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Exodus 22:4

Exodus 22:4 in Multiple Translations

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

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

If he still has what he had taken, whatever it is, ox or ass or sheep, he is to give twice its value.

If what was stolen is a live animal he still has, whether it's an ox, donkey, or sheep, he must pay back double.

If the theft bee founde with him, aliue, (whether it be oxe, asse, or sheepe) he shall restore the double.

if the theft is certainly found in his hand alive, whether ox, or ass, or sheep — double he repayeth.

If the stolen property is found in his hand alive, whether it is ox, donkey, or sheep, he shall pay double.

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

If that which he stole be found with him, alive, either ox, or ass, or sheep: he shall restore double.

If the thief still has the animal when he is caught, whether it is a bull or a donkey or a sheep, and it is still alive, the thief must give back the stolen animal as well as giving two additional animals for each one that he stole.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 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.

Exodus 22:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּ֤י יַבְעֶר אִישׁ֙ שָׂדֶ֣ה אוֹ כֶ֔רֶם וְ/שִׁלַּח֙ אֶת בעיר/ה בְּעִיר֔/וֹ וּ/בִעֵ֖ר בִּ/שְׂדֵ֣ה אַחֵ֑ר מֵיטַ֥ב שָׂדֵ֛/הוּ וּ/מֵיטַ֥ב כַּרְמ֖/וֹ יְשַׁלֵּֽם
כִּ֤י kîy H3588 for Conj
יַבְעֶר bâʻar H1197 to burn V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
אִישׁ֙ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
שָׂדֶ֣ה sâdeh H7704 field N-ms
אוֹ ʼôw H176 or Conj
כֶ֔רֶם kerem H3754 vineyard N-cs
וְ/שִׁלַּח֙ shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Piel-Perf-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
בעיר/ה bᵉʻîyr H1165 cattle N-ms | Suff
בְּעִיר֔/וֹ bᵉʻîyr H1165 cattle N-ms | Suff
וּ/בִעֵ֖ר bâʻar H1197 to burn Conj | V-Piel-3ms
בִּ/שְׂדֵ֣ה sâdeh H7704 field Prep | N-ms
אַחֵ֑ר ʼachêr H312 another Adj
מֵיטַ֥ב mêyṭâb H4315 best N-ms
שָׂדֵ֛/הוּ sâdeh H7704 field N-ms | Suff
וּ/מֵיטַ֥ב mêyṭâb H4315 best Conj | N-ms
כַּרְמ֖/וֹ kerem H3754 vineyard N-cs | Suff
יְשַׁלֵּֽם shâlam H7999 to complete V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 22:4

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יַבְעֶר bâʻar H1197 "to burn" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To be brutish means to be stupid or barbarous, and can also refer to consuming something by fire or eating. It is used to describe someone who is dull-hearted or unreceptive.
Definition: : burn/ignite 1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning 1a2) to burn, be burning 1a3) to burn, consume 1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to kindle, burn 1b2) to consume, remove (of guilt) (fig.) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to kindle 1c2) to burn up 1c3) to consume (destroy) 1d) (Pual) to burn
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to) eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set (on fire), waste. See also: Exodus 3:2; Psalms 39:4; Psalms 2:12.
אִישׁ֙ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
שָׂדֶ֣ה sâdeh H7704 "field" N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
אוֹ 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.
כֶ֔רֶם kerem H3754 "vineyard" N-cs
A vineyard, or kerem, was a garden or plot of land used for growing vines and other crops. In the Bible, vineyards were often used as a symbol of prosperity and abundance, as seen in the book of Isaiah and the parables of Jesus.
Definition: vineyard
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: vines, (increase of the) vineyard(-s), vintage. See also H1021 (בֵּית הַכֶּרֶם). See also: Genesis 9:20; Nehemiah 5:11; Psalms 107:37.
וְ/שִׁלַּח֙ shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
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.
בעיר/ה bᵉʻîyr H1165 "cattle" N-ms | Suff
This word refers to cattle or beasts, often used in the Bible to describe livestock or animals. It is used in various contexts, including sacrifices and everyday life.
Definition: beasts, cattle
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: beast, cattle. See also: Genesis 45:17; Numbers 20:8; Psalms 78:48.
בְּעִיר֔/וֹ bᵉʻîyr H1165 "cattle" N-ms | Suff
This word refers to cattle or beasts, often used in the Bible to describe livestock or animals. It is used in various contexts, including sacrifices and everyday life.
Definition: beasts, cattle
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: beast, cattle. See also: Genesis 45:17; Numbers 20:8; Psalms 78:48.
וּ/בִעֵ֖ר bâʻar H1197 "to burn" Conj | V-Piel-3ms
To be brutish means to be stupid or barbarous, and can also refer to consuming something by fire or eating. It is used to describe someone who is dull-hearted or unreceptive.
Definition: : burn/ignite 1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning 1a2) to burn, be burning 1a3) to burn, consume 1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to kindle, burn 1b2) to consume, remove (of guilt) (fig.) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to kindle 1c2) to burn up 1c3) to consume (destroy) 1d) (Pual) to burn
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to) eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set (on fire), waste. See also: Exodus 3:2; Psalms 39:4; Psalms 2:12.
בִּ/שְׂדֵ֣ה sâdeh H7704 "field" Prep | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
אַחֵ֑ר ʼachêr H312 "another" Adj
Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.
Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different
Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.
מֵיטַ֥ב mêyṭâb H4315 "best" N-ms
The Hebrew word for best refers to the most excellent or superior part of something. It is used to describe something of high quality or value. The word is used to compare and highlight the best option.
Definition: 1) the best 1a) as superlative
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: best. See also: Genesis 47:6; Exodus 22:4; 1 Samuel 15:15.
שָׂדֵ֛/הוּ sâdeh H7704 "field" N-ms | Suff
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
וּ/מֵיטַ֥ב mêyṭâb H4315 "best" Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for best refers to the most excellent or superior part of something. It is used to describe something of high quality or value. The word is used to compare and highlight the best option.
Definition: 1) the best 1a) as superlative
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: best. See also: Genesis 47:6; Exodus 22:4; 1 Samuel 15:15.
כַּרְמ֖/וֹ kerem H3754 "vineyard" N-cs | Suff
A vineyard, or kerem, was a garden or plot of land used for growing vines and other crops. In the Bible, vineyards were often used as a symbol of prosperity and abundance, as seen in the book of Isaiah and the parables of Jesus.
Definition: vineyard
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: vines, (increase of the) vineyard(-s), vintage. See also H1021 (בֵּית הַכֶּרֶם). See also: Genesis 9:20; Nehemiah 5:11; Psalms 107:37.
יְשַׁלֵּֽם 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.

Study Notes — Exodus 22:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 22:7 If a man gives his neighbor money or goods for safekeeping and they are stolen from the neighbor’s house, the thief, if caught, must pay back double.
2 Exodus 22:1 “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.
3 Exodus 22:9 In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any lost item that someone claims, ‘This is mine,’ both parties shall bring their cases before the judges. The one whom the judges find guilty must pay back double to his neighbor.
4 Exodus 21:16 Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession.
5 Revelation 18:6 Give back to her as she has done to others; pay her back double for what she has done; mix her a double portion in her own cup.
6 Jeremiah 16:18 And I will first repay them double their iniquity and their sin, because they have defiled My land with the carcasses of their detestable idols, and they have filled My inheritance with their abominations.”
7 Proverbs 6:31 Yet if caught, he must pay sevenfold; he must give up all the wealth of his house.
8 Isaiah 40:2 “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her forced labor has been completed; her iniquity has been pardoned. For she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins.”

Exodus 22:4 Summary

Exodus 22:4 teaches us that if someone steals an animal, like an ox, donkey, or sheep, and it is found alive in their possession, they must pay back double to the owner. This is a way of making things right and showing that God values honesty and fairness, as seen in (Leviticus 6:5). It's like if you borrowed a toy from a friend and broke it, you would want to make it right by replacing it or fixing it, and maybe even doing something extra to show you're sorry. This principle can help us think about how we treat others and their property, and how we can make things right when we've done something wrong, just like (Proverbs 10:9) reminds us to be honest and fair in all we do.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of paying back double for stolen livestock in Exodus 22:4?

The purpose of paying back double is to provide restitution to the owner and to serve as a deterrent to potential thieves, as seen in Exodus 22:4 and supported by the principle of restitution in Leviticus 6:5.

Does Exodus 22:4 apply to all types of stolen property?

While Exodus 22:4 specifically mentions ox, donkey, or sheep, the principle of restitution applies to all types of stolen property, as seen in Exodus 22:3, where a thief must make full restitution for his theft.

How does Exodus 22:4 relate to God's character?

Exodus 22:4 reflects God's character as a God of justice and righteousness, who values honesty and fairness, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4, where God is described as a God of justice and righteousness.

What is the significance of the livestock being found alive in the thief's possession?

The significance of the livestock being found alive is that it indicates the thief had the opportunity to return the stolen property, but chose not to, making him liable for double restitution, as a warning against dishonesty, as seen in Proverbs 10:9.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can I apply the principle of restitution in my own life, making amends for past wrongs?
  2. What are some ways I can demonstrate God's character of justice and righteousness in my daily interactions?
  3. In what ways can I prioritize honesty and fairness in my relationships and dealings with others?
  4. How can I use Exodus 22:4 as a reminder to be mindful of my actions and their consequences?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 22:4

If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive,.... Or, "in finding be found" (i), be plainly and evidently found upon him, before witnesses, as the Targum of Jonathan; so that there is no doubt

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 22:4

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 22:4

Alive; not killed, nor sold, as . Double; not more, 1. Because in that case it was presumed, either that he intended to restore it, or at least that he was but raw and unexercised in the trade of stealing, and so should be more gently punished. 2. Because the right owner recovered his goods with less charge and trouble. Or, 3. Because it was but a single crime, whereas the other, , was an aggravated and complicated crime, where one sin and injury was added to another. Object. It is said, he shall restore sevenfold, . Answ. 1. Sevenfold is put for abundantly, as that word is oft used, as 79:12; and a learned man observes, it is never used for that definite number. Answ. 2. This sevenfold, or seven times, may relate not to the proportion of his restitution, but to the number of his thefts, or rather of his detections; and the sense is this, Though he be found guilty of theft seven times, all his punishment is, that he shall restore as the law prescribes. Whereas adultery, of which he there speaks in the following verses, is a crime of that nature, that if a man be once found guilty of it, restitution cannot be made, nor will it serve his turn, but he falls into all the mischiefs there reckoned up.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 22:4

Exodus 22:4 If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.Ver. 4. He shall restore double.] In Solomon’ s time it was sevenfold.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 22:4

(4) If the theft be certainly found in his hand.—If he had not converted it, consumed it, or, if it were an animal, killed it, then, instead of the four-fold or five-fold restitution of Exo 22:1, a restoration of double was to suffice.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 22:4

Verse 4. He shall restore double.] In no case of theft was the life of the offender taken away; the utmost that the law says on this point is, that, if when found breaking into a house, he should be smitten so as to die, no blood should be shed for him; Exodus 22:2. If he had stolen and sold the property, then he was to restore four or fivefold, Exodus 22:1; but if the animal was found alive in his possession, he was to restore double.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 22:4

4. If the stolen animal be not killed, or sold (v. 1), but still alive his possession, he only repays double, i.e. the stolen animal itself, and a second as a fine. The same principle of double restitution recurs vv. 7, 9; it was adopted also ‘in the laws of Manu (viii. 329), at least in the case of things of small value; by Solon, for theft; in Athenian law, in cases of damage (βλάβη) done intentionally (Dem. adv. Mid. § 43, p. 528: in unintentional βλάβη simple restitution was prescribed); by Plato, Legg. ix., p. 857 a, for theft; in both the XII. Tables (Gell. XI. 18. 15) and the later Roman law, for theft, when the thief was not caught in the act’ (Kn.); and by Hạ ?mmurabi in various cases of fraudulent claim (§§ 101, 120, 124, 160, 161); cf. DB. v. 596b.

Sermons on Exodus 22:4

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 22:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses a news story about a man who shot a thief breaking into his home and was sued by the thief. The speaker argues that the man should have been j
Zac Poonen What Christ Did for Me (Zac’s Testimony) by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the disconnect between the captivating nature of worldly entertainment and the perceived lack of interest in church and sermons. The speaker
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Exodus 21-22 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith discusses Exodus chapters 21 and 22, emphasizing the importance of God's judgments and laws as guidelines for judges in Israel. He explains that these laws were not mea
Alistair Begg Guidelines to Freedom Part 7 - I Was Only Borrowing It by Alistair Begg In this sermon, the preacher discusses the Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal." He explains that stealing is wrong and explores different ways in which people can steal. The
Don Courville On Eagles' Wings Pt 19 by Don Courville In this sermon, the preacher shares two powerful stories of individuals who were convicted of their sins and chose to make restitution. The first story is about a construction work
John Gill 1 Peter 4:15 by John Gill John Gill emphasizes that Christians should not suffer for wrongdoing, such as murder, theft, or being a busybody in others' affairs. He explains that the consequences of such acti
Willie Mullan (Revelation) the Doom of the Commercial Babylon by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the speaker begins by praising the Lord and emphasizing His strength and power. The speaker then mentions singing a song of praise to Jesus and expresses gratitude

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