Deuteronomy 22:1
Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother.
Original Language Analysis
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִרְאֶה֩
Thou shalt not see
H7200
תִרְאֶה֩
Thou shalt not see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 14
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לְאָחִֽיךָ׃
thy brother's
H251
לְאָחִֽיךָ׃
thy brother's
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
5 of 14
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
א֤וֹ
H176
א֤וֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
6 of 14
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נִדָּחִ֔ים
go astray
H5080
נִדָּחִ֔ים
go astray
Strong's:
H5080
Word #:
9 of 14
to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)
וְהִתְעַלַּמְתָּ֖
and hide
H5956
וְהִתְעַלַּמְתָּ֖
and hide
Strong's:
H5956
Word #:
10 of 14
to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)
תְּשִׁיבֵ֖ם
bring them again
H7725
תְּשִׁיבֵ֖ם
bring them again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
12 of 14
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
Cross References
Isaiah 58:7Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?Proverbs 24:11If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;Ezekiel 34:16I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.
Historical Context
In agricultural society, straying livestock represented significant economic loss. Animals could be injured, stolen by others, or lost permanently. Returning them preserved the neighbor's livelihood and demonstrated covenant faithfulness.
This contrasts with pagan societies where finding lost property often meant keeping it as providence or fortune.
Questions for Reflection
- What does prohibition against hiding yourself teach about active responsibility for neighbors?
- How does willful blindness to others' needs violate covenant love?
- Why must love of neighbor involve positive action beyond mere non-interference?
- How does this law illustrate Jesus' teaching to love neighbor as yourself?
- What modern applications exist for actively restoring others' losses?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Thou shalt not see thy brother's ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother. This law requires active responsibility for neighbors' property. Indifference to others' loss violates covenant community obligations - believers must actively help preserve what belongs to their brothers.
The phrase hide thyself from them condemns willful blindness to neighbors' need. Pretending not to notice straying livestock to avoid inconvenience is prohibited. Covenant love requires engagement, not studied indifference to others' problems.
The command in any case bring them again mandates positive action beyond merely not stealing. Believers must actively restore what is lost, even at personal cost and inconvenience. Love of neighbor requires sacrifice, not mere non-interference.
Jesus later teaches that the second great commandment - love thy neighbor as thyself - summarizes such laws. We should care for neighbors' possessions as we would want them to care for ours.