Deuteronomy 22:4
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.
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)
אָחִ֜יךָ
thy brother's
H251
אָחִ֜יךָ
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
נֹֽפְלִ֣ים
fall down
H5307
נֹֽפְלִ֣ים
fall down
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
8 of 14
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ
by the way
H1870
בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ
by the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
9 of 14
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וְהִתְעַלַּמְתָּ֖
and hide
H5956
וְהִתְעַלַּמְתָּ֖
and hide
Strong's:
H5956
Word #:
10 of 14
to veil from sight, i.e., conceal (literally or figuratively)
תָּקִ֖ים
help him to lift them up again
H6965
תָּקִ֖ים
help him to lift them up again
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
12 of 14
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
Cross References
Romans 15:1We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.Matthew 5:44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;2 Corinthians 12:15And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.1 Thessalonians 5:14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
Historical Context
Fallen animals carrying loads were common on ancient roads. Without assistance, animals could die from exhaustion or injury, and valuable cargo could be lost or damaged.
This law required cooperation between people who might otherwise be indifferent or even hostile, promoting community cohesion.
Questions for Reflection
- What does required assistance to struggling neighbors teach about covenant love?
- How does prohibition against hiding yourself address human tendency to avoid inconvenience?
- Why is helping those under burdens commanded rather than merely encouraged?
- How does Paul apply this principle spiritually to bearing believers' burdens?
- What does physical burden-bearing teach about spiritual responsibility to help struggling brothers?
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 ass or his ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt surely help him to lift them up again. Beyond returning lost property, this law requires helping neighbors in immediate distress. Seeing animals fallen under burdens demands active assistance, not indifference.
The repetition hide thyself again condemns willful blindness. God knows the human tendency to avoid inconvenient situations by pretending not to notice them. Covenant love requires engagement, not studied indifference.
The emphatic surely help him makes assistance mandatory, not optional. This is commanded neighborly love, not encouraged charity. Believers must actively aid those struggling under burdens, even at personal inconvenience.
Paul applies this principle spiritually - Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). Physical burden-bearing illustrates spiritual responsibility to help struggling believers.