:2
If a thief be found breaking up,.... An house, in order to steal money, jewels, household goods, c.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 22:2
If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 22:2
Ver. 2: Breaking up, to wit, an house, which the Chaldee here adds, and by night, as appears from the next verse. For him, i.e. for the thief, though he be killed by a man in his own defence. Because in that case the thief might be presumed to have a worse design, and the owner of the house could neither expect or have the help of others to secure him from the intended violence, nor guide his blows with that discretion and moderation which in the day-time he might use.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 22:2
Exodus 22:2 If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, [there shall] no blood [be shed] for him.Ver. 2. If a thief be found.] So, if an adulteress be taken, - as she was in John 8:4, - επαυτοφωρω, in the very act.
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 22:2
(2) If a thief be found breaking up.—Rather, breaking in: i.e., making forcible entry into a dwelling-house. Most codes agree with the Mosaic in allowing the inmates of the house to resist such an attempt if made at night, and to shed the blood of the burglar, if necessary. He may be considered as having dissolved the “social compact,” and converted himself from a fellow-citizen into a public enemy. A murderous intent on his part may be suspected.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 22:2
Verse 2. If a thief be found] If a thief was found breaking into a house in the night season, he might be killed; but not if the sun had risen, for then he might be known and taken, and the restitution made which is mentioned in the succeeding verse. So by the law of England it is a burglary to break and enter a house by night; and "anciently the day was accounted to begin only from sunrising, and to end immediately upon sunset: but it is now generally agreed that if there be daylight enough begun or left, either by the light of the sun or twilight, whereby the countenance of a person may reasonably be discerned, it is no burglary; but that this does not extend to moonlight, for then many midnight burglaries would go unpunished. And besides, the malignity of the offence does not so properly arise, as Mr. Justice Blackstone observes, from its being done in the dark, as at the dead of night when all the creation except beasts of prey are at rest; when sleep has disarmed the owner, and rendered his castle defenceless." - East's Pleas of the Crown, vol. ii., p. 509.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 22:2
1–4. Theft of ox or sheep; and burglary.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 22:2
If a thief, in breaking into a dwelling in the night, was slain, the person who slew him did not incur the guilt of blood; but if the same occurred in daylight, the slayer was guilty in accordance with Exodus 21:12.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 22:2
2. No blood… for him — The thief who breaks into a house in the nighttime is commonly none too good to commit the foulest deeds.
Sermons on Exodus 22:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
You Also Must Be Ready - Part 1 by Derek Prince | This sermon by Derek Prince Ministries delves into the themes of light and darkness, the two harvests of salvation and judgment, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the increase |
|
Ascension Power by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from sin. He reminds the audience that seeing the wounds of Jesus should make it difficult for |
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(Revelation) the Church at Sardis by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering the glorious gospel that we have received and holding fast to it. He warns that there are many dedicated churc |
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Faithfulness by Joshua Daniel | In this sermon, Joshua Daniel focuses on the importance of being ready for the coming of the Son of Man. He emphasizes the need for faithfulness and watchfulness in serving God and |
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Lukewarm No More - Part 4 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of repentance in the Christian life. He quotes scripture that urges believers to hold fast and repent, warning that without re |
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Prepare for Suddenly by Brian Long | In this sermon on Mark chapter 13, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being ready for the sudden return of Jesus Christ. He highlights the fact that no one knows the exact d |
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Behaviors That Bind Us by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching children that their sense of security comes from a relationship with God, rather than material possessions. The sp |